These Skinny Cajun-Style Shrimp and Grits are pure southern comfort made healthier here (and every bit as delicious!) for the 21 Day Fix.
Hello my fixers! Long time no chat, eh? I know, sorry about that. For those of you who haven't been following along, the fam and I just took a 4,000+ mile trek across the continent to move from Kentucky to Alaska. Holy crap, you guys. It was amazing. It took us about two weeks to get here with a van full of stuff, two kids and enough Starbucks to fuel a freaking jet (because that's what jets are fueled with), but we did it. Let me just drop a few photos of our crazy adventure right here:
And then we got to our new little town. <happy, contented sigh> All I could think was "How could I have ever thought that I wouldn't like it here?" We've now been here for a month and a half, and every single day I get up, look out my window to the mountains and the bay and thank my lucky stars that this was handed to us (as admittedly unsure as I was at the time). So how about we just pretend that I never said that I didn't think I would like Alaska (and by extension, that I was a complete idiot who didn't actually know anything about Alaska)?? Ya know, because why admit that you're wrong when you can just pretend it never happened? - I'm kidding, I swear these are not the things I'm teaching my children, no emails please 😉 Ok, perfect.
And speaking of perfect (my segues are really improving, right?) I've got an awesome and new 21 Day Fix approved recipe for you! I really wanted to start back with an ode to Kentucky, because as much as I'm loving it here, there's so much about Louisville that we love and miss. Shrimp and grits are one of those things. I know, that dish has never been accused of being health food, but it's ok, because of course I fixed that 🙂
A few years ago, I didn't think I liked grits. In fact, I was absolutely certain that they were basically just a waste of perfectly good table space at Cracker Barrel, ya know, space that would have been better filled by hashbrown casserole or those ridiculous hot apples. Gawwwd, I love those. Anyway... then we moved to the 'ville. There's hardly a restaurant in town that doesn't have shrimp and grits on the menu and believe me, they are doing it right, so I hope I've done them justice here. My version has plenty of saucy, Cajun-spiced shrimp over some lemony asparagus and perfectly cheesy and creamy grits. These flavors are SO right together and ohmagoodness, this is a happy meal.
Don'tcha just love when comfort food is healthy and still... comfort-y? I do. I really, really do.
I hope you guys love this one (and love seafood in general, because it's everywhere in Alaska and I can't wait to share more of it with you)!
P.S. - Each serving of the cheesy grits by themselves are 1 Yellow and ½ Blue and are pretty amazing underneath a couple of runny eggs and some 21DF Southwestern Seasoning, just sayin'.
📖 Recipe
Skinny Cajun-Style Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning:
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (plus extra if you really like it spicy!)
- ½ Tbs paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ Tbs whole wheat pastry flour (or regular whole wheat flour)
Asparagus:
- 1 ½ - 2 pounds of asparagus, trimmed
- olive oil or coconut oil cooking spray
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges
Grits
- 3 cups water
- ¾ cup dry instant grits, plain
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Saucy Cajun Shrimp:
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (medium works too and is often cheaper), peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (greens only)
- ½ cup plain unsweetened almond milk
- Cajun seasoning from above
Instructions
- Mix together all of the Cajun seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat three cups of water and ¾ teaspoon salt in a medium pot to bring to a boil. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- Meanwhile, lay a piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and give it a light spray with the olive oil or coconut oil spray. Add your trimmed asparagus and give this a quick spray also. Next, lightly season with salt, pepper and all of the lemon zest using your hands to distribute evenly keeping the asparagus in one layer. Roast for 5-7 minutes until bright green and cooked through. Remove from oven, tent with a piece of foil to keep warm and set aside.
- Once your pot of water comes to a boil, you can slowly stir in the ¾ cup of grits. Turn the heat down to low, cover and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes until thick, stirring once or twice while cooking. Remove from heat and stir in the ⅔ cup of cheese. Cover to keep warm.
- Season the shrimp well with the Cajun seasoning. Heat a large pan to medium and spray with cooking spray. Add shrimp to the pan and cook, turning the shrimp once for even cooking. Once shrimp are firm and opaque, stir in the ¼ of milk until thickened (this will happen pretty quickly), turn off the heat and serve the saucy shrimp immediately with the grits, asparagus and lemon wedges, sprinkling the chopped green onions over each dish.
Notes
21 Day Fix Container Counts per Serving: 1 Red, 1 Green, 1 Yellow, ½ Blue
Weight Watchers Personal Points Link: Skinny Cajun-Style Shrimp and Grits
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: ¾ cup cooked shrimp, 1 cup asparagus, ¾ gritsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 270Total Fat: 8g
Stephanie says
Hello! this recipes is delicious I have made it multiple times! I just started beachbody and I do not see grits listed on the plan. How did you calculate that 3/4 cups of grits is 1 yellow? I am curious because I love grits so if i can make it work in the program that would make me so happy. Same goes for white rice, any idea how to calculate cooked white rice in the program?
Stephanie says
Hi! So grits are just corn (at least the ones I buy from Bob's Red Mill are, so definitely check your labels), so that's what makes it 21 Day Fix approved. As far as how I calculated the amount, I used this chart to help me determine that, hopefully it'll help you, too! For the rice, unfortunately only brown rice is on the list and considered approved. Hope this helps! 🙂
katie says
Hi! So excited to try this tonight. I bought precooked frozen shrimp, they're thawing in the fridge now. i guess i just heat them in pan, rather than cook them? Thanks!
Stephanie says
Hi! Yep, that's what I would do!
Amber says
This was amazing! I did leave the milk out, and this meal was still tasty.
Stephanie says
So happy you liked it!
LAUREN says
Hi! These are going on my dinner list for this week! Do you just measure out the grits in a yellow and the shrimp in a red?
Stephanie says
Hey Lauren! You actually get 3/4 cup of grits for 1 Yellow (it's freaking awesome) and then measure the shrimp in a red as you normally would 🙂 Hope you love them!!
Marina says
I found you through a google search for Fix dinners and this was delicious! It will make its way into our rotation, you husband and kids loves it!
Stephanie says
I'm so happy to hear this, Marina!
Karly says
Wow, this post is seriously drool worthy. I doubt anyone will ever know it's healthi-ER, either... cough cough, hubby, cough. Totally trying this soon!
Stephanie says
Hahahaha... thanks, Karly! I know, sometimes husbands are harder than the kids, aren't they?!
Ashlyn // Dollop Of Yum says
Alaska is a beautiful state and I am so glad you are happy there! I fall head over heels for anything cajun flavor so this shrimp and grits looks perfect! I also love how healthy this is. 🙂
Stephanie says
Thanks Ashlyn! <3 Cajun anything!
Emily Rutt says
This looks INCREDIBLE! And I love that it is a healthier version too! Thanks for sharing! xoxo, emily
http://www.east91blog.com/
Stephanie says
Thanks, Emily!
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
Alaska is majestic, it is one of the places on my bucket list. Stephanie, the photo of your trip is amazing, looks like you and kids had lot of fun.
This is such a classic! I love all the cajun spice and there is nothing like a perfect bowl of shrimp and grits.
Stephanie says
Thanks, Rahul, we did have a ton of fun! And I agree, shrimp and grits is such a tasty, classic dish!
Miriam - londonkitchendiaries.com says
The photos of your trip look absolutely stunning! Especially the photo at Muncho Lake is so serene and beautiful (pinned)! Alaska has always been on my list of places I would like to visit and reading your post did not help 😉 Never had grits (embarrassing - I even had to look it up), however, I love trying new things and this looks absolutely delicious and healthy! I am big fan of seafood and I am very much looking forward to your future posts from Alaska!
Stephanie says
Thanks, Miriam! You should definitely visit Alaska if you can, it really is unlike anywhere else. No need to be embarrassed about the grits thing, I've talked to quite a few people who had never heard of them, so you definitely aren't alone (plus it's a southern U.S. thing, so I'm not surprised that you hadn't heard about them in London)! Well, if they happen to sell some near you I hope you give them a try 🙂 Definitely more seafood posts on the way!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Whoa, MAD props to you guys for moving so far! I can't even imagine how much of an adventure THAT must have been! Looks like you had a great time though, and I don't think many people can say that about moving! Love all your photos! Especially your daughter holding the lil duckling!! SO CUTE! Anyways, I grew up on shrimp and grits, so naturally I am LOOOOOVING these! Gimme all the cajun seasoning! And you made these bad boys skinny?! Guuurl, I could hug you! 😉 LOVE IT! Cheers!
Stephanie says
Thanks, Cheyanne! We really had so much fun and got to see so many neat and beautiful places 🙂 That duckling photo... OMG - let me tell you how I was practically jumping up and down after getting that shot! There was a whole lot of moving happening on the part of said duckling and I didn't think it was going to happen. So, happy dance 🙂 And yes, cajun seasoning is the best!! Making your own is so nice, I like being the boss of the salt shaker 😉 Happy Monday! (even if it is an oxymoron!)
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
You're BAAAAAAACK!!!! There is no limit to the amount of ways I can say this: I MISSED YOU, Stephanie!! <3 The interwebz just wasn't the same without. 😉 4,000+ miles--it's not that big deal or anything, right? Lolol. I'm so happy and proud of you and your fam for making it! And yeah, of COURSE jets are fueled by Sbux. How else would they move that fast?? Hehe.
Chicago: You and the kiddos look so happy and lively (from the back... ahem). 😉
The non-stock photo-photo: WOAH. It's simply beautiful. I mean, I believe you can make *anything* look beautiful, but WOW.
Throwing rocks: Obvs. It had to be done. 😉
Duckling with your duckling: What an incredible photo, Steph. Are you sure you don't work for National Geographic? Come on, you can tell a friend the truth. Ahem. 🙂
Alaska is simply beautiful. I'm beyond happy that you and your family love it there. Y'all deserve all the happiness and serenity in the world. Say hello to a few moose for me, also name one if you get the chance. 😉
Love the new photos, love the new post and LOVE the very covered walls. 😉 Now, let's toast to you being back! xoxo. So many of the boggiest hogs in the world to you, my dear friend. <3
Stephanie says
Thanks, Demeter! We had such a great time in Chicago, we were all wishing we would have had one more day there. Haha... I do not work for NG, but can certainly be bought for the right price. Hear that, Nat-Geo?!! All of the stress was definitely lessened every time you checked up on me, you're the bestest buddy. <3 <3 I will definitely say hello to a moose for you and since we just named our new robot vacuum (Stash, because it looks like he has a mustache - yes, it's a he, and HE cleans my floors like a good man should) so naming a moose isn't much of a stretch. I'm on it! Bog hogs, D!