Here’s a creamy, savory, restaurant-style recipe for Salmon, Shrimp & Bacon Grits — rich, smoky, and perfect for brunch or dinner.
Salmon, Shrimp & Bacon Grits
Ingredients (serves 4)
For the grits
- 1 cup stone-ground or quick-cook grits
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (optional but delicious)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the proteins
- Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon filet
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
- Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or paprika + garlic + cayenne)
- Bacon:
- 4–6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
Optional upgrades
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped green onions
- Hot sauce
- 1–2 cloves garlic (for shrimp pan)
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon
- Add chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until crispy; remove and drain on paper towels.
- Keep 1–2 tbsp of the bacon fat in the pan for the shrimp.
2. Cook the salmon
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Place salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Bake 12–15 minutes, until flaky.
- Flake into large chunks and set aside.
(You can also pan-sear it if preferred.)
3. Cook the shrimp
- Heat the leftover bacon fat in the skillet (add 1 tbsp butter if needed).
- Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Optional: add a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- Remove from pan.
4. Make the grits
- Bring chicken broth and milk to a simmer.
- Stir in grits and reduce heat to low.
- Cook until thick and creamy (times vary depending on style of grits).
- Stir in butter, cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Keep warm on low heat.
5. Assemble
Spoon creamy grits into bowls.
Top with:
- Flaked salmon
- Cajun shrimp
- Crispy bacon
Garnish with:
- Green onions
- Extra black pepper
- A dash of hot sauce
- Lemon wedge (optional)
Want it spicy?
I can give you a Cajun cream sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
Want it easier?
I can also give you a one-pan version that cooks all the proteins in a single skillet.
