Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with sautéed shrimp, spicy Andouille sausage, and a tangy creole sauce. This southern-inspired vegan ready in about 70 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, peeled and deveined shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 lb sliced Andouille sausage
- 1 red and 1 yellow diced bell peppers
- 1/2 medium diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp creole seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally. Keep warm.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season with 1 tsp creole seasoning, and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, cook sliced Andouille sausage for 3-4 minutes until browned. Add diced peppers and onion, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and remaining 1 tsp creole seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated cheddar until melted. Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve immediately over grits.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun Shrimp and Grits take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cajun Shrimp and Grits for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cajun Shrimp and Grits?
Southern vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
