• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe

Smells Like Delish

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • IP Calculator
  • SV Chart
  • Using Grow
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • IP Calculator
    • SV Chart
    • Using Grow
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Seafood

    Published: Mar 4, 2023 · Modified: Mar 11, 2023 by Kelly Bloom · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    Cajun Shrimp and Grits

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.

    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. If you're ready to kick up your kitchen game with this delicious comfort food dish, read on!

    Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Bursting with bold seasoning and flavors, this Cajun shrimp and grits recipe will become a family favorite in no time! Whether you’re looking for a fancy dinner party entrée or something special for meal times at home, this delicious twist on southern comfort food is sure to make everyone happy.

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tips for Success
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Food Safety
    • Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
    • Connect with Smells Like Delish!
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Our Cajun shrimp and grits recipe uses smoked Gouda cheese for it's complementary flavor, but you can use any cheese you prefer. I like large shrimp, but again, and shrimp is fine.

    Ingredients for making Cajun shrimp and grits.

    For the Smoked Gouda Grits

    • Bacon - Hickory, Applewood, you decide. Mince it up.
    • Black Pepper - Fresh ground.
    • Water - For boiling the grits.
    • Salt
    • Yellow Grits - Or white if you can't find Yellow.
    • Smoked Gouda cheese - Grated.
    • Butter
    • Eggs - Lightly beaten

    For the Blackened Cajun Shrimp

    • Olive oil
    • Onion - Diced.
    • Raw Unpeeled Shrimp - Medium Large size.
    • Blackened Shrimp seasoning - or use our Louisiana Cajun Seasoning.
    • Smoked Paprika
    • Green scallions - Sliced for garnish.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    What are Grits?

    You will need to purchase yellow grits for this Cajun shrimp and grits recipe. They will look very much like regular yellow cornmeal. So what is the difference between grits and cornmeal?

    Grits are made from ground corn, usually the starchy starchy varieties referred to as 'dent corn' (field corn). Grits are be made from either yellow or white corn that's have been soaked in lime and then dried and ground. Cornmeal is simply dried corn that has been ground.

    How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits

    You will prepare the Smoked Gouda Grits first. They will need to cool for 10 minutes after baking to set up. Prepare the blackened Cajun shrimp while the grits are cooling.

    1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Spray a 9x9" casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside for use later.
    Minced bacon frying crispy in an enameled skillet.
    1. Grease your baking dish. Fry the bacon to a crisp and set aside to garnish the Blackened Shrimp.
    Diced onions sauteing in a skillet.
    1. Next, saute the diced onions in a little bit of the bacon grease. Transfer to the bacon.

    For the Smoked Gouda Grits

    1. 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.
    Stainless steel pot with spatula stirring cornmeal.
    1. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cover and set heat to low and cook covered for 5 to 6 minutes.
    Thickened cornmeal in a stainless steel pot.
    1. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated smoked Gouda cheese and the butter.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Bake the Gouda Grits

    1. 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.
    baked grits in a casserole dish.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Prepare the Blackened Cajun Shrimp

    1. Heat the oil in a 12" skillet. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until soft.
    2. Add the shrimp, smoked paprika, and blackened Cajun seasoning spice. Stirring constantly, cook the shrimp until they turn from grey to pink.
    Raw shrimp in a skillet with blackened shrimp seasoning.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Remove The Shrimp From Heat

    1. Remove from heat when only a hint of grey remains. The shrimp will continue to cook, and this will prevent overcooking.
    Cooked seasoned shrimp in a hot skillet with steam rising.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Top Baked Gouda Grits with Blackened Shrimp

    1. Turn the blackened shrimp out on top of the cooling smoked Gouda grits. Garnish with the bacon bits, sauteed onion, and chopped green scallions. Serve immediately.
    Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Serving Suggestions

    What to serve with shrimp and grits? These Cajun shrimp and grits go splendidly with our Southern Braised Collard Greens, Cajun Fried Corn, and with a side of Honey Butter Biscuits for true taste of the South.

    Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Here are a few scrumptious variations using this recipe as a base:

    • Smoked Cheddar makes a nice alternative if Smoked Gouda is not available.
    • Our Easy Cheesy Cheddar Grits are a perfect breakfast or brunch variation.

    Equipment

    Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making these Cajun shrimp and grits.

    • Casserole or Baking Dish
    • Large Skillet
    • Lakeside Yellow Grits

    Storage

    Store any left over Cajun Shrimp and grits covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. They will reheat easily in the microwave.

    Tips for Success

    • Be careful to not overcook the shrimp.
    • You can bake the grits ahead of time and reheat them later.
    • Yellow grits look better in this dish than white grits.
    • This dish can also be made in individual serving dishes for a lovely presentation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do Cajun Shrimp and Grits freeze well?

    Yes, just wrap in the portions you want to freeze, and cover with cling wrap. Set out to defrost. Remove the shrimp to reheat separately, as the shrimp will not need as much time to reheat as the grits will.

    What to serve with shrimp and grits?

    What to serve with shrimp and grits? These Cajun shrimp and grits go splendidly with our Southern Braised Collard Greens, Cajun Fried Corn, and with a side of Honey Butter Biscuits for true taste of the South.

    Food Safety

    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love

    • serving dish with blackened mahi mahi and lemon wedges with tartar sauce in a bowl.
      Blackened Mahi Mahi
    • custom blended cajun seasoning blend.
      Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
    • serving dish full of sausage jambalaya ready to serve.
      Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven Jambalaya
    • Parsley sprinkled on top of Cajun fried corn.
      Cajun Fried Corn

    Connect with Smells Like Delish!

    Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Yummly
    • YouTube

    📖 Recipe

    Casserole dish of blackened shrimp on grits garnished with green onion.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 1 vote

    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. If you're ready to kick up your kitchen game with this delicious comfort food dish, read on!
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Additional10 mins
    Total Time55 mins
    Course: Main Dishes
    Cuisine: American Southern
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 602kcal
    Author: Kelly Bloom

    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
    US Customary - Metric

    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
    Keyword : cajun grits and shrimp, Cajun shrimp and grits, gouda grits, shrimp and gouda grits, What to serve with shrimp and grits

    Like this recipe? Be sure to share it, pin it, or add it to your collection!

    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • Twitter

    More Seafood Recipes

    • square of seafood lasagne.
      White Seafood Lasagna
    • bowl of cajun pasta with salmon.
      Cajun Salmon Alfredo
    • salmon bites on a plate with a dish of tartar sauce.
      Air Fryer Salmon Bites
    • teriyaki salmon steaks garnished with sesame seeds and thai basil leaves.
      Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Author photo for Kelly Bloom

    Hi, I'm Kelly! and I have a love affair with herbs & spices! Here at Smells Like Delish, I'm all about creating food that has three aspects: flavor, aroma, and texture - to create satisfying fare!

    More about me →

    Newest Recipes

    • jumbo gluten-free chocolate chip muffins on a cooling rack.
      Bakery Style Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Muffins
    • air fryer frozen french toast sticks.
      Air Fryer Frozen French Toast Sticks
    • cream cheese frosting with no butter.
      Cream Cheese Frosting Without Butter
    • replicated Longhorn Rice Pilaf in a serving bowl.
      Longhorn Rice Pilaf
    recipe newsletter

    Diet Friendly Recipes

    • platter of roasted asparagus garnished with cheese and lemon.
      Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
    • plate of cajun chicken and shrimp pasta.
      Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
    • baked branzino glazed with miso sauce on a serving platter with lemon wedges.
      Miso Baked Branzino
    • serving platter of tri color carrots garnished with herbs, olive oil, and lemon.
      Roasted Rainbow Carrots

    Asian Inspirations

    • beef & broccoli stir fry in a skillet.
      Panda Express Beef and Broccoli
    • powdered sugar dusted croffles on a serving platter.
      Croffles (Croissant Waffles)
    • platter of thai chicken cashew on rice.
      Thai Cashew Chicken
    • Pink steamed mantou buns shaped like rose buds.
      Steamed Mantou Buns

    Recommended

    • del frisco's butter cake with ice cream, caramel sauce, and whip cream.
      Del Frisco's Butter Cake
    • serving bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with butter & parsley.
      Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes
    • A corn muffin with the wrapper removed.
      Cracker Barrel Cornbread Recipe
    • small plate with cut pork lumpia and a small bowl of dipping sauce nearby
      Traditional Pork Lumpia
    • close up of serving bowl with black beans, tostones, cilantro.
      Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans
    • close up of white serving platter with three grilled pork chops and a green napkin on a white background
      Pan Grilled Steakhouse Pork Chops

    International Favorites

    • air fried samosa appetizers with dip.
      Air Fryer Frozen Samosa
    • Fried Sweet Plantains in a serving dish.
      Fried Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
    • Bowl of Chimichurri rice.
      Chimichurri Rice
    • ghana meat pies on a platter.
      Ghanaian Meat Pie

    Footer

    ↑ back to top
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Contact
    • About
    • Amazon Store
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
    • LinkedIn

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Smells Like Delish