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Creamy Cajun Pan-fried Salmon and Grits

Creamy Cajun Salmon and Grits

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This super creamy Cajun salmon and grits is so delicious! Pan-fried salmon tops velvety grits that’ll transport your taste buds to the heart of the South. This salmon dinner recipe comes together in just 30 minutes— making it a perfect choice for a quick but flavor-packed meal.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword 30 Minutes or Less, Blackened Salmon, Fish and Grits, Fish Dinner, Pescatarian, Salmon, Salmon and Grits, Salmon Dinner, Southern Cooking
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Author Marley Goldin

Equipment

Ingredients

Creamy Grits

  • ½ cup quick grits
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • ⅓ cup milk any dairy or unsweetened non-dairy
  • ¼ cup medium or sharp cheddar cheese ¼ cup shredded = approx. 2 ounces

Cajun Salmon and Butter Sauce

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 10 ounces skinless salmon in 2 individual 5 ounce portions
  • 4 scallions aka green onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
US - Metric

Instructions

Creamy Grits

  • In a small pot fit with a lid, add the grits and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
    ½ cup quick grits, 2 cups vegetable broth
    Grits cooked in vegetable broth in a small pot
  • Then, turn the heat source off but keep the pot on the burner. Add the milk and cheddar cheese and whisk to combine, using the residual heat to melt the cheese.
    ⅓ cup milk, ¼ cup medium or sharp cheddar cheese
    Creamy grits with milk and cheddar cheese
  • Split the creamy grits into two equal servings in a shallow bowl.

Cajun Salmon and Garlic and Shallot Deglaze

  • To a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and get it hot for 2 minutes.
    2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Prep your salmon by using a paper towel to pat it dry (try these bamboo paper towels for a more sustainable option!) At this time, remove the skin and slice into two equal portions if necessary.
    10 ounces skinless salmon
    Blotting salmon dry with a paper towel
  • Peel and mince your garlic and dice your shallots.
    4 scallions, 4 cloves garlic
    Minced garlic and diced shallots on a cutting board
  • Add the garlic and shallots to the hot oil and carefully lower your salmon into the pan. With the salmon in the pan, add about half of the Cajun seasoning and lemon juice on top. Seasoning the salmon while it's in the pan will ensure we make the most of both the Cajun seasoning and the lemon juice when we deglaze the pan later.
    1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
    Garlic, shallots, and salmon in pan with hot oil seasoned with lemon juice and Cajun seasoning
  • Sear the salmon for 5 minutes and flip. Season the second side with the remaining Cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Sear for an additional 2-5 minutes on the second side.
    Searing second side of salmon in a pan with shallots and garlic
  • Flip the salmon one more time and use a spatula to quickly press the salmon into the pan, just to lock the seasoning onto the salmon. Check the internal temperature of the salmon. We are aiming for 125-145°F.
  • Remove the salmon from the pan and place it right on top of the grits. Add the butter to the pan with the garlic, shallots, and excess seasoning and lemon juice to deglaze the pan.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    Salmon pan deglazed with butter, shallots, and garlic
  • Drizzle the shallot and garlic butter on top of the salmon and grits and enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • I use quick grits, mostly because they're more widely available and easier to find, but also because it helps me get this meal on the table fast. If you prefer stoneground or Old Fashioned grits, they absolutely work in this recipe, too. You will just need to leave them over the heat a little bit longer.
  • You can use fresh salmon or thawed frozen salmon. 
  • If you like salmon, you’ll love this collection of my best salmon recipes!