Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Grits Bowl

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

This American Southern-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, instant grits, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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: 15 min Serves 3 American Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup instant grits and 1 tsp salt. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until thickened.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  3. Step 3: While grits cook, toss 12 oz peeled and deveined medium shrimp with 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Serve shrimp over the creamy grits and squeeze 1 lemon wedge over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Shrimp and Grits Bowl?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Grits Bowl?

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 Shrimp and Grits Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Shrimp and Grits Bowl?

American Southern 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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