Gluten-Free Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce
Creamy stone-ground grits topped with tender shrimp sautéed in a spicy Cajun butter sauce, perfect for a comforting gluten-free meal. This southern-inspired gluten free (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes blends stone-ground grits, water, divided unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 3 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 1 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thickened and creamy.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the grits until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste and keep warm.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp and sprinkle 2 tsp Cajun seasoning over them. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Spoon the cheesy grits onto plates and top with the Cajun butter shrimp. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Gluten-Free Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Gluten-Free Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce?
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 Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce 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 Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce 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.
