Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Cajun shrimp and grits is bursting with bold, spicy flavors and satisfying textures. This classic Southern classic features blackened shrimp, creamy stone-ground grits, smoky bacon, and aromatic spices.
Servings: 6
Calories: 602kcal
Equipment
- Lakeside Yellow Grits 28 oz (1 lb 12 oz) 794 g
- Casserole Dish, 9 x 9
- 9 inch Round Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
For the Gouda Grits
- ¼ lb bacon uncooked, chopped. Reserve bacon grease
- ½ medium onion chopped fine
- 1 cup yellow grits
- 4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups Gouda cheese shredded
- ½ cup butter
- 2 large eggs beaten
For the Cajun Blackened Shrimp
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ lbs shrimp medium large raw unpeeled
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon smoked Paprika
- 3 medium green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
For the Gouda Grits
- Preheat your oven to 350 F. Spray the casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Fry the bacon to a crisp and set aside on a paper towel covered plate for later. Next, saute the diced onions in a little bit of the bacon grease. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.¼ lb bacon, ½ medium onion
- Use a little of of bacon grease to toast the grits in a 2 quart saucepan. Get a nice light toasting, and then add the water, salt, and pepper.1 cup yellow grits, 4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cover and set heat to low and cook covered for 5 to 6 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated smoked Gouda cheese and the butter.1½ cups Gouda cheese, ½ cup butter
- Remove a cup of the hot grits to a small bowl. Blend in the beaten eggs. Return the tempered eggs and grits mixture back to the saucepan and mix well. Turn mixture out into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.2 large eggs
For the Cajun Blackened Shrimp
- Prepare the Blackened Shrimp while the Smoked Gouda Grits are cooling.
- Heat the oil in a 9" skillet. Add the raw shrimp, tails on. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning stirring the shrimp mixture in the hot skillet until the shrimp are pink with only a hint of any grey. About 3 to 5 minutes tops. (They will continue to cook after removing from heat, so this will prevent them from getting over cooked).2 tablespoon olive oil, 1½ lbs shrimp, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend, ½ teaspoon smoked Paprika
- Arrange the Blackened Shrimp on top of the Smoked Gouda Grits casserole, sprinkle with the crisp bacon, sauteed onions, and chopped green scallions. Serve immediately.3 medium green onions
Notes
- You can use white grits if you can't find yellow, but yellow have more flavor.
- This dish can also be made in individual serving dishes for a lovely presentation.
- Smoked Cheddar makes a nice alternative if Smoked Gouda is not available.
Nutrition
Calories: 602kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 365mg | Sodium: 1289mg | Potassium: 620mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1635IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 521mg | Iron: 3mg
