Spicy Southern Shrimp + Grits

Ingredients

• 1 Creamy Southern Cheese Grits
• 1 lb. wild-caught jumbo shrimp, deveined
• 3 Tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-2 Tbsps cajun seasoning
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, optional ((You can also use habanero pepper))
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 2 Tbsps garlic powder
• 2 Tbsps Italian seasoning
• 2 Tbsps smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp onion powder

Instructions

1. 1

   --- TO MAKE HOMEMADE CAJUN SEASONING: ---

2. 2

   Mix all cajun seasoning ingredients together in a bowl and set aside until ready to use.

3. 3

   --- TO MAKE THE CREAMY SOUTHERN GRITS: ---

4. 4

   Follow the instructions in my Creamy Southern Cheese Grits recipe.

5. 5

   --- SAUTE THE SHRIMP: ---

6. 6

   In a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 Tbsps of butter until melted. Add in the minced garlic to sauté frequently about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, add in the shrimp (seasoned w/ 2 Tbsps of cajun seasoning) and cook on both sides (about 3-4 minutes), until pink and cook through. Add remaining 1 Tbsp of butter (along with the 1 scotch bonnet) and let everything simmer for another minute until shrimp are coated with a light sauce/gravy from the butter and seasonings.

7. 7

   In serving bowls, spread the grits into the bottoms of the bowls and top with sautéed shrimp. Sprinkle red pepper flakes (optional) atop and serve immediately.

8. 8

   Bon Appétit!