Gluten-Free Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bowl

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-31 · Updated 2026-05-31

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp atop creamy, cheesy gluten-free grits. This Southern-inspired gluten-free recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs shrimp, gluten-free quick-cooking 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 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 4 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb, peeled and deveined shrimp
1 cup gluten-free quick-cooking grits
4 cups water
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 tbsp divided unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 stalks thinly sliced green onions
1 tbsp lemon juice
to taste salt
to taste black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup gluten-free quick-cooking grits and 1 tsp salt, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until thickened and creamy.
Step 2: Remove grits from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and smooth; cover and keep warm.
Step 3: While grits cook, 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 4: Toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, then add shrimp to skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, and season shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: To serve, spoon warm cheesy grits into bowls, top with Cajun shrimp, and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions.