Ingredients
- Grits:
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup grits (not quick cooking)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda
- Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Make the Grits: In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once tender, stir in cheddar and gouda cheeses. Keep warm.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add olive oil and sliced onion. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Shrimp: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over shrimp and toss to coat. In the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high and add more oil if needed. Sauté diced onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Stir in lemon juice and heavy cream, then gently fold in caramelized onions.
- To Serve: Spoon cheesy grits into shallow bowls, top with shrimp mixture and sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest texture in grits.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less heat.
- Shrimp cook quickly—don’t overcook or they’ll turn rubbery.
- Smoked gouda adds depth but can be replaced with all cheddar if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
