New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits – Indulge, in the flavors of Cajun cuisine with this recipe for “Shrimp and Grits New Orleans Style.” With its cheesy grits complemented by seasoned shrimp, this main course pays homage to the comforting tastes of the South.
When I first prepared this dish my kitchen was filled with the scent of bacon and Cajun spices. As I plated it up I couldn’t help but feel excited wondering if it would live up to its mouthwatering aroma. After taking a bite my husband looked at me with satisfaction. Simply said, “This is fantastic.” Even my little one, with a face covered in grits and shrimp, eagerly nodded in agreement. It was a success!
What makes this New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits truly stand out?
Shrimp and Grits New Orleans Style isn’t just another recipe—it’s a journey into the heart of Cajun cuisine. Ready in 15 minutes it’s perfect, for a flavorful weeknight dinner. The harmonious blend of spicy shrimp paired with the velvety embrace of cheesy grits guarantees that every bite will transport you straight to the comforting essence of Southern cooking. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience.
What You Need To Make This New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits Recipe?
Quick-Cooking Grits: The backbone of this dish. Opting for quick cooking ensures your grits turn out perfectly velvety every time, providing that desired Southern comfort feels in a fraction of the usual cooking time.
Smoked Bacon: This isn’t just for the meaty bites but for the golden, smoky grease it renders. This essence is what infuses our shrimp with an additional layer of depth, creating a bridge between land and sea in this dish.
Large Shrimp: Size does matter here! Large shrimp ensure a succulent and juicy bite, serving as the real stars in our Cajun symphony. Always go fresh for that snap in every bite.
Cajun Seasoning & Cayenne: The soulful rhythm of New Orleans in spice form. While the Cajun seasoning brings the melody, the cayenne adds the kick—a true Mardi Gras for your taste buds!
Red Bell Pepper & Green Onions: They’re not just color pops but flavor bursts too. Their slight sweetness and crunch provide the needed contrast to our rich, creamy grits.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It’s all about that robust tang! Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, weaving itself into the grits to create a creamy, dreamy base that complements the spiced shrimp.
Steps To Make New Orleans-Style Shrimp and Grits:
Step 1: First start by bringing the water to a boil. Add a sprinkle of salt. Gently whisk in the grits allowing them to swim and soak. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until they reach a velvety texture. Once you’ve achieved that consistency stir in the butter, cream, and cheddar cheese. Mmm… It becomes a delight!
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Step 2: Now grab a skillet. Place it over medium heat to sizzle up some bacon. Once it’s perfectly crispy, set it aside on some paper towels. Hold on tight! Don’t even think about discarding that bacon grease. It’s, like gold! In that skillet place your shrimp. Let them bask in the deliciousness of that grease while sprinkling them with Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Give each side a minute or so to cook until they turn pink and look delightful; then set them aside.
Step 3: In that same skillet where you cooked the shrimp add some vegetable oil. Toss in the red pepper slices. Let them cook for a couple of minutes until they become tender. Now introduce the onions and garlic into this mix; let them mingle together for another minute or so. Pour in the broth, Worcestershire, and lemon juice to enhance those flavors even more.
Mix it up, reintroduce the shrimp and bacon, and let them all mingle for a while.
Step 4: Plate it! Spoon those cheesy grits into a bowl. Top them off with the shrimp mixture. Voila. A dish of comforting Southern cuisine!
Tip:
Before you put your shrimp in the skillet make sure to dry them with a paper towel. This will ensure that they are not moist and will cook nicely in the bacon grease. It will help seal in their juices resulting in a juicy bite and preventing them from getting steamed. This simple action enhances the flavors. Gives your shrimp that golden color often associated with Cajun cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular grits instead of quick-cooking ones?
Of course! Using grits instead of quick-cooking ones is totally fine. Just keep in mind that regular grits will require a longer cooking time so make sure to adjust accordingly.
Can I skip the cayenne pepper?
I personally prefer milder flavors so if you’re not a fan of spice feel free to skip the cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the spices to your liking. The Cajun seasoning already brings a kick so omitting or reducing the cayenne won’t be an issue.
Can I use a different cheese for the grits?
Certainly! While sharp cheddar is the choice, for grits don’t hesitate to get creative with cheeses. Monterey Jack or Gouda could be alternatives.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
New Orleans Style Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Grits:
- 1 c quick-cooking grits
- 4 c water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 1/2 c sharp cheddar cheese shredded
For the Shrimp:
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 3 green onions chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 c low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Let's make some delicious Cheesy Grits:
- Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil and adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually stir in 1 cup of quick-cooking grits while keeping the mixture stirred.
- Allow the grits to simmer on heat for 5 to 7 minutes until they become creamy in texture.
- Now it's time to add some flavor. Mix in 3 tablespoons of butter along, with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Finally, sprinkle in 1 and a half cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Moving on to the shrimp:
- Begin by cooking 6 slices of smoked bacon until they turn crispy. Once ready set them aside while keeping the bacon grease intact.
- In the skillet with the bacon grease cook 1 pound of shrimp seasoned with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for one minute per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
- Now add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet along with one chopped red bell pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes slightly tender.
- Next include three chopped onions and three minced garlic cloves into the skillet. Continue cooking this combination for a minute.
- Stir in a quarter cup of broth followed by adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce and two teaspoons lemon juice into the skillet mixture.
- Return both the cooked shrimp as well as the chopped bacon back, into the skillet and heat everything together for about a minute so that all flavors meld together nicely.
- Lastly, pour your grits into bowls. Top them off with your deliciously flavored shrimp mixture. Now you're ready to enjoy this dish!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
