This Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits is an elevated southern classic! A simple dish that walks the line between fresh flavors and comforting richness – you’re gonna love it!
Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits
Bam… I woke up with a migraine and this time the nausea set in … never a good thing. The bad news is I had a 4:40am wakeup call to head out to Kansas City, so I had to put on my big girl pants. Suck it up and get out the door.
Good news is I am going to Kansas City for the Chopped Conference. I went to this conference last year and would say it was a game changer for me. I was blessed enough to talk to some amazing bloggers who have perfected the art of food blogging and was able to glean their wisdom as well as connect with them on a heart level! (my favorite)
Last year I was so nervous. I didn’t really know the people who were attending and I felt like a “small fish” in a sea of big fish. I mean seriously, Ali from Gimme Some Oven was there and so were Lindsay or Bjork from Pinch of Yum!! What?!? It totally took me out of my comfort zone.
Which I guess is a good thing because that’s where the growth occurs. If we stay in our comfy little square than we will never want to leave the cocoon, we’ll be too cozy to get up. Last year one of the biggest things I learned was to walk with confidence and to take one step at a time. I’m taking that with me this year and building upon it!
I cannot wait to learn new things AND to see my friends and give them a big hug. (like really give them a hug .. not the virtual hug I’ve been giving online) Hurray!
So before I head out for the weekend let me leave you with a tasty recipe, this Cajun Shrimp and Grits!
Even though I live in the south, the whole grits thing kinda grossed me out. First off, it was bland as all get out, I mean people have you heard of salt!?! And the texture was just straight up mush. Gross! I was on mission to transform this bland dish to something outrageously delicious.
I think I’ve succeeded!
These Cajun Shrimp are covered in a homemade spice blend then sautéd in a little bit of butter and topped with fresh thyme. Then they are placed on top of some creamy grits that are infused with Smoked Gouda Cheese and then finished off with a little bit of crispy bacon (because a little bacon never hurt anyone) and sweet roasted red pepper to even out the dish. This is the ultimate southern recipe that I know you’re family will adore! Plus it’s on your table in less than 30! Woot woot!
Bon Appetite my friends!
Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
This Spicy Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits is an elevated southern classic! A simple dish that walks the line between fresh flavors and comforting richness – you’re gonna love it!
Ingredients
- 4 strips of applewood smoked bacon, diced
- 1/2 lb. jumbo shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- juice of half a lemon (2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon diced fresh thyme
- 1/3 cup roasted red pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, diced
- 1/2 cup quick cooking grits
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup grated smoked gouda cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to season
Instructions
- Heat a medium skillet to medium high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-6 minutes. Remove and place bacon on a paper towel lined plated. Set aside.
- To make the cajun shrimp: add smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and chipotle chili powder to a medium bowl. Mix and add shrimp to the bowl with the spice mixture, toss to coat the shrimp in the mixture.
- Heat a medium skillet to medium high heat. Add butter to the skillet, once melted add seasoned shrimp. Make sure the shrimp is in a single layer in the skillet. Saute shrimp on one side for 2-3 minutes, flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice, fresh thyme, roasted red pepper, and bacon. Saute for 30 seconds, sitr and remove from heat.
- To make the Smoked Gouda Grits: add water to a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and let cook for 5-7 minutes stirring throughout until the grits are thick. Add in the cheese, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt to taste. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted.
- Evenly divide grits and shrimp mixture among 4 dishes. Serve.
- Serve.
Filed Under:
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO SNAP A PIC AND HASHTAG IT #JOYFULHEALTHYEATS. I LOVE SEEING WHAT YOU MAKE!
Want More Seafood Recipes?
Panko Crusted Tilapia with Tomato Basil Sauce
