Description
Creole Salmon and Grits is bold, comforting, and packed with Southern soul. Perfectly seasoned, pan-seared salmon sits on a bed of creamy, cheesy grits and gets topped with a smoky Creole tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate cozy dinner with spice, texture, and flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp Creole seasoning
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Juice of ½ lemon
For the Grits:
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1 cup stone-ground grits
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4 cups chicken broth (or water)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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½ cup heavy cream (optional)
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Salt to taste
For the Creole Sauce:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 bell pepper, diced
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp Creole seasoning
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½ tsp dried thyme
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Dash of cayenne (optional)
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¼ cup chicken broth
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Season the Salmon: Rub salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Let rest while you start the grits.
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Cook the Grits: Bring broth to a boil. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat, and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently. Add butter, cream, cheese, and salt to taste.
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Sear the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in oil until soft. Stir in tomatoes, paste, seasoning, thyme, cayenne, and broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thick.
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Assemble: Spoon grits into bowls, top with salmon and Creole sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
Notes
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For dairy-free grits, skip the cheese and cream or use plant-based alternatives.
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You can substitute shrimp or tofu for salmon.
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Stone-ground grits give the best texture—avoid instant for this recipe.
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Control the spice by adjusting cayenne to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Skillet
- Cuisine: Southern, Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon filet + grits + sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Creole Salmon and Grits, Southern Comfort Food, Cheesy Grits, Grits Recipe, Cozy Dinner, Southern Cooking