Description
Crispy Cajun Shrimp Grits Bowls feature fried shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices served over creamy, cheesy grits, topped with a flavorful Cajun butter sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for Cajun butter sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (for Cajun butter sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Cheesy Grits: Bring water, whole milk, and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. While whisking, gradually add in grits. Lower heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes until grits are thick and tender. Add unsalted butter and sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until completely melted and creamy. Cover to keep warm.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated.
- Dredge the Shrimp: Prepare three bowls: one with all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), one with beaten eggs, and one with cornmeal. Coat each shrimp first in flour, then in beaten eggs, then in cornmeal.
- Fry the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour vegetable oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Fry shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
- Prepare the Cajun Butter Sauce: Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley.
- Assemble and Garnish: Spoon creamy grits into serving bowls. Arrange fried shrimp on top, then spoon Cajun butter sauce over shrimp. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour in the dredging process.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve crispy shrimp.
- The cheesy grits can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 330mg