Our Cajun Shrimp & Grits

2/14/2021 – This Valentine’s Dinner turned out well with Mary raving about how good it was. It was based on our similar prep on 1/26/2016 here that was inspired by Chef Elliot. This cook simplifies the seasoning by relying on Kit Whol’s Creole Seasoning. The dish is very rich and is one of our Favorites. On 10/3/2021, we made it richer with the addition of a handful of chopped Zeigler Bacon Ends fried in the butter/EVO where the sausage had been sauteed. Also included Dixie Lily Yellow Grits and homemade shrimp stock. See * items below for all the changes for that cook.

9/11/2024 – Again this was great dish…but a lot of work.

For the Shrimp

  • 1 lb. of large shrimp, peeled, deveined
  • 1 lb. sausage, sliced on the diagonal 1/2 inch.  The sausage was the hot pork sausage from So. Alabama Custom Meats.
  • ½ lb. (one large handfull) of Zeigler Bacon Ends cut into 1″ pieces.*
  • 1/2 stick of butter
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil – This should be reduced or eliminated when the bacon and its grease are included.
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped small
  • 1 bell pepper, diced. Used frozen from our garden. On 10/3/21 used three small ones fresh from the garden.*
  • 1 small red onion, chopped small
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pinches of cayenne pepper flakes from our garden

For the Grits

  • 1 cup grits – Dixie Lily Yellow Grits was great on 10/3/2021.*
  • 1½ cups water
  • ½ stick of butter
  • 1 cup Half & Half
  • 1 cup Swanson’s chicken broth or Homemade shrimp stock*
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tsp. creole seasoning
  • Green onions for topping

First Prepare the Grits:

  1. In a large pot bring the butter, seasonings, and all liquids to boil.
  2. Slowly stir in grits stirring nonstop for at least two minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook grits, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes.
  3. Adding extra broth as needed to keep the grits thin.
  4. Add cheese and whisk well, add more broth if needed.

While Stirring the Grits Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Peel and devein shrimp, season with the Creole seasoning.
  2. Before starting the grits, in the large covered saute pan, add butter, olive oil, and the two pinches of pepper flakes over low heat to melt the butter and warm the peppers.
  3. Add sausage and saute about 10-15 minutes, until browned. Remove from the pan.
  4. Add all the vegetables, except garlic, and saute until they are wilted; i.e. about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute 1 minute more.
  5. Add shrimp and cook about 3-4 minutes until they are no longer pink and the edges curling.
Serve topped with green onions from the garden.