Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl

Name: Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (31-40 count), peeled, deveined; 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant); 4 cups water; 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced; 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 4 green onions, sliced; 1 tsp kosher salt

Bold Cajun-spiced shrimp served over creamy stone-ground grits with a drizzle of pan sauce, bringing New Orleans flair to your morning table.

40 minMediumServes 4490 cal/serving

CajunBreakfastStovetopHigh ProteinLow CarbNut-FreeLow-SodiumAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp (31-40 count), peeled, deveined
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant)
4 cups water
1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 green onions, sliced
1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock to a boil over high heat. Season with half of 1 tsp kosher salt. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits (not instant), reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 20 minutes.
2

Stir in half of 4 tbsp unsalted butter, all of the 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup heavy cream into the cooked grits. Season to taste and keep warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally.
3

Pat 1 lb peeled, deveined large shrimp (31-40 count) dry and toss with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning and the remaining kosher salt.
4

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion, 1/2 cup finely diced green bell pepper, and 2 finely diced celery stalks (the Cajun trinity) and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute more.
5

Push vegetables to one side and add the remaining unsalted butter to the skillet. Add seasoned large shrimp (31-40 count) in a single layer and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6

Stir 1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
7

Spoon grits into bowls, top with shrimp and the pan sauce, and garnish with 4 sliced green onions.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl reach?

For Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Is there a substitute for Cajun seasoning in Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl?

The entry for Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl calls for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning. In its place: Two parts paprika to one part each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano and cayenne, with salt.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of shrimp in Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl?

Yes; most shrimp sold as fresh were frozen once already. Thaw them under cold running water for about ten minutes and pat them very dry so they sear instead of steaming. As written, the entry for Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl uses 1 lb large shrimp (31-40 count), peeled, deveined.

Is Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl comes from 1 tsp Louisiana-style hot sauce. For a milder plate, start with half the hot sauce and add more to taste at the end; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Is Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl low-carb?

A serving of Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl carries 10 g of carbohydrate. Against a strict 20 g keto day that is 50 percent of the budget; against a moderate 100 g low-carb day it is 10 percent.

How much protein is in Cajun Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowl?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 48 g of protein in about 490 calories, alongside 10 g carbohydrate and 29 g fat, plus 201 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list. More like it: the high-protein breakfast collection.

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