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Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage

Cajun shrimp and grits - featured image

A hearty and flavorful Southern classic featuring creamy grits topped with spicy Cajun shrimp and smoky andouille sausage. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy brunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, hot sauce, lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the cooked grits. Stir until melted and smooth. If grits are too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced andouille sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove sausage and set aside, keeping drippings in the pan.
  4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic, sliced green onions, and diced bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly over shrimp. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Avoid overcooking.
  6. Return browned andouille sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another minute to blend flavors.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
  8. Serve creamy grits topped with the shrimp and sausage mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra green onions, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Stir grits frequently to prevent lumps and scorching. Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid rubbery texture. Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure proper searing. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste and add hot sauce at the table for extra heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp and grits, andouille sausage, Southern recipe, spicy shrimp, creamy grits, easy dinner, seafood, Cajun seasoning