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  7. Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits
Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits

Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits

Spicy blackened shrimp served over creamy cheese grits. A Southern classic packed with bold Cajun flavors.

fish
dinner
medium
Jump to Instructions ↓
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Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Protein36g
Calories450
Carbs32g
Fat20g

Per serving · Adjust servings below to scale ingredients

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🥗Ingredients

4 servings

Shrimp

  • 500g large shrimp, peeled
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter

Cheese Grits

  • 200g stone-ground grits
  • 700ml water or chicken broth
  • 200ml milk
  • 100g sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper

Garnish

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Lemon wedges

👨‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook grits: bring water/broth and milk to a boil. Whisk in grits, reduce heat. Stir frequently 15-20 minutes until creamy.

  2. 2

    Stir cheese and butter into grits until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Mix all blackening spices. Toss shrimp in spice mixture.

  4. 4

    Melt butter in a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.

  5. 5

    Serve shrimp over creamy grits. Top with crumbled bacon and green onions.

📊Nutrition per serving

Values are per 1 serving and stay fixed regardless of the servings adjuster above — use the adjuster to scale ingredients only.

Calories450
Protein36g
Carbs32g
Fat20g
Fiber2g

💪Protein & Nutrition Breakdown

Fish is an exceptionally lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in reducing exercise-induced inflammation and supporting recovery. It digests quickly, making it an excellent choice around workouts. Each serving of Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits delivers 36g of protein at 450 calories — that's 13 calories per gram of protein, making it one of the more efficient protein sources on this site. Protein accounts for roughly 32% of total calories in this dish. The 32g of carbohydrates per serving provide energy for training, making this a well-rounded meal both pre- and post-workout. The 20g of fat primarily comes from the cooking method and protein source itself, contributing to satiety and supporting fat-soluble vitamin absorption.

🥡Meal Prep & Storage

Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits is a quick recipe that scales well for meal prep. This recipe makes 4 servings, each delivering 36g of protein and 450 calories — ideal for tracking macros across the week. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Adding a small splash of water or broth prevents the protein from drying out during reheating. Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits also freezes well — portion into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Batch cooking a double or triple portion on the weekend means you have 36g-protein meals ready throughout the week with zero daily effort.

💡 Tips & Notes

  • •Use stone-ground grits for best texture — instant grits won't compare.
  • •High heat is essential for proper blackening.
  • •Add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.

Variations

  • →Use chicken instead of shrimp.
  • →Add sautéed bell peppers and onions.
  • →Make with polenta if grits aren't available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Blackened Cajun Shrimp with Grits ahead of time?

Fish is best cooked fresh. You can prep the marinade or sauce 1-2 days ahead. Cooking takes under 15 minutes, so day-of prep is the practical choice.

Can I substitute a different type of fish?

Yes — any firm-fleshed fish works. For flaky white fish recipes, try cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi. For salmon recipes, try arctic char or steelhead trout.

What's the most important step not to skip?

Reading through all the steps before starting and prepping all ingredients first (mise en place). This prevents mid-cook scrambling and ensures nothing overcooks.

high protein30 minute meal

Recipe by

BoBo Chef

Fitness enthusiast and home cook. Every recipe is tested in a real kitchen and macro-verified before publishing.

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