Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (2024)

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By: Krista

  • 30
  • GF
  • KF

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Rating★★★★★ 5 from 3 votes

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits is an elevated southern classic! A simple dish that walks the line between fresh flavors and comforting richness – you’re gonna love it!

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (1)

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits

Bam… I woke up with a migraine and this time the nausea set in … never a good thing. The bad news is I had a 4:40am wakeup call to head out to Kansas City, so I had to put on my big girl pants. Suck it up and get out the door.

Good news is I am going to Kansas City for the Chopped Conference. I went to this conference last year and would say it was a game changer for me. I was blessed enough to talk to some amazing bloggers who have perfected the art of food blogging and was able to glean their wisdom as well as connect with them on a heart level! (my favorite)

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (2)

Last year I was so nervous. I didn’t really know the people who were attending and I felt like a “small fish” in a sea of big fish. I mean seriously, Ali from Gimme Some Oven was there and so were Lindsay or Bjork from Pinch of Yum!! What?!? It totally took me out of my comfort zone.

Which I guess is a good thing because that’s where the growth occurs. If we stay in our comfy little square than we will never want to leave the cocoon, we’ll be too cozy to get up. Last year one of the biggest things I learned was to walk with confidence and to take one step at a time. I’m taking that with me this year and building upon it!

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (3)

I cannot wait to learn new things AND to see my friends and give them a big hug. (like really give them a hug .. not the virtual hug I’ve been giving online) Hurray!

So before I head out for the weekend let me leave you with a tasty recipe, this Cajun Shrimp and Grits!

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (4)

Even though I live in the south, the whole grits thing kinda grossed me out. First off, it was bland as all get out, I mean people have you heard of salt!?! And the texture was just straight up mush. Gross! I was on mission to transform this bland dish to something outrageously delicious.

I think I’ve succeeded!

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (5)

These Cajun Shrimp are covered in a homemade spice blend then sautéd in a little bit of butter and topped with fresh thyme. Then they are placed on top of some creamy grits that are infused with Smoked Gouda Cheese and then finished off with a little bit of crispy bacon (because a little bacon never hurt anyone) and sweet roasted red pepper to even out the dish. This is the ultimate southern recipe that I know you’re family will adore! Plus it’s on your table in less than 30! Woot woot!

Bon Appetite my friends!

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (6)

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Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (7)

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: Seafood
Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits is an elevated southern classic! A simple dish that walks the line between fresh flavors and comforting richness – you’re gonna love it!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 strips of applewood smoked bacon, diced
  • 1/2 lb. jumbo shrimp, deveined and peeled
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • juice of half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon diced fresh thyme
  • 1/3 cup roasted red pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, diced
  • 1/2 cup quick cooking grits
  • 2 cups water
  • 3/4 cup grated smoked gouda cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt to season

Instructions

  1. Heat a medium skillet to medium high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-6 minutes. Remove and place bacon on a paper towel lined plated. Set aside.
  2. To make the cajun shrimp: add smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and chipotle chili powder to a medium bowl. Mix and add shrimp to the bowl with the spice mixture, toss to coat the shrimp in the mixture.
  3. Heat a medium skillet to medium high heat. Add butter to the skillet, once melted add seasoned shrimp. Make sure the shrimp is in a single layer in the skillet. Saute shrimp on one side for 2-3 minutes, flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice, fresh thyme, roasted red pepper, and bacon. Saute for 30 seconds, sitr and remove from heat.
  4. To make the Smoked Gouda Grits: add water to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and let cook for 5-7 minutes stirring throughout until the grits are thick. Add in the cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt to taste. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted.
  5. Evenly divide grits and shrimp mixture among 4 dishes. Serve.
  6. Serve.

Filed Under:

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Easy Healthy Dinners
  • Fish and Seafood
  • Gluten-Free
  • Healthy Breakfasts
  • Kid Friendly

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO SNAP A PIC AND HASHTAG IT #JOYFULHEALTHYEATS. I LOVE SEEING WHAT YOU MAKE!

Want More Seafood Recipes?

Dijon Maple Glazed Salmon

Garlic Herb Roasted Shrimp

Panko Crusted Tilapia with Tomato Basil Sauce

Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (11)

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Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits | Easy Shrimp Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What goes well in shrimp and grits? ›

What goes well in shrimp and grits? Cheese does! Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheese pair perfectly with the Cajun seasonings and melt lusciously into the grits. Green Onions.

What should the internal temperature of shrimp and grits be? ›

Add shrimp to veggies and tomato sauce, stir and cover with lid. Cook for 6-8 min. or until shrimp is pink and cooked through (internal temp. 145°F).

What makes grits taste better? ›

Grits are often cooked in either milk or water; we prefer a combination of the two for silky grits that aren't too heavy. For additional flavor, substitute water with chicken or vegetable stock. Grits require a 1:4 cup ratio of grain to liquid.

Are shrimp and grits healthy to eat? ›

Shrimp and grits on their own are good for you! Grits are a whole grain and shrimp are packed with protein. The only thing that makes it an unhealthy recipe is the addition of fats and oils like butter, full fat cheese, and heavy cream.

Are grits good for you? ›

They provide carbohydrates, fiber, and several important vitamins and minerals. Grits are also naturally gluten-free and low in fat and sodium. Grits can be eaten at any meal and they are especially nutritious when paired with vegetables, fruits, unsaturated fats, and lean protein sources.

Do you leave tails on shrimp for shrimp and grits? ›

If serving shrimp and grits to guests, I like to leave the tails on for a pretty presentation. If I am serving my family, I buy shrimp without the tails for easy eating; the choice is yours.

How much shrimp per person? ›

Buying Tips for Shrimp

The rule of thumb when you are buying shrimp is that you should get 1 pound of raw and unpeeled shrimp per person or, if you are buying it cooked and peeled, 1/2 -1/3 pound per person.

What should I put in my grits? ›

Toppings for Grits
  1. Sweet: Butter, cinnamon, raisins, syrup, brown sugar, peanut butter, jam, or berries.
  2. Savory: Cheese, fried eggs, bacon (cooked and chopped), caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, scallions, or herbs.
Jun 22, 2022

What pairs well with grits? ›

Grits — which are made from ground, dried corn and are similar to polenta — are incredibly versatile and make a great base for all sorts of sauces, meats, seafood, and poached eggs. They take beautifully to cheese, butter, and herbs if you want to get a little fancy, and are great with hot sauce.

What are the ingredients in legacy shrimp and grits? ›

Shrimp, Water, Cream, Hominy Grits (Corn, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin, Mononitrate Riboflavin Folic Acid), Onion, Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes (Powdered Cellulose To Prevent Caking)), Bacon, Nonfat Dry Milk, Butter (Cream, Natural Flavor), Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Enzymes ...

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