Shrimp and Salmon Cheesy Grits
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance, look no further than Shrimp and Salmon Cheesy Grits. This Southern-inspired dish combines creamy, buttery grits loaded with cheese, topped with juicy shrimp and tender salmon. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner or a special weekend brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. The creamy grits provide a warm base, while the seafood topping brings freshness and richness. It’s versatile enough for family dinners yet impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s quick to make in under an hour!
Time Taken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every bite of this dish is a balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, yet they come together to create a dish that feels indulgent. From stone-ground grits to fresh seafood, each component plays a delicious role.
- For the Grits
- 1 cup stone-ground grits
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Seafood Topping
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb salmon, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional for spice)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Grocery List
- Stone-ground grits
- Broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Spices: paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Shrimp and Salmon Cheesy Grits
Cooking this dish is all about layering flavors. First, you prepare creamy, buttery grits that form the perfect base. Then, you season and cook the shrimp and salmon until tender and juicy. Finally, you bring it all together into a warm, hearty bowl of goodness.
- Cook the Grits
- In a saucepan, bring broth and milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce to low heat.
- Stir occasionally until thick and creamy (about 20 minutes).
- Add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare the Seafood
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season shrimp and salmon with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink, then cook salmon chunks until golden and flaky.
- Assemble
- Spoon creamy cheesy grits into bowls.
- Top with shrimp and salmon.
- Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of cheese.
Tips to Follow
A few small tweaks can take this dish from good to unforgettable. From choosing the right cheese to seasoning the seafood just right, these tips will help you perfect both flavor and texture. Even beginners in the kitchen can make this recipe shine.
- Use stone-ground grits for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t rush the grits, low and slow cooking makes them creamier.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the grits for extra richness.
- For a smoky flavor, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top.
How to Serve
Presentation matters just as much as flavor when serving a dish like this. Whether you’re dishing up individual bowls or setting it out family-style, you’ll want to highlight the creamy grits and colorful seafood topping. It’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Store
One of the best parts of this dish is that it can be enjoyed beyond the first serving. Knowing how to properly store and reheat grits and seafood ensures you keep the flavor and texture intact. With a little care, you can enjoy leftovers just as much as the first plate.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezer: Freeze grits separately from seafood for up to 1 month.
Chef’s Special Tips
Professional chefs often add small touches that elevate a dish, and you can do the same at home. A squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a different cheese blend can make your grits stand out. These little tweaks allow you to customize the dish to your taste.
- Swap cheddar for Gouda or Parmesan for a flavor twist.
- Add crispy bacon or andouille sausage for extra depth.
- Squeeze a bit of lemon over the seafood before serving for brightness.
Conclusion
This Shrimp and Salmon Cheesy Grits recipe is the ultimate comfort-meets-gourmet dish that will satisfy seafood lovers and Southern food fans alike. It’s cozy, cheesy, and full of bold flavors, perfect for a family dinner or an impressive brunch spread. Try this recipe today and bring a taste of Southern comfort with a seafood twist to your table!