Salmon and Grits?

I'm sure most have heard of shrimp and grits.  If you haven't, you can check it out at Shrimp and Grits.

A gal in a Facebook cooking group had tried to make shrimp and grits and had been disappointed with her results.  She posted what she'd done and asked for advice.  Her next effort had focused on the grits.  She got them right and instead of shrimp had sautéed mixed vegetables and topped it with a bit of salmon.  That got the ideas going.

My bok choy had been running rampant in the garden and due to the warm weather each plant was starting to bolt.  When a leafy green bolts it is sending up shoots to flower.  Depending on the plant bolting can render the favorable part of the plant bitter.  I decided to use the bok choy in this departure from shrimp and grits.  Some of the flower clusters were used as garnish to add color and an extra bit of texture to the dish.

This recipe will be for two with the exception of the grits.  There are excellent uses for leftover grits or you can increase the other to make enough for four.  Oh by the way, use real grits for the best result.

Salmon and Grits

1 cup grits

4 cups water

salt

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 head bok choy

1 medium onion, sliced

3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4 inch strips

2 pieces of salmon, 6oz each

butter

salt

pepper

Bring the water to a boil and add a bit of salt then stir in the grits.  Reduce heat and simmer covered for 25 minutes stirring occasionally.  When done, stir in the cheddar cheese and keep warm.

Cut the root end of the bok choy.  Slice the bok choy in 1/2 inch strips across the width of the leaf and stalk.  In a large skillet, cook the bacon slowly to render the fat.  When the bacon is almost crisp, add the sliced onion and cook until it starts to turn translucent.  Add the sliced bok choy and turn to mix well.  Cook until the leaves are well wilted.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Melt butter in a skillet.  Place the salmon in the hot skillet skin side down.  Salt and pepper the flesh side.  Turn when cooked halfway through.  An alternative way can be found at Pan Fried Salmon.

Put the cheesy grits in a wide shallow bowl for best effect.  Place the bok choy in a strip across the middle of the grits.  Top with a piece of salmon.

Salmon and Grits with bok choy flowers as garnish

I think you'll enjoy this alternative way to use both grits and salmon in your menu rotation.  I did this a week later using Mahi Mahi and it was just as good.  I think this method will work with any seafood you choose to use.

Give it try and let me know what you think.

Uncle T