Name: Cajun Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 to 3 servings
Ingredients: FOR CAJUN SHRIMP; 2 (8 oz.) packs sidestriped shrimp or spot prawns, shells peeled; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; FOR WHITE CHEDDAR GRITS; 4 cups water; 2 cups grits; 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 ½ cups white cheddar cheese; Fresh chives for serving

A Cozy and Easy Seafood Recipe

In this recipe, sweet Alaskan shrimp are sauteed in a smoky, just-spiced-enough seasoning blend until juicy and delicious. They become the ideal topping to spoon over a bowl of creamy cheddar grits, for a cozy and comforting meal.

It’s best to peel the shrimp before cooking so that they can fully absorb the flavor of the seasoning blend — a mix of spices that you likely have in your pantry right now.

If you’re missing one or two of the spices, don’t worry. You can omit them without losing too much complexity in the blend. Note: if you don’t have smoked paprika, substitute sweet or regular paprika instead. The blend will lack the intensely savory, smoky flavor of smoked paprika, but the sweet/regular paprika will give you the color that you’re looking for.

Any variety of shrimp can be used, such as sugary sidestriped shrimp or a larger, more buttery species like spot prawns.

Print Recipe

Cajun Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits

By Wild Alaskan Company

Prep time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total time

35 minutes

Yield

2 to 3 servings

Ingredients

FOR CAJUN SHRIMP
2 (8 oz.) packs sidestriped shrimp or spot prawns, shells peeled
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
FOR WHITE CHEDDAR GRITS
4 cups water
2 cups grits
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ cups white cheddar cheese
Fresh chives for serving

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine oregano, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat shrimp dry, then add to pan and cook until opaque on both sides. Sprinkle the shrimp with the spice mixture, stirring frequently to coat the shrimp in the seasoning, then remove from heat.

3. Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan, then whisk in grits to evenly distribute. Season with salt and pepper, then lower heat to a simmer. Whisk frequently until mixture is thick and grits are no longer crunchy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese, then adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Spoon grits into serving bowls, with a serving of shrimp on top. Garnish with fresh chives and enjoy immediately.

Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of food-borne illness, especially if you have a certain medical condition. The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for cooked fish.

Cajun Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits

A Cozy and Easy Seafood Recipe

Cajun Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits

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