Cajun Grilled Salmon with Cheesy Jalapeno Grits
Topped with a flavor-packed piece of Cajun Grilled Salmon, these Cheesy Jalapeno Grits are delicious! These ain't grandma's grits!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 606kcal
Ingredients
For the Grits
- ½ Tbsp olive oil
- 2 jalapenos ribs and seeds removed, diced
- 1½ cups corn grits
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock can substitute vegetable broth
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese I used Cabot's Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese
For the Cajun Salmon
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- ½ Tbsp garlic powder
- ½ Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
- 4 salmon fillets ~6 oz. each
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- chopped green onions optional
Instructions
For the Grits
- Using a medium saucepan with a lid, add olive oil and place over medium heat. Once hot, add diced jalapenos. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, or until jalapenos have softened.
- Add grits, salt, chicken stock and hot water; whisk until well combined. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cream and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until grits are tender and have thickened. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm. (Note: Cheese will be added later.)
For the Cajun Salmon
- Preheat grill to high heat. (Note: The salmon can be cooked in a skillet or grill pan indoors, too. Just preheat skillet to medium-high and then cook salmon for ~4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.)
- Using a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the salmon and olive oil; stir until well combined.
- Brush tops and bottoms of salmon fillets with oil. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly on top of salmon.
- Brush grilling racks with vegetable oil to prevent salmon from sticking.
- Place salmon on grill skin-side up. Grill for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce grill heat to medium, flip salmon and continue grilling for 2-4 more minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Add shredded cheese to grits and stir until cheese has fully melted. (Note: If necessary, add a splash of water to the grits to loosen them up.)
- To serve, divide grits onto plates and top with grilled salmon filet.
- {Optional} Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For an easier version, just omit the spices for the salmon portion and use 3 Tablespoons of Cajun seasonings instead!
Nutrition
Calories: 606kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 811mg | Potassium: 1071mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1696IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 222mg | Iron: 3mg
