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Savory Cajun Butter Shrimp Skillet with Cheesy Grits

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A comforting Southern classic featuring spicy, buttery shrimp served over creamy, cheesy stone-ground grits. Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for grits)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or cream

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to prevent clumping. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until thick and creamy.
  3. When grits are almost done, stir in 2 tbsp butter, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup milk or cream. Stir until cheese melts and grits reach a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. While grits cook, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy. Spoon some of the buttery pan sauce over the shrimp as it cooks.
  6. Spoon cheesy grits onto plates or into shallow bowls. Top with the Cajun butter shrimp. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.
  7. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Cook grits low and slow to avoid lumps. Add butter to the pan just before shrimp to prevent burning. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp. If grits get too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth. Rest shrimp off heat for a minute to lock in juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, Cajun shrimp, buttery shrimp, cheesy grits, Southern comfort food, quick dinner, skillet recipe

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/savory-cajun-butter-shrimp-skillet-with-cheesy-grits-recipe/