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Tasty Creole Salmon and Grits Dish

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Whip up some Creole Salmon and Grits for a tasty mix of bold spices and smooth, creamy base. The juicy salmon gets pan-cooked with Creole seasonings, garlic, and onion powder for knockout flavor. Put it on top of silky grits made from cornmeal, jazzed up with cheese and cream for extra richness. It's super easy to make—just cook your grits, sear the salmon just right, and put it all together with some fresh parsley and lemon slices to make it look fancy. It's a quick, filling dinner that'll wow everyone with its big flavors and cozy foundation.

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Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:10:23 GMT
A piece of salmon with peppers on top. Save Pin
A piece of salmon with peppers on top. | foodthingle.com

This Southern-style Salmon and Grits combo brings punchy Creole spices together with flaky fish for a soul-warming meal you'd swear came from your favorite restaurant. The smooth, buttery grits work as the perfect base for the zesty, well-seasoned salmon, making a dish that's both down-home and fancy at once.

I whipped this up the first time I wanted to show my friends from up North what Southern cooking was all about, and now they beg for it whenever we get together. Even the folks who turned their noses up at grits have completely changed their tune after trying this.

What You'll Need

  • Salmon fillets: Go for ones that feel firm, look vibrant, and don't smell too fishy
  • Stone-ground corn grits: The old-fashioned kind gives you the best bite and taste
  • Tangy cheddar cheese: Brings a richness that works against the spicy Creole kick
  • Heavy cream: Makes your grits incredibly velvety and smooth
  • Creole seasoning: The star player that brings all the warmth and zing
  • Olive oil: Lets you get that gorgeous brown sear on your fish
  • Butter: Adds a lovely richness to both parts of the dish
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of green and fresh flavor

How To Make It

Start Your Grits:
Get 4 cups of water or chicken broth bubbling in a pot. Pour your corn grits in slowly while stirring to avoid any clumps. Turn the heat down and let them cook for 15-20 minutes, making sure to stir often so they don't stick. They should bubble softly as they get thicker. You'll know they're done when they feel creamy but still have a tiny bit of texture.
Make Them Extra Creamy:
When your grits have thickened up nicely, take them off the heat and mix in your heavy cream and grated cheese. The warmth from the grits will melt everything together perfectly. Keep stirring until it's all smooth and mixed through. Add some salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind your salmon will bring its own flavors.
Get Your Salmon Ready:
Make sure to wipe those salmon pieces totally dry with paper towels—this helps get that amazing crust. Mix up your Creole seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper in a small dish. Cover both sides of each piece generously with this mix, pressing it in lightly so it sticks well.
Cook It Just Right:
Warm some olive oil in a big pan over medium-high heat until it looks shimmery but isn't smoking. Put your seasoned salmon in skin-side down (if it has skin) and leave it alone for 4-5 minutes. This gives you that fantastic golden crust and keeps it from sticking. The fish will easily come off the pan when it's properly seared.
Put The Finishing Touch:
Flip each piece carefully using a thin spatula. Right away, drop butter into the pan and let it melt around the fish. Tip the pan slightly and drizzle the melted butter over the salmon for another 3-4 minutes. This keeps the fish juicy while adding tons of flavor.
Arrange It Nicely:
Scoop a big helping of those creamy grits onto warm plates, making a little dip in the middle. Place your perfectly cooked salmon on top, showing off its best side. How it looks matters since the salmon should be the main attraction.
Add The Final Touches:
Scatter fresh chopped parsley all over and put a small lemon wedge on the side of each plate. The parsley gives you a nice bit of color, while a squeeze of that lemon right before eating cuts through all the richness.
A piece of fish with vegetables on top. Save Pin
A piece of fish with vegetables on top. | foodthingle.com

Good To Know

Fancy enough for company but easy enough to make any night of the week

A piece of fish with tomatoes and herbs on top. Save Pin
A piece of fish with tomatoes and herbs on top. | foodthingle.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do you make grits creamy?

Mix in some heavy cream and throw in shredded cheddar after you've cooked the grits. Give it a good stir until everything's smooth and tasty.

→ What are the key spices for Creole salmon?

You need Creole spice mix, garlic powder, onion powder, a bit of salt, and some black pepper to give your salmon that bold Creole kick.

→ How do you know salmon is done cooking?

Your salmon's ready when you can easily flake it with a fork and its inside temp hits about 145°F.

→ Can you substitute chicken broth for water in grits?

You bet! Chicken broth works great instead of water and gives your grits an extra punch of flavor that makes them way tastier.

→ What can I garnish the dish with?

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top and add lemon wedges on the side for a bit of zing and color.

Salmon Grits Creole Style

Zesty salmon with buttery grits makes a mouthwatering, soul-warming meal.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
25 Minutes
Overall Time
35 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Regional Style: Creole

Output: 4 Number of Servings

Special Diets: No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 pieces of salmon (6 oz each)
02 1 cup rough or medium cornmeal grits
03 4 cups chicken stock or water
04 1 cup grated strong cheddar (if you want)
05 1/2 cup whipping cream
06 2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix
07 2 tablespoons cooking oil
08 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 1 teaspoon powdered garlic
10 1 teaspoon dried onion
11 Salt as needed
12 Ground pepper as needed
13 Chopped parsley for topping
14 Cut lemons for squeezing

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Boil 4 cups of chicken stock or water in a pot. Gradually add cornmeal while stirring. Turn heat down and let it cook with occasional stirring until thick, roughly 15-20 minutes.

Step 02

After grits reach the thickness you like, mix in whipping cream and cheddar if you're using it. Add some salt and pepper till it tastes good.

Step 03

Wipe salmon dry using paper towels. Rub both sides with Cajun spices, powdered garlic, dried onion, salt and pepper.

Step 04

Warm up 2 tablespoons oil in a big pan on medium-high fire. When it's hot, put in your spiced salmon. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until one side turns golden.

Step 05

Gently turn the fish over and drop 2 tablespoons butter into the pan. Cook another 4-5 minutes until fish breaks apart easily with a fork.

Step 06

When fish is done, drop some creamy grits on each plate and place pan-cooked salmon on top.

Step 07

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and add a lemon piece on the side.

Essential Tools

  • Cooking pot
  • Frying pan
  • Stirring tool
  • Kitchen towels

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Milk products
  • Seafood

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Fat Content: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Protein: 30 g