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Comforting Shrimp and Grits Recipe Easy Cajun Gravy for Beginners

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A warm, comforting bowl of shrimp and creamy grits topped with a thick, flavorful Cajun gravy. This easy recipe balances bold spices with simple ingredients for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits (medium or coarse ground)
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter for sautéing
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce (optional, a few dashes)

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of stone-ground grits to avoid clumps.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter and 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  4. Pat dry 1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp. Toss shrimp with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a golden roux.
  8. Slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, breaking up any lumps.
  9. Add 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a few dashes of hot sauce if desired.
  10. Simmer the gravy, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until thickened to a rich, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  11. Return cooked shrimp to the gravy and gently stir to coat.
  12. Spoon creamy grits onto plates or bowls, then ladle shrimp and Cajun gravy over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

Start cooking the grits first as they take the longest. Stir frequently to prevent gluey texture. Dry shrimp before seasoning to get a good sear. If gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of broth or water. Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender. Use stone-ground grits for best texture. For gluten-free gravy, substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour, cornstarch, or almond flour. Dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes can be used to make the dish dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp and grits, Cajun gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, Southern recipe, creamy grits, spicy shrimp

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/comforting-shrimp-and-grits-recipe-easy-cajun-gravy-for-beginners/