Authentic Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe

When it comes to Southern cuisine, few dishes embody the rich and flavorful traditions of the region quite like Cajun shrimp and grits. Hailing from the bayous and backwaters of Louisiana, this dish is a celebration of bold spices, fresh seafood, and the comforting simplicity of stone-ground grits. In this blog post, we'll take you on a culinary journey through the heart of Cajun country, sharing a recipe that captures the authentic essence of Cajun shrimp and grits.

Ingredients:

For the Grits:

• 1 cup grits

• 5 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 stick of butter

• 1 cup shredded cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cajun Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 pack of bacon

• Cajun seasoning to taste

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 onion, finely diced

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Grits:

   • In a medium-sized saucepan, bring chicken stock to a boil.

   • Gradually whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and cover.

   • Stir occasionally to prevent lumps and cook until the grits are creamy and tender.

   • Add butter, heavy cream, and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside, keeping them warm.

2. Season and Cook the Shrimp:

   • Cook bacon in pan and set aside once done.

   • In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, parsley and garlic powder until evenly coated.

   • Add the seasoned shrimp into pan with bacon grease and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cajun Sauce:

   • Sauté garlic, bell pepper and onion until softened and aromatic. Set aside with bacon and cooked shrimp.

   • Add 1/2 stick of butter to your pan with all-purpose flour and mix well.

   • Add shrimp, bacon and vegetables back to the pot with the 2 cups of stock and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.

   • Simmer the sauce for up to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Spoon a generous portion of creamy grits onto each plate.

   • Top the grits with the Cajun shrimp and sauce.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

With its harmonious blend of spices, tender shrimp, and creamy grits, this authentic Cajun shrimp and grits recipe offers a taste of Louisiana's vibrant culinary heritage. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a cooking enthusiast looking to explore the flavors of the South, this dish promises to transport your taste buds to the bayous of Cajun country. So, don your apron, grab your ingredients, and get ready to savor a plateful of Southern comfort like never before. Laissez les bon temps rouler—let the good times roll!