Cajun Shrimp And Grits

Sautéed shrimp and veggies tossed with Cajun spices are the perfect topping for creamy whole-grain grits. Beware of the sodium in packaged Cajun seasoning blends, it’s often off the charts. Look for sodium-free blends online, or make your own (see note below).

under 25 mins
dinner

Ingredients for servings

    Cajun Shrimp and Grits

  • shrimp peeled and deveined

  • 0.75 teaspoon sea salt divided

  • 1 tablespoon salt-free Cajun seasoning

  • cup 2% milk

  • 1 large garlic clove peeled

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 cup yellow grits or polenta

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 0.5 onion thinly sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

  • Toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon of salt; set aside.

  • In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (475ml) water, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, milk, garlic and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat. Gradually whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the grits are creamy and no longer grainy, about 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf and garlic clove and add the butter. Stir, cover and set aside.

  • Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the peppers and onions and sauté until tender and beginning to brown, 2 1/2 minutes. Add the shrimp and sauté until curled and opaque white throughout, 3 minutes. Add the lemon juice and a few tablespoons of water to deglaze the bottom of the pan and simmer for 30 seconds. Serve bowls of grits with the shrimp over the top.

Notes

If salt-free Cajun seasoning is unavailable, combine 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Makes 2 1/2 tablespoons. Store remaining blend in an airtight container at room temperature.

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