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Easy Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Shrimp and Grits Recipe – this easy shrimp and grits is ready in minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.  Cheesy grits take it over the top, the whole family is going to love it!  

This post is sponsored by Princess Cruises. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

My family loves shrimp. They pretty much love all seafood. It can be as easy as Hot Crab Dip for a party and they will go crazy.  Or even something as simple as this Baked Cod for a quick dinner.

Recently when I was on the Princess Cruises Alaska cruise I was reminded how much I like grits.  In particular cheddar grits. Please tell me I am not alone.  On the Princess ships there are quite a few dining option. The specialty dining is over the top amazing, and at the Bayou Steakhouse they make the best grits.

A plate of food, with Grits and shrimp

 

I remember from the last cruise I was one, you know the one where I stocked the cafe for Nutella donuts every day, that I needed to be on the lookout for the cheddar grits. The Bayou Steakhouse has an appetizer that is a serving of cheese grits with spicy sausage served over the top.  It is amazing and I ordered it as soon as I saw it on the menu.

As soon as I got home I knew I had to recreate those grits as a meal. And what goes better with grits that shrimp. Who hasn’t heard of shrimp and grits before, right?  I have made it a few times before, but it is always something I forget about. But not anymore! Adding sausage to the mix and making extra cheesy grits turned this into a staple at our house.

What You’ll Need

  • Andouille Sausage
  • Large Shrimp
  • Butter
  • Olive Oil
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Garlic
  • Lemon Juice
  • Quick Cooking Grits
  • Milk
  • Water
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Salt
A plate of food, with Grits and Shrimp and grits

What Are Grits

Grits are really nothing more than corn. It is ground corn kernels that is similar in texture to corn meal or polenta. It is a little finer than polenta, but very similar. Then they are boiled with either water or milk until thick and creamy. I like to use a mixture of water and milk so they get extra creamy and delicious.  To make these cheese grits I just added in a little butter and cheese at the end. Super easy and so good.

I buy the quick cooking grits that come in a canister similar to oatmeal. It is usually in the cereal aisle. I follow the directions on the back and just use half milk and half water for the liquid. Once it is hot, I stir in a little butter and cheese to serve. Couldn’t be easier.

A plate of food, with Grits and Shrimp

How To Make Shrimp & Grits

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the sliced sausage to the pan, spreading out into a single layer.  Brown for 3-4 minutes per side, until hot and turning golden.
  2. Meanwhile season shrimp with cajun seasoning.
  3. Remove sausage from the pan. Add olive oil and butter. Once butter is melted add garlic and shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is fully cooked.  Add sausage back into the pan. Mix and drizzle with lemon juice. 
  4. Meanwhile to make the grits bring water and milk to a boil in a saucepan. Slowly stir in grits.  Reduce heat, over and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened; stirring occasionally. Once the grits are thick stir in butter and cheese and mix until well combined.  Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. 
  5. Serve immediately over the grits.
A plate of food on a table, with Grits and Shrimp and grits

What Goes With Shrimp & Grits

It is a pretty full meal with meat and the grits, but you can serve some vegetables on the side or even bread are in the mood!

Storage

Grits are great leftover, store in an airtight container and then reheat in the microwave or stovetop. You may need a little milk to thin them out again. The shrimp is best served the day it is made, so it is best to only cook as much as you need. You can reheat it, it just gets a little rubbery and it isn’t ideal.

More Shrimp Dinner Recipes

Yield: 6

Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Shrimp and Grits Recipe - this easy shrimp and grits is ready in minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.  Cheesy grits take it over the top, the whole family is going to love it!  

Shrimp and Grits Recipe - this easy shrimp and grits is ready in minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.  Cheesy grits take it over the top, the whole family is going to love it!  

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 oz andouille sausage , sliced
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon cajun seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Cheese Grits

  • 1 cup quick cooking grits
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 Tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add the sliced sausage to the pan, spreading out into a single layer.  Brown for 3-4 minutes per side, until hot and turning golden.
  2. Meanwhile season shrimp with cajun seasoning.
  3. Remove sausage from the pan. Add olive oil and butter. Once butter is melted add garlic and shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp is fully cooked.  Add sausage back into the pan. Mix and drizzle with lemon juice. 
  4. Serve immediately over the grits.

To Make Grits

  1. In a saucepan bring water and milk to a boil. Slowly stir in grits.  Reduce heat, over and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened; stirring occasionally. 
  2. Once the grits are thick stir in butter and cheese and mix until well combined.  Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. 

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Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 520Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 244mgSodium 2209mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 34g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

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** This post is sponsored by Princess Cruises. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Erin S
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Cathy

Wednesday 5th of September 2018

you know what will put this recipe over the top....cook a slice of country ham...cut it up in little pieces and make a pan of red eye gravy...add the country ham to the sausage and shrimp and top each bowl with a little red eye gravy....just to die for good!

Jennifer Fishkind

Monday 30th of July 2018

This recipe was SO easy! My family went crazy over it! Thanks so much!

April

Friday 27th of July 2018

One of my favorite ways to eat grits! Love it!

Sandra | A Dash of Sanity

Saturday 21st of July 2018

It looks SO good! Definitely giving this a try!

Jackie

Friday 20th of July 2018

Oh yum! I tried grits for the first time earlier this year when I was in Nashville. I LOVED them! I'm going to have to try your recipe, Erin! Thanks!

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