Easy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Get ready to make one of the tastiest bowls of shrimp and grits you have ever tasted. November has arrived, and this easy, low-energy-use twist on a classic southern comfort food will keep you warm as the weather cools down. Now you can prepare classic Southern comfort food in barely 10 minutes and with limited energy usage. This recipe for Cajun seasoned garlic shrimp quickly sauteed in butter served over creamy, cheesy grits takes less than 10 minutes to make, and it’s so flavorful you’d never know the grits weren’t prepared from scratch. Instant grits are so easy to make, as they only take a minute or two in the microwave. With the milk, cheese, and seasoning combination, they will still hit the spot. While the recipe calls for 1/8 cup of mild cheddar cheese, I often use a couple of different cheeses to change the flavor. Try any of your favorite types of shredded cheese, as they will all work perfectly in this recipe – I recommend Monterrey jack and sharp cheddar. If you are looking to make this recipe even more energy efficient, microwave your grits in the same bowl you’ll use for serving. This takes away one more dish to wash, makes for an easier and faster prep time, and is a great option since the grits cook so fast! Let’s skip the lame jokes and just appreciate a plate of well-seasoned shrimp. Shrimp and seafood in general is always a great protein choice for low kilowatt usage recipes because the cooking times are quick. I usually look for size 21/25 shrimp for this recipe – “Size 21/25” means there are anywhere in between 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. Once you apply the creole seasoning, the shrimp will cook in about 6 to 7 minutes, with the delicious garlic rub caramelizing in butter. I add a little Worcestershire sauce and squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp at the end to balance the Creole seasoning and garlic flavors. Let’s get cooking!
Get ready to make one of the tastiest bowls of shrimp and grits you have ever tasted. November has arrived, and this easy, low-energy-use twist on a classic southern comfort food will keep you warm as the weather cools down. Now you can prepare classic Southern comfort food in barely 10 minutes and with limited energy usage. This recipe for Cajun seasoned garlic shrimp quickly sauteed in butter served over creamy, cheesy grits takes less than 10 minutes to make, and it’s so flavorful you’d never know the grits weren’t prepared from scratch. Instant grits are so easy to make, as they only take a minute or two in the microwave. With the milk, cheese, and seasoning combination, they will still hit the spot. While the recipe calls for 1/8 cup of mild cheddar cheese, I often use a couple of different cheeses to change the flavor. Try any of your favorite types of shredded cheese, as they will all work perfectly in this recipe – I recommend Monterrey jack and sharp cheddar. If you are looking to make this recipe even more energy efficient, microwave your grits in the same bowl you’ll use for serving. This takes away one more dish to wash, makes for an easier and faster prep time, and is a great option since the grits cook so fast! Let’s skip the lame jokes and just appreciate a plate of well-seasoned shrimp. Shrimp and seafood in general is always a great protein choice for low kilowatt usage recipes because the cooking times are quick. I usually look for size 21/25 shrimp for this recipe – “Size 21/25” means there are anywhere in between 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. Once you apply the creole seasoning, the shrimp will cook in about 6 to 7 minutes, with the delicious garlic rub caramelizing in butter. I add a little Worcestershire sauce and squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp at the end to balance the Creole seasoning and garlic flavors. Let’s get cooking!
- Carbohydrate 0.2712 g
- Cholesterol 971.8 mg
- Fat 366.6172 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 3.842 g
- Saturated Fat 232.18336 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (906g)
- Sodium 2603.52 mg
- Sugar 0.2712 g
- Trans Fat 25.66456 g
- Calories 3241 calories
Step-by-step
- Prep ingredients.
- Leave shells on shrimp for extra flavor. Add fresh shrimp to a mixing bowl and season with the creole Cajun seasoning, onion powder, dried parsley, and pressed garlic. Rub all together to coat all the shrimp.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter is melted, add seasoned shrimp to the hot pan. Do not move shrimp until time to flip.
- Cook shrimp on first side 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the shrimp over and cook on the second side 2 to 3 minutes until opaque and fully cooked.
- Finish by pouring 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and squeezing 1/2 lemon’s juice over shrimp. Turn off the oven and remove shrimp from the pan to prevent overcooking.
- Serve over cheesy grits (recipe below). Garnish with green onion slices.
- Empty two packets of original instant grits into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add creole Cajun seasoning to dry grits and mix together.
- Mix the milk and water with the dry, seasoned grits. Place the 1 ounce of cream cheese in the middle of the bowl.
- Microwave for 1 minute. Remove from microwave and mix cream cheese together with the grits around it. Add the 3 tablespoons of half and half and mix again.
- Top the grits with the shredded cheese at this point and microwave for 45 more seconds.
- Remove bowl from microwave, mix together, and taste to make sure grits are cooked through. Serve with shrimp from above recipe.
My Easy, Energy-Saving Cajun Shrimp and Grits
As a busy working mom, I’m always looking for quick and easy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. This Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe has become a family favorite, not only for its delicious taste but also for its surprisingly low energy consumption. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – this dish comes together in under 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend brunch.
The secret to this recipe’s speed and efficiency lies in using instant grits. I know, I know, some purists might scoff at the idea of using instant grits. But trust me, the creamy texture and cheesy flavor more than make up for any perceived lack of authenticity. The key is to season the grits generously before adding the liquid – this ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. And let’s be honest, who has time for hours of simmering grits on a busy weeknight? I often add a mix of different cheeses – Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar are my go-to choices – to add another layer of flavor complexity.
The shrimp cooks up incredibly fast, which further contributes to the dish's energy efficiency. I usually opt for size 21/25 shrimp, as they’re the perfect size for this recipe. A simple blend of Creole seasoning, garlic, onion powder, and parsley gives the shrimp a fantastic Cajun kick. The butter-garlic combination creates a rich, flavorful sauce, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors perfectly. This low-energy approach doesn't sacrifice flavor or ease in preparation, creating a dish that's perfect for busy schedules and conscious energy use.
I love the versatility of this recipe. It’s easily customizable to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the shrimp for extra nutrients and flavor, or even spice things up with a dash of cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless! Serving it up? It looks beautiful garnished with a sprinkle of fresh green onions.
What makes this recipe truly special is its efficiency. Using instant grits drastically cuts down on cooking time and energy use. Microwave the grits in the bowl you’ll be serving them in to reduce washing-up time. By opting for shrimp – a quick-cooking protein – we save more energy in comparison to longer cooking methods. This dish is a delicious testament to the fact that healthy, flavorful meals don't require excessive energy or time to create. So next time you're looking for a satisfying, quick, and energy-efficient meal, give this Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest eaters. I often make a double batch so I have leftovers for lunch the next day!
This meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a meal that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Its ease of preparation and minimal cleanup make it an ideal choice for busy schedules, and its delicious taste will leave you wanting more. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the joy of a delicious, energy-efficient meal! It's a taste of the South, with a modern twist that makes it easier and more sustainable. And as a busy mom, that's something I truly appreciate. You will too.
The combination of the creamy, cheesy grits and the flavorful, Cajun-spiced shrimp is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, a perfect balance of familiar and new. Plus, it's a fantastic way to introduce a taste of Southern cuisine to anyone who’s never experienced it before.
