Smoky Cajun Shrimp and Grits! The perfect recipe to celebrate Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or…any ole’ day of the week, really! The Shrimp are lightly sautéed after being seasoned with a homemade cajun spice mix, while the grits cook up quickly on your stovetop, finished with a healthy sprinkle of cheddar cheese. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make, is healthy, and so delicious!

Never have I ever met a Cajun Shrimp I didn’t like.

But don’t let that comment lead to you to believe that this Smoky Cajun Shrimp and Grits is anything but FLAWLESS.

I mean DAYUUUUUM, you guys. This recipe is so so simple! Literally summed up in 4 easy steps:

1. Season shrimp w/ homemade smoky cajun spice blend.
2. Pour quick cooking grits in to garlicky boiling water.
3. Quickly sauté shrimp (they don’t need long – see the recipe!).
4. Remove grits from stovetop, throw in some grated cheddar.

Ok, I guess there are 5 steps.

5. Attempt to be a reasonable adult with manners and take more than 5 minutes to DEVOUR.

I love how quickly this recipe comes together. If you want to let the shrimp sit in the spice blend a little longer, more power to you! But I’m serious…this recipe could be on your table in less than 20 minutes!

Sure it’s quick, but it’s all a show stopper. I would undoubtedly serve this to company, no question!

Or just eat with my husband for a quiet night in.

Or solo, because I WANT ALL THIS GLORIOUSLY SPICY SHRIMP AND CHEESY GRITS TO MYSELF.

But hey, you do you. Just don’t judge me for wanting this insanely simple, unbelievably mouth watering, and healthy (ish!) recipe all to myself! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be a BELIEVER.

Happy Mardi Gras!

Print Recipe

Smoky Cajun Shrimp & Grits

Smoky Cajun Shrimp and Grits! The perfect recipe to celebrate Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or…any ole’ day of the week, really! The Shrimp are lightly sautéed after being seasoned with a homemade cajun spice mix, while the grits cook up quickly on your stovetop, finished with a healthy sprinkle of cheddar cheese. This recipe is fast, healthy, and so delicious!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Dish

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Smoky Cajun Shrimp:

• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 tsp oregano ,
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lb raw jumbo shrimp, tail on

For the cheddar grits:

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup quick cooking grits
• 1/2-1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• Salt and pepper
• green onions, to seve

Instructions

For the Smoky Cajun Shrimp:

• In a small dish, combine all spices. Stir to combine.
• Place shrimp in a dish or ziplock bag. Drizzle with some olive oil, and add smoky cajun spice. Toss thoroughly to combine, ensuring each shrimp is covered I seasoning. Allow to sit as you prep the grits.

For the cheddar grits:

• Add oil to a large saucepan set over medium heat. Add garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add 4 cups of water, allowing it to come to a boil.
• Add grits, stirring to combine. Return to a simmer, cover, and allow to cook for about 4-5 minutes. Watch closely - they'll absorb the liquid quickly!
• Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and salt and pepper, if you like, to taste.

• As the grits are cooking, set a large sauté pan with a drizzle of olive oil over medium shrimp. Cook shrimp in batches, being sure to not crowd the pan. The shrimp cook quickly - they only need about 1 minute per side! They're done when they just turn pink.
• To serve, spoon cheddar grits in to a bowl. Top with corn kernels and chopped green onions. Place 4-5 shrimp on top.