Here’s a rich, comforting, and flavor-packed recipe for Shrimp and Salmon over Cheesy Grits — a Southern-inspired dish that brings together creamy, buttery grits with juicy shrimp and flaky salmon in a smoky, garlicky sauce. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent!
🐟🧀 Shrimp and Salmon Over Cheesy Grits
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
📝 Ingredients:
🔸 For the Cheesy Grits:
- 1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits)
- 4 cups water (or half water, half milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Optional: splash of heavy cream for richness
🔸 For the Shrimp & Salmon:
- ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb salmon, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Optional: chopped parsley, green onions, or a few dashes of hot sauce
👩🍳 Instructions:
🔸 1. Cook the Grits:
- In a medium saucepan, bring water (or water/milk combo) and salt to a boil.
- Whisk in grits and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy (about 20–25 minutes for stone-ground, 5–7 minutes for quick grits).
- Once cooked, stir in butter, cheese, and a splash of cream if desired. Keep warm.
🔸 2. Cook the Shrimp and Salmon:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Add salmon chunks first, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear gently for about 2–3 minutes per side, until cooked through but not overdone. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter. Toss in the shrimp with Old Bay (or Cajun seasoning), and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and curled.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and return salmon to the pan. Gently combine.
🔸 3. Assemble:
- Spoon a generous helping of cheesy grits into a shallow bowl or plate.
- Top with shrimp and salmon.
- Drizzle pan juices over the top.
- Garnish with parsley, green onions, or hot sauce if desired.
✅ Tips & Variations:
- Add crisp bacon or andouille sausage for extra smoky flavor.
- Stir in cream cheese or gouda for next-level grits.
- For a spicier version, use blackened seasoning on the seafood and add a dash of cayenne to the grits.