Cajun-Spiced Regional Shrimp and Grits

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Southern U.S. dish featuring creamy stone-ground grits topped with spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp sautéed with garlic and bell peppers. This southern us-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Southern US cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Stir 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the cooked grits until melted and smooth; keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened but still vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Toss 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  6. Step 6: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Spoon shrimp and peppers over the creamy grits and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cajun-Spiced Regional Shrimp and Grits take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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-Spiced Regional 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-Spiced Regional 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-Spiced Regional 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-Spiced Regional Shrimp and Grits?

Southern US seafood 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.

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