Few dishes evoke the warmth and soul of Southern cooking quite like a plate of perfectly cooked grits, especially when crowned with succulent seafood. This recipe for Blackened Fish & Shrimp over Creamy Grits is Southern comfort at its finest, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures in just 30 minutes. Imagine perfectly seasoned fish, seared to a beautiful “blackened” crust, juicy shrimp, all nestled atop a bed of buttery, cheesy grits, and finished with a rich, spicy Cajun cream sauce. It’s an elevated comfort meal that’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight indulgence or a special weekend brunch.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is a testament to how bold flavors and simple techniques can transform humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. I love it because it hits all the right notes: the tender flakiness of the fish, the pop of the shrimp, the comforting creaminess of the grits, and that incredible kick from the Cajun seasoning and sauce. It’s a harmonious blend that feels both hearty and refined.
What truly makes this recipe a favorite of mine is its efficiency. Despite tasting like it simmered for hours, it comes together in just about 30 minutes. This speed doesn’t compromise on flavor; instead, it highlights the fresh ingredients and the punchy seasonings. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of the South to your table without needing to spend all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and comforting seafood and grits dish:
- 2 white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi – choose firm white fish)
- 10 shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium to large size works best)
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Grits:
- ¾ cup quick grits (not instant, not stone-ground; quick-cooking for speed)
- 2 ½ cups water or milk (milk makes them creamier)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
For the Cajun Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Fish: Any firm, white fish will work well here. Tilapia, snapper, or even catfish are good alternatives.
- Shrimp: If you don’t have fresh, frozen shrimp (thawed and patted dry) are perfectly fine.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. If your seasoning blend is very salty, reduce the added salt. For a full dive into Southern flavors, consider my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- Grits: “Quick grits” cook faster than stone-ground but still offer good texture. Instant grits will work in a pinch but have a less desirable texture. For extra creamy grits, use all milk.
- Cheese for Grits: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack or even a little Parmesan would also be delicious.
- Cream Sauce: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, but heavy cream provides the best richness.
- Herbs: Chives add a subtle oniony note, while parsley offers freshness. You could also use fresh cilantro or green onions.
Instructions
Bringing this delicious dish to life is simple and fast. Follow these steps for a perfect meal:
- Cook the Grits: In a medium-sized pot, bring the 2 ½ cups of water or milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, slowly stir in the ¾ cup quick grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the grits have thickened and are creamy. Remove from heat, then stir in the ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp butter, and salt to taste. Cover the pot again to keep them warm while you prepare the seafood and sauce.
- Blacken Fish & Shrimp: While the grits are cooking, pat the fish fillets and shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good “blackened” crust. Season both sides of the fish and shrimp generously with the 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, and a little extra salt and pepper if desired. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned fish fillets to the hot skillet. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the fish is blackened on the outside and cooked through and flaky on the inside. Remove the fish from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the fish.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 tbsp butter to the skillet, letting it melt. Add the minced garlic clove and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the ½ cup heavy cream and the remaining ½ tsp Cajun seasoning. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened.
- Assemble & Serve: To assemble your plates, spoon a generous portion of the warm, creamy grits into two bowls. Top the grits with the beautifully blackened fish fillets and juicy shrimp. Drizzle the warm Cajun cream sauce generously over the fish and shrimp. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley for garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy your Southern comfort masterpiece!
Pro Tip for Brightness
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish! The acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the cream and the heartiness of the grits, brightening the entire dish and enhancing the flavors of the seafood.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
- Simple Greens: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or green beans would be excellent alongside.
- Comforting Sides: For more Southern-inspired comfort, consider serving it with a side of my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- Bread: A piece of crusty bread or cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to handle them:
- Storage: Store leftover fish, shrimp, grits, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Seafood tends to dry out quickly when reheated.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the grits on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. Reheat fish and shrimp gently in a pan or microwave until just warm to avoid drying them out. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop.
- Meal Prep: While assembly is quick, you can make the Cajun cream sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, making the final cook even faster.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of rich, flavorful, and comforting dishes, especially those with a Southern or easy-prep flair, you’ll want to explore these other recipes:
- For another fantastic hearty and flavorful meal, try my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re looking for more comforting main dishes, don’t miss These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- And for something cheesy and addictive, check out Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
Final Thoughts
This Blackened Fish & Shrimp over Creamy Grits is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures that can be on your table in under an hour. It proves that gourmet-level meals don’t require extensive effort. The blend of perfectly spiced seafood and rich, cheesy grits with that zesty Cajun cream sauce is truly unforgettable. Give this dish a try, and prepare to impress yourself and anyone you share it with!
What are your favorite ways to enjoy grits? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes that bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.
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