Gluten-Free Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bowl
A hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp atop creamy, cheesy gluten-free grits. This southern-inspired gluten free (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined 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 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 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gluten-Free Cajun 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 Gluten-Free Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bowl?
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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Cajun 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 Gluten-Free Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bowl 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.
Is Gluten-Free Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bowl gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
