Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Grits with Bell Peppers
Creamy cheese grits topped with bold Cajun-spiced shrimp and sautéed colorful bell peppers for a comforting Southern-inspired meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs peeled and deveined medium shrimp, Cajun seasoning, olive oil 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 lb, peeled and deveined medium shrimp
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, sliced into strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into strips red bell pepper
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup coarse ground cornmeal (grits)
- 1 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 stalks, chopped for garnish green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup coarse ground cornmeal and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp butter, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper into the grits, mixing until smooth and melted. Keep warm.
- Step 3: Toss 1 lb medium shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add sliced 1 yellow and 1 red bell pepper strips to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Step 6: Push peppers to the side and add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 7: Serve shrimp and bell peppers over a bed of cheesy grits, garnished with 2 chopped green onions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Grits with Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Shrimp and Grits with Bell Peppers?
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 cajun seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cajun-Spiced Shrimp and Grits with Bell Peppers?
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 with Bell Peppers 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 Shrimp and Grits with Bell Peppers?
American 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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