Spicy Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce
A soulful Southern classic with plump, spicy shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits, enlivened by a buttery Cajun-spiced sauce. This american southern-inspired seafood ready in about 40 minutes blends stone-ground grits, water, divided salt 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 450 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
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp (optional) hot sauce
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 cups water and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits and reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the grits. Cover and keep warm.
- Step 3: Toss 1 lb peeled shrimp with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and remaining 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add spiced shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and 1 tsp hot sauce if using.
- Step 6: Spoon creamy grits onto plates and top with the spicy Cajun shrimp and garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.
What goes well with Spicy Shrimp and Grits with Cajun Butter Sauce?
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.
