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A bowl of seasoned shrimp with creamy grits, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside a cabbage and red onion salad.
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4.55 from 11 votes

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

This cajun shrimp and grits recipe is so delicious and easy to make! The cajun shrimp, grits, and refreshing coleslaw compliment each other perfectly. It makes a great weeknight dinner or meal prep for lunch!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cajun
Keyword: cajun shrimp
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Cajun Shrimp

Polenta

Slaw

  • 10 oz. bag slaw of choice, OR 1/2 purple cabbage, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 medium red onion sliced
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 medium limes juiced

Instructions

  • Prepare the shrimp. Add all the ingredients (except for avocado oil) into a mixing bowl. Toss everything together and cover with plastic wrap. Place into the fridge to marinate while you prepare the rest of the meal.
    A bowl of raw shrimp seasoned with spices, ready for cooking.
  • Prepare the slaw by placing slaw of choice, cilantro, and purple onion into a medium mixing bowl. Make the dressing by whisking together honey, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice. Pour dressing over slaw and mix. Place in the refrigerator.
    A hand mixing coleslaw in a clear glass bowl with a fork and spoon. The coleslaw contains shredded cabbage, red onions, and herbs.
  • Next, prepare the grits by bringing the broth to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Add the cornmeal and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove polenta from heat and add Greek yogurt and Parmesan. Mix well, cover with tin foil, and set aside.
    A pot containing a mixture of yellow mashed potatoes topped with grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Finally, cook the shrimp by heating avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When avocado oil is fragrant, add shrimp and excess spices into the pan. Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side*. Remove from heat.
    Cooked shrimp seasoned with spices in a black skillet.
  • Evenly distribute the polenta, shrimp, and slaw into six bowls or containers. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Shrimp cooks quickly. Be cognizant of how hot your pan is and how quickly shrimp may cook. Cook time varies by stove top.
  • Grits: make sure to use finely ground cornmeal so that it cooks quickly on the stovetop! We used Quaker Yellow Cornmeal. Feel free to add a splash of milk or cream to thin things out.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g