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shrimp and cheesy grits

Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Creamy cheesy grits topped with cajun shrimp
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

Cajun Rub

  • 1 pinch red pepper flake
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp Lawry's seasoned salt

Shrimp

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 lb Shrimp
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • ¼ onion diced
  • 1/2 bunch scallion thinly sliced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp soy sauce

Cheesy Grits

  • 2 rolls pre-cooked polenta thinly sliced
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup aged white cheddar grated
  • 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions
 

Grits

  • Heat chicken broth and sliced cooked polenta in a pot. Bring to a boil and then lower fire to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes until polenta has softened. Use a whisk to break the polenta apart and incorporate it into the liquid until it has a smooth creamy consistency.
  • Then add cream, grated cheese, and sugar. Mix well into grits. Use a whisk to work out any clumps and ensure that the grits are smooth.
  • Continue cooking until the grits have thickened and the excess liquid has evaporated. The desired texture should be that of runny mashed potatoes. When your grits have reached this stage, check for seasonings and add salt to taste.

Shrimp in Cream Sauce

  • Devein, clean, and pat dry shrimp. Then mix with Cajun rub and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet on high heat. Add in oil. When oil is hot and shimmery, sear shrimp in 3 batches, making sure to keep space in between the shrimp. Sear shrimp until both sides are just golden brown and the inside is just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside. Repeat for the next 2 batches, adding in extra oil to the pan before each batch.
  • After shrimp is removed from the pan, add oil. Keep heat on medium. Then add aromatic vegetables: garlic, onion, and green onion. Sauté and sweat until the vegetables have just softened, about 5 minutes. Then add in butter and flour. Cook on medium heat until flour is slightly brown and nutty.
  • Then add cream and chicken broth to the pan. Mix well into the flour mixture. Then add in Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. Allow to cook on medium for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces and becomes thick. Add in shrimp and cook together for just 1 minute. Check for seasoning and add salt, pepper, and/or red pepper flake as needed.
  • Take shrimp off of heat and serve on top of grits.
Keyword cheesy grits, shrimp and grits