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One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Grits — American Southern Rice recipe, 25 min, serves 4American Southern

One-Pot Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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Gluten-freePescatarianHigh protein

Creamy grits topped with spiced shrimp in a buttery sauce. The grits cook in the same pot, absorbing all the seasoning from the shrimp.

25
min
5
prep
🔥
20
cook
👥
4
servings
440
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Bring water/broth to a boil. Stir in grits, reduce to low. Cook stirring often for 15 min until thick and creamy.

15:00
2

Stir in cream and half the butter. Season with salt. Keep warm.

3

In the same pot (or a pan), melt remaining butter. Cook garlic 30 sec.

4

Add seasoned shrimp. Cook 2-3 min until pink, curled, and fully opaque.

3:00
5

Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp. Serve on top of grits.

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Common Questions

Stone-ground vs quick grits?
Stone-ground have more flavor and texture but take 45 min. Quick grits are ready in 15.
Can I halve this recipe?
Yes. Halve all ingredients. Cook time stays roughly the same for air fryer recipes; reduce slightly for stovetop.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Don't double cooking time — check doneness at the original time.
My pasta is undercooked but the liquid is gone?
Add a splash of hot water or broth (50-100ml), stir, and continue cooking covered. This happens when heat was too high and liquid evaporated before pasta finished.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can chop vegetables ahead. Don't cook the pasta ahead — it overcooks when rewarmed. Cook from scratch for best results.
Stuck to the bottom of the pot?
Stir more frequently, reduce heat slightly, or add a small splash of liquid. Heavy-bottomed pots distribute heat more evenly and reduce sticking.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Zinfandel or California Cabernet — bold reds match smoke and umami.
🍺
Beer
American IPA or amber ale.
🍸
Cocktail
Old Fashioned with a bourbon base.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon or a craft root beer.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
heavy creamcoconut cream (full-fat, scooped)1:1Dairy-free. Slight coconut flavor — works for curries, less so for European dishes.
evaporated milk + 1 tbsp butter per cup1:1Less rich, but mimics heavy cream in sauces.
The story behind this recipe ▾
Grits are ground dried corn (hominy), a staple of the American South since pre-colonial times. Quick-cooking grits are ground finer than stone-ground, reducing cook time from 45 min to 15. Polenta is the Italian equivalent made from a different corn variety but works similarly.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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