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New Orleans Shrimp And Grits the best easy Cajun recipe

Bring home bold New Orleans flavor with this Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe, a comforting yet quick weeknight dinner that combines cheesy stone-ground grits with skillet-seared shrimp, turkey bacon, and chicken ham. Infused with authentic Cajun seasonings and packed with bold aromatics, this dish is a hearty Southern favorite with a modern, family-friendly twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Grits:

  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 chicken ham steak, diced
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

  • Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in grits and reduce heat to low. Cook while stirring frequently, until thickened and tender. This may take 20–25 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
  • Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey bacon and chicken ham, cooking until browned.
  • Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet, sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
  • Spoon grits into bowls, top with the shrimp mixture, and garnish with chopped parsley and hot sauce if desired.

 

Notes

  • For the best results, use stone-ground grits and allow plenty of time for them to cook slowly.

  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning or adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

  • Shrimp cook quickly; be careful not to overcook or they’ll turn rubbery.

  • The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and repurposed easily.

  • Garnish generously — fresh parsley and green onions add brightness and color.