A bold fusion of Southern comfort and Japanese umami, featuring creamy red miso butter grits, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and a rich, savory tomato gravy.

Miso Butter Shrimp & Grits

An 80|20 Seasoning Original

Southern comfort meets Japanese umami in a bold, savory twist on classic shrimp and grits.

Creamy red miso butter grits, seasoned with If Onion You Knew and Special A Cajun, serve as the foundation for a chunky Cajun tomato gravy and tender Good Bayou shrimp. A touch of sweetness balances the fermented depth of the miso, while fresh lemon brightens the entire dish.

Yield: Approximately 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes

Ingredients

Red Miso Butter Grits

• 1½ cups five-minute grits
• 5 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon red miso paste
• 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
• Butter (amount to be confirmed)
• 80|20 If Onion You Knew seasoning, to taste
• 80|20 Special A Cajun seasoning, to taste

Good Bayou Shrimp

• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (suggested amount)
• 80|20 Good Bayou seasoning, to taste
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Butter or cooking oil, as needed

Chunky Cajun Tomato Gravy

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 80|20 The Garlic Is Real seasoning, to taste
• 80|20 Umami You Tasty seasoning, to taste
• 80|20 Special A Cajun seasoning, to taste
• Fresh lemon juice, to taste
• Butter or cooking oil, as needed (if used)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Red Miso Butter Grits

1. In a medium or large saucepan, combine 5 cups of milk and 1 cup of water.
2. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
3. Gradually whisk in 1½ cups of five-minute grits.
4. Reduce the heat and cook according to package directions, stirring frequently until creamy.
5. In a separate small bowl, thoroughly combine 1 tablespoon of red miso paste with the butter until evenly incorporated.
6. Stir the miso butter into the hot grits until fully blended.
7. Add 1 tablespoon of white sugar, If Onion You Knew, and Special A Cajun.
8. Stir until smooth and evenly seasoned. Taste and adjust as needed, ensuring the red miso remains a pronounced flavor.
9. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Chunky Cajun Tomato Gravy

1. In a separate saucepan or skillet, heat a small amount of butter or cooking oil, if using.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook briefly, stirring to develop its concentrated tomato flavor.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and stewed tomatoes, including their juices.
4. Season with The Garlic Is Real, Umami You Tasty, and Special A Cajun.
5. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Allow the tomatoes to cook down, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces and the sauce develops a rich, gravy-like consistency.
7. Keep the tomatoes chunky rather than blending them.
8. Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce and balance its savory richness.
9. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Good Bayou Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry.
2. Season generously with Good Bayou.
3. Heat butter or cooking oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
5. Cook approximately 2–3 minutes per side, depending on size, until opaque and fully cooked.
6. Add fresh lemon juice to brighten the shrimp.
7. Remove from heat to avoid overcooking.

Important: The shrimp are cooked separately from the tomato gravy, allowing each component to maintain its distinct flavor and texture.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

1. Spoon a generous serving of creamy red miso butter grits onto each plate or into a shallow bowl.
2. Spoon the chunky Cajun tomato gravy over and around the grits, leaving some of the creamy base visible.
3. Arrange the Good Bayou shrimp on top.
4. Serve warm.

Chef's Flavor Notes

Red miso is the defining ingredient in the grits. Its rich, fermented flavor should be recognizable rather than disappearing into the background.

The milk creates a creamy foundation, while the tablespoon of sugar balances the miso's saltiness and deeper fermented notes.

If Onion You Knew and Special A Cajun introduce aromatic onion flavor and Cajun warmth without replacing the miso's identity.

The chunky tomato gravy delivers concentrated tomato flavor, garlic, umami, and acidity. Lemon in both the gravy and shrimp balances the richness of the buttery grits.

Cooking the shrimp separately preserves their texture and allows the Good Bayou seasoning to remain distinct.

The 80|20 Flavor Connection

This recipe showcases five 80|20 Seasoning blends:

1. Good Bayou
2. If Onion You Knew
3. Special A Cajun
4. The Garlic Is Real
5. Umami You Tasty