Honey Butter Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits Recipe

This Honey Butter Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits is a luxurious and flavorful dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with succulent shrimp in a sweet and spicy honey butter sauce. Imagine velvety smoked gouda grits, rich and decadent, topped with Cajun-spiced shrimp bathed in a luscious honey butter sauce with hints of lemon and garlic. This dish is a delightful fusion of Southern comfort and elegant flavors, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy Grits: The smoked gouda cheese adds a unique depth of flavor to the creamy grits, creating a rich and satisfying base for the shrimp.
• Sweet and Spicy Shrimp: The honey butter Cajun sauce offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and citrusy brightness, complementing the tender shrimp beautifully.
• Quick and Elegant: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast yet impressive meal, offering a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own home.

this Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Honey Butter Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits:

For the smoked gouda grits:

• Low-sodium chicken stock/broth or water: Provides a flavorful liquid base for cooking the grits.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the grits.
• Stone-ground corn grits: Provides a creamy and hearty texture, forming the base of the dish.
• Smoked gouda cheese: Freshly grated, adds a rich, smoky, and creamy flavor to the grits.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the grits.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Used to season the grits, enhancing their natural flavors.

For the honey butter Cajun shrimp:

• Raw medium shrimp: Peeled & deveined, provides a tender and flavorful protein.
• Creole Cajun Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought, adds a blend of spices, providing a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter: Used for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce, providing a rich, buttery flavor.
• Shallot: Finely chopped, adds a sweet and mild onion flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Finely minced, provides a pungent and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the shrimp.
• Pure honey: Adds a natural sweetness, balancing the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, adds a bright, acidic flavor, balancing the richness of the butter and honey.
• Lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall citrus profile.
• Fresh dill or herb of choice: As topping, optional, adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.

How to Make Honey Butter Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry and season with Creole Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat and marinate in the refrigerator while you make the grits.

Step 2: Cook the Grits

In a saucepan, combine stock, 1 cup of milk, and grits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the grits are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in cheese, butter, and remaining milk until melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

Add shallot to the skillet and sauté until tender. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in honey, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir and bring to a slight boil, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat with the honey butter sauce. Serve immediately by placing the gouda grits into bowls, and top with the honey butter Cajun shrimp and any residual pan sauce drippings. Garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon slice, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grits Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the grits by adding more milk or broth as needed.
• Shrimp Doneness: Do not overcook the shrimp. Cook until just opaque and pink.
• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like white cheddar or pepper jack.

How to Serve

• Main Course: Serve as a delicious and satisfying main course.
• Brunch: Perfect for a special brunch with family and friends.
• Date Night: An elegant and impressive meal for a romantic dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the grits and shrimp separately, then combine when warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I use a different type of grits?
Yes, you can use quick-cooking grits, but the texture will be different.

Can I make this spicier?
Yes, you can add more Creole Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I freeze this dish?
It is not recommended to freeze the grits as the texture may change upon thawing. The shrimp can be frozen separately.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Honey Butter Cajun Shrimp with Smoked Gouda Grits that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy grits and sweet and spicy shrimp create a truly unforgettable meal. Give it a try, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in no time!

Print