Salmon & Shrimp over Grits is a flavorful Southern-inspired dish that combines creamy, cheesy grits with perfectly cooked salmon and shrimp. This comforting recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Salmon & Shrimp over Grits Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken stock (or water for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salmon & Shrimp:
- 4 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each)
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or blackening seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Cook the Grits:
- In a medium pot, bring chicken stock to a boil. Gradually whisk in the grits.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, butter, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with Cajun or blackening seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add shrimp, garlic, and Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and stir in butter for a silky sauce. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon a generous portion of grits onto each plate or shallow bowl.
- Place a salmon fillet on top of the grits and arrange shrimp around it.
- Drizzle the pan sauce over the shrimp and salmon.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, green onions, or crumbled bacon if desired.
Tips for Success
- Grits: Use stone-ground grits for the best texture and flavor. Quick grits work too, but the texture will differ.
- Seasoning: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Salmon: Ensure the salmon is not overcooked; it should be flaky and moist.
- Make It Extra Creamy: For indulgent grits, add a splash of cream cheese or mascarpone.
Enjoy this rich, satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor!
