Red Snapper Shrimp and Grits Recipe That Satisfies

Red Snapper Shrimp and Grits Recipe delivers comfort food at its absolute finest, blending coastal flavors into one satisfying plate.

Southern cuisine has always celebrated bold seafood combinations, and few dishes showcase that tradition quite like what you're about to make.

The combination of tender fish and plump seafood over a creamy base creates something truly special for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Restaurants charge premium prices for similar creations, but anyone can prepare it at home with confidence.

Each component comes together beautifully, offering layers of flavor that feel both indulgent and wholesome.

Coastal communities have enjoyed similar meals for generations, proving their timeless appeal across dinner tables everywhere.

Whether you need an impressive weekend brunch or a memorable weeknight supper, the balance of textures and tastes here works perfectly.

Ready to cook up some serious Southern-style comfort?

Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Grits

• Southern Comfort: This red snapper and shrimp dish brings pure Southern hospitality right to your dinner table, delivering a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from a loved one.
• Protein Powerhouse: Packed with seafood protein from both snapper and shrimp, this recipe creates a satisfying meal that keeps hunger away and provides excellent nutrition.
• One-Pan Wonder: With most cooking happening in a single skillet, cleanup becomes a breeze, making this a practical choice for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and cheesy grits creates a complex taste profile that transforms a simple seafood meal into something extraordinary.

What Gives This Snapper-And-Shrimp Plate Its Southern Flair

• 4 Red Snapper Fillets: Fresh fillets that form the centerpiece of your delectable Southern-style dish, requiring a golden sear and perfect seasoning.
• 1 Lb Shrimp Peeled & Deveined: Succulent shrimp that bring sweet ocean flavor and tender texture to complement your red snapper.

• 1 Cup Grits: Stone-ground cornmeal base that creates a creamy, comforting foundation for your seafood masterpiece.
• 2 Cups Water: Essential liquid for cooking your grits to smooth, rich perfection.
• ½ Cup Heavy Cream (Divided), ½ Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Luxurious ingredients that transform simple grits into a rich, velvety side dish with deep cheese flavor.

• 2 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning, Salt & Pepper: Spicy blend that delivers authentic Southern kick to your seafood.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth to your Cajun cream sauce.
• ½ Cup Chicken Broth: Flavor-building liquid that helps create a silky sauce.
• 4 Tbsp Butter, 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Essential fats for searing seafood and creating a rich, golden sauce.

Helpful Items For Searing, Simmering, And Creaming

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for cooking those creamy, cheesy grits to perfection and creating a smooth, rich base for the dish.
• Cast Iron Skillet: My go-to for searing fish and shrimp with a beautiful golden crust that locks in all the delicious flavors.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring grits and preventing them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: Needed for chopping garlic and any fresh herbs you want to sprinkle on top.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure you get the right balance of cream, broth, and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients and seasoning the fish.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and moving delicate seafood around the skillet without breaking it apart.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shrimp and Grits

Touches For Extra Cajun Heat Or Butter

• Stir grits constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that’s not too thick or runny.
• Pat fish and shrimp completely dry before cooking to get that perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
• Go easy on Cajun seasoning – taste as you go to avoid overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors.
• If cream sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer or add a tiny pinch of cornstarch to help thicken without changing the flavor.
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions add brightness and fresh flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.

Alternate Takes Using Seafood Switches

• Vegetarian Grits Base: Swap out seafood for roasted vegetable medley like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and plant-based butter for a hearty vegetarian version that keeps the creamy texture and Cajun flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional grits with quinoa or cauliflower grits for a gluten-free alternative. Ensure Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
• Lighter Cream Sauce Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to reduce calories. Use smoked paprika and cayenne for depth of flavor while keeping the sauce creamy and rich without excessive fat.
• Low-Carb Seafood Swap: Trade grits for cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach as the base. Use blackened seasoning on fish and shrimp to maintain the Cajun profile while creating a lower-carbohydrate meal that still feels indulgent.

Moments Perfect For A Southern-Style Dinner

• Serve with Crisp Salad: Toss together a light mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy seafood dish.
• Pair with Chilled White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the Cajun spices and seafood flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Bread: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious Cajun cream sauce.
• Garnish Generously: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and green onions over the dish for bright color and added herbal notes.

Keeping Seafood Tender After Cooling

• Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days, as delicate fish and shrimp lose quality quickly.
• Warm gently over low heat with a splash of broth to keep moisture and avoid breaking the fish. Stir slowly for even warming.
• Add a little milk or cream and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to restore creaminess.
• If the cream sauce separates, whisk over low heat until smooth again. Heat slowly to prevent graininess or curdling.

Seafood-And-Grits Curiosities For Coastal Cooks

Red Snapper Shrimp and Grits Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern Comfort Red Snapper Shrimp and Grits brings pure coastal magic straight to my kitchen table. Creamy stone-ground grits cradle perfectly seared seafood in a rich, spicy sauce that makes dinner feel like a warm embrace from Charleston.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 red snapper fillets
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined

Base:

• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 12 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream, divided
• 12 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine 2 cups water and ½ cup heavy cream in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil at high heat for 2-3 minutes.
2. Stir 1 cup grits into the boiling liquid, reducing heat to low and simmering for 10-12 minutes until the texture becomes thick and creamy.
3. Fold ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese into the grits, seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Keep the grits warm by covering the pot.
4. Thoroughly pat 4 red snapper fillets dry with paper towels, then generously coat both sides with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F for 2 minutes until the oil shimmers and appears glossy.
6. Carefully place seasoned red snapper fillets into the hot skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and fish reaches 145°F internal temperature.
7. Transfer cooked snapper to a clean plate, then add 4 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
8. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they turn completely pink and curl slightly.
9. Mince 2 garlic cloves and toss into the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10. Pour ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth into the pan, simmering 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly.
11. Spoon warm, cheesy grits onto serving plates, arranging cooked snapper and shrimp on top.
12. Drizzle the Cajun cream sauce generously over the seafood, seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

• Always pat the fish and shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming in the pan.
• Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, and check that red snapper and shrimp are firm and have a clean ocean scent.
• When cooking seafood, watch carefully to avoid overcooking – snapper and shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if left too long.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use less butter to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Sautéed
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg