Menu
Shrimp and Grits Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp Fajitas Shrimp Fajitas
Southern Shrimp and Grits Southern Shrimp and Grits
Carolina Shrimp & Cheddar Grits Carolina Shrimp & Cheddar Grits
Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits Cheesy Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Oven-Baked Shrimp & Grits Oven-Baked Shrimp & Grits
Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Grilled Steak Fajitas Grilled Steak Fajitas
Cajun Grilled Shrimp Cajun Grilled Shrimp
Grits & Sausage Casserole Grits & Sausage Casserole
Chicken Fajita Chowder Chicken Fajita Chowder
Grilled Chipotle Shrimp Grilled Chipotle Shrimp
Stir-Fried Chicken Fajitas Stir-Fried Chicken Fajitas
Guacamole Shrimp Appetizers Guacamole Shrimp Appetizers
Simple Grilled Steak Fajitas Simple Grilled Steak Fajitas
Chicken Fajita Salad Chicken Fajita Salad
Chicken Fajitas Chicken Fajitas
Grilled Fajitas Grilled Fajitas
Grits & Bacon Casserole Grits & Bacon Casserole
Chicken Veggie Fajitas Chicken Veggie Fajitas

Fajita-Style Shrimp and Grits

5 reviews
Contest Ribbon Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jul. 27, 2023
I combined two of my favorite dishes—fajitas and shrimp with cheesy grits—into this spicy one-dish meal. For more heat, use pepper jack cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Next Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp (16-20 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix
  • 1 cup quick-cooking grits
  • 4 cups boiling water
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 3 tablespoons 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 medium sweet peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 medium sweet onion, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 jar (15-1/2 to 16 ounces) chunky medium salsa
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, divided

Directions

  1. Sprinkle shrimp with fajita seasoning; toss to coat. Set aside.
  2. Slowly stir grits into boiling water. Reduce heat to medium; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted; then stir in milk. Keep warm.
  3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onion; cook and stir until tender and pepper edges are slightly charred. Add salsa, orange juice and shrimp. Cook, stirring constantly, until shrimp turn pink, 4-6 minutes. Stir in 1/4 cup cilantro. Remove from heat.
  4. Spoon grits into serving bowls; top with shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

Test Kitchen tips
  • This is an ideal introduction to grits for people who may not have had them before. Their creamy, soft texture balances the rest of the ingredients and lets the grits shine.
  • Even though it's a small amount, don't skip the orange juice—it adds a lot of flavor.
  • Be sure to watch the shrimp while they're cooking and remove them from the heat as soon as they're done. There aren't many things less appetizing than tough, rubbery shrimp.


    • Nutrition Facts

    1 serving: 561 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 176mg cholesterol, 1324mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.