Cajun shrimp and grits topped with Alexandra’s Pikliz Spicy Pepper Relish, crispy bacon, green onion, and creamy cheese grits
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Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Alexandra's Pikliz® Relish Recipe

Creamy grits, Cajun-seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon, peppers, onions, and a spoonful of Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish come together in this bold comfort food recipe. This Cajun shrimp and grits dish is rich, savory, spicy, and finished with bright Haitian-Caribbean flavor.

Watch the Chef Make It

Watch our chef make this Cajun shrimp and grits with Pikliz Relish step by step.

Chef Video

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together creamy, cheesy grits and juicy Cajun shrimp with a flavorful pepper relish finish. The grits are rich and comforting, while Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish adds tangy heat, texture, and a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

It is perfect for dinner, weekend comfort food, brunch, or anytime you want a bold shrimp and grits recipe with extra flavor.

What Makes This Shrimp and Grits Different

Traditional shrimp and grits are already rich and savory, but this version adds Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish to the shrimp sauce for a Haitian-Caribbean twist. The relish adds tangy spice, pepper-forward flavor, and a spoonable texture that works beautifully with shrimp, bacon, cheese, and creamy grits.

Instead of only relying on hot sauce, this recipe uses spicy pepper relish as part of the sauce and as a finishing topping.

Recipe Overview

Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Pikliz Relish
Category: Meal
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Featured Product: Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 350 g large shrimp, about 12.35 oz
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, optional

For the Grits

  • 1 cup grits
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 100 g mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt, to taste

For the Sauce and Topping

  • 30 g bacon, about 1 oz
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish
  • 1 oz parsley, chopped
  • 1 oz green onion, sliced, for garnish
  • Extra crispy bacon, for topping
  • Extra Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish, for finishing

How to Make Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Pikliz Relish

1. Season the Shrimp

Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, chopped garlic, vinegar or lime juice, salt, and a drizzle of avocado oil. Toss well and let the shrimp marinate for a few minutes while you prepare the vegetables.

2. Prep the Vegetables

Dice the red bell pepper and onion. Slice the green onion finely, chop the parsley, and set everything aside.

3. Cook the Grits

In a pot, add the milk, stock, and grits. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the grits are thick and creamy. Add more stock if needed to loosen the texture.

Turn off the heat and mix in the shredded cheese, butter, and salt to taste. Keep the grits warm while you cook the shrimp.

4. Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside for topping.

5. Sear the Shrimp

In the same pan, sear the shrimp over high heat for about 3 minutes total, or until the shrimp are mostly cooked. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

6. Make the Pikliz Relish Sauce

Add the diced bell pepper and onion to the same pan. Sauté for a few minutes until slightly softened. Add the tomato sauce, chopped parsley, and 1 tablespoon of Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish.

Stir everything together to create a flavorful sauce.

7. Finish the Shrimp

Return the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 more minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce.

8. Plate and Serve

Spoon the creamy grits onto a plate or shallow bowl. Top with the Cajun shrimp and sauce. Finish with sliced green onion, crispy bacon, and an extra spoonful of Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish on top.

Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

For creamier grits, stir often and add a little extra stock as needed while cooking.

For more heat, add an extra spoonful of Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish to the sauce or use it as a finishing topping.

For a richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock and cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella.

What to Serve With It

This Cajun shrimp and grits recipe is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, cornbread, fried plantains, or a crisp side salad.

Shop the Relish Used in This Recipe

This recipe uses Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish for its tangy heat, pepper-forward flavor, and spoonable texture.

Product Page:
https://inthekitchenwithalexandra.com/products/alexandras-pikliz

Learn More in Our Learning Hub

Want to learn more about pikliz, spicy pepper relish, and Haitian-Caribbean flavor?

Learning Hub:
https://inthekitchenwithalexandra.com/pages/learn

You can also explore:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and then season them before cooking.

Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?

Yes. Cheddar gives the grits a stronger, richer flavor, while mozzarella keeps them mild and creamy.

Is this recipe very spicy?

It has bold Cajun flavor with tangy heat from Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish. You can use less relish for a milder dish or add extra on top for more heat.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes. You can leave out the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon. The recipe will still have plenty of flavor from the Cajun seasoning, shrimp, vegetables, and Pikliz Relish.

What product should I use for this recipe?

This recipe is made with Alexandra’s Pikliz® Spicy Pepper Relish because it adds tangy heat, pepper flavor, and a spoonable texture that works well with shrimp and grits.

Make It With Alexandra’s Pikliz®

Shop the relish:
https://inthekitchenwithalexandra.com/products/alexandras-pikliz

Learn more:
https://inthekitchenwithalexandra.com/pages/learn

Watch the chef video:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/e70rHBR2LrI