Crafting a dish that embodies the flavors of the South, Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun is a culinary delight that elevates your dining experience. This recipe combines succulent red snapper and tender shrimp with creamy, stone-ground grits, creating a vibrant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Why you’ll love this dish
This dish is a celebration of Cajun flavors that truly transports you to the heart of Louisiana with every bite. The combination of rich grits, seasoned seafood, and a luscious cream sauce ensures it’s a dish to remember. It’s not only delicious but also quite satisfying and can easily become a family favorite.
"This is hands down the best Cajun dish I’ve ever made! The flavors are so rich and comforting. My family couldn’t get enough!"
Weeknight dinners will never feel mundane again with this delightful recipe. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and uses ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
Step-by-step overview
Making Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun involves several straightforward steps that build layers of flavor. From preparing the grits to mastering the shrimp and red snapper, you will journey through various cooking techniques, all while enjoying the rich aroma that fills your kitchen. This dish is perfect for those looking to impress or simply enjoy a homemade comfort meal.
What you’ll need
For this delicious meal, gather the following ingredients:
- 240 g stone-ground grits
- 960 ml chicken broth or water
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 28 g unsalted butter
- 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 225 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 15 ml olive oil
- 14 g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red snapper fillets (about 170 g each)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 14 g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 120 ml chicken broth
- 28 g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Feel free to personalize this recipe! For example, you can always adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a rolling boil.
- Gradually whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream, unsalted butter, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Pat the red snapper fillets dry, then season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Cook the snapper fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and chicken broth; let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir, simmering for another 2 minutes until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and hot sauce if desired, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Spoon creamy grits onto warm plates. Top each with a red snapper fillet and arrange Cajun shrimp over the fish. Drizzle with the Cajun cream sauce and serve immediately.
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your dining experience, serve your Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun with a side of lightly sautéed greens or a fresh, tangy salad. A glass of chilled white wine or a spicy Bloody Mary pairs perfectly with this dish, enhancing the overall flavors. For a gorgeous presentation, sprinkle fresh herbs or additional Parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
Storage and reheating tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain its creamy texture. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the grits may change upon reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
- For an extra kick, consider using shrimp with their shells on while cooking for added flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should only take a couple of minutes per side to remain juicy and tender.
- To save time, prepare the grits in advance and simply reheat with some additional cream or broth before serving.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Swap out the red snapper with another firm white fish or try different cheeses for the grits, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms instead of shrimp and fish, adjusting the seasoning accordingly.
Common questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Typically, prep time is around 15 minutes, but allow for another 40 minutes to cook.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are thawed completely before marinating with the Cajun seasoning.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Ensure you use a gluten-free Cajun seasoning and check that your grits are labeled gluten-free.
Indulging in Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun is a delightful culinary adventure that combines exquisite flavors and comforting textures—perfect for making any meal memorable!
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Red Snapper Shrimp Grits Cajun
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A delicious Cajun dish combining red snapper and shrimp with creamy, stone-ground grits for a vibrant and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 240 g stone-ground grits
- 960 ml chicken broth or water
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 28 g unsalted butter
- 60 g shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 225 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 15 ml olive oil
- 14 g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 red snapper fillets (about 170 g each)
- 15 ml olive oil
- 14 g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 120 ml chicken broth
- 28 g unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a rolling boil.
- Gradually whisk in the grits, then reduce the heat to low. Cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream, unsalted butter, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Pat the red snapper fillets dry, then season both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Cook the snapper fillets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and chicken broth; let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir, simmering for another 2 minutes until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and hot sauce if desired, cooking until slightly thickened.
- Spoon creamy grits onto warm plates. Top each with a red snapper fillet and arrange Cajun shrimp over the fish. Drizzle with the Cajun cream sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra kick, consider using shrimp with their shells on while cooking for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun