Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Cajun Shrimp & Grits (Creamy, Spicy & Southern Comfort Food)

Sarah Smith
Dec 27, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Shrimp and grits in a skillet topped with spices, garnished with green onions. The reddish-orange shrimp contrast with creamy grits.

This Cajun Shrimp & Grits recipe is creamy, cozy, and packed with bold Southern flavor. Tender shrimp are seasoned with Cajun spices and sautéed until juicy, then served over rich, buttery grits with a savory, slightly spicy sauce. It’s comfort food at its best and pairs beautifully with Cajun Cornbread, Cajun Roasted Potatoes, or a fresh side like Creamy Coleslaw for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This

Juicy Cajun-spiced shrimp over creamy, comforting grits
Bold Southern flavor with a rich, savory finish
Satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet approachable
Perfect for weeknight dinners, brunch, or special occasions

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving – approximate)

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 220mg
Sodium: 980mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Grits:

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups chicken broth (or water)
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cajun Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
Juice of ½ lemon
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Make the Grits

Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan.
Slowly whisk in grits. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.
Stir in heavy cream, butter, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Cook the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.

Assemble

Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Spoon creamy grits into bowls and top with Cajun shrimp and sauce. Garnish with green onions and parsley.

Tips for the Best Cajun Shrimp & Grits

Stone-ground grits give the best texture and flavor.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook fast.
Add crispy bacon bits for extra smoky flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control heat.
Leftover grits can be thinned with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.

FAQ

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy? It has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust by reducing Cajun seasoning or cayenne.

Can I make this ahead of time? The shrimp are best fresh, but grits can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Can I use instant grits? Yes, but stone-ground grits provide better flavor and creaminess.

Can I substitute milk for cream? Yes, whole milk works, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Shrimp & Grits is the ultimate comfort classic — creamy, savory, and packed with bold Southern flavor. It’s elegant enough for guests yet cozy enough for a weeknight dinner, making it one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.