Creamy, smoky, and full of Southern comfort flavor — this dish is a showstopper! The buttery grits, the crispy bacon, and the perfectly seasoned blackened salmon and shrimp make this the ultimate comfort meal you didn’t know you needed.
Ingredients
For the Grits:
1 cup stone-ground grits (or quick grits if preferred)
4 cups water or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Blackened Salmon & Shrimp:
1 salmon fillet (about 6–8 oz)
8–10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon Cajun or blackening seasoning (divide for both salmon and shrimp)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Bacon Topping:
3–4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon bacon fat (reserved for drizzling)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Grits:
In a medium saucepan, bring water (or broth) to a boil.
Slowly whisk in the grits and reduce heat to low. Cook until thick and creamy (about 10–15 minutes for quick grits or 30–40 for stone-ground).
Stir in butter, heavy cream, cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep warm while you cook the seafood.
Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and crumble. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat for flavor.
Season the Salmon and Shrimp:
Rub the salmon fillet and shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook the Salmon:
In a hot skillet with butter, sear the salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until flaky and blackened.
Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Dish:
Spoon a generous serving of creamy grits into a bowl.
Top with the blackened salmon and shrimp.
Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, drizzle a little bacon fat on top, and garnish with parsley.
🍽️ Professional Serving Tip
Serve this dish hot in a deep bowl for that cozy Southern feel. Add a light drizzle of lemon butter sauce or spicy honey for an elevated restaurant-style finish. Pair with cornbread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!