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Plate of blackened catfish served with creamy grits, garnished with herbs.

Blackened Catfish and Grits

A comforting Southern dish featuring crispy blackened catfish paired with creamy grits. Perfect for any meal of the day and easy to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Catfish

  • 4 pieces catfish fillets Fresh or thawed catfish.
  • 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning Adjust according to taste.

For the Grits

  • 2 cups water For boiling grits.
  • 1 cup grits Stone-ground or quick-cooking.
  • 1 cup milk Substitute with almond milk or coconut milk for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Substitute with olive oil for dairy-free.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Gather all your ingredients. Rinse the catfish fillets under cold water and pat them dry.
  • Measure out grits, water, milk, and butter to ensure everything is ready.

Cooking the Catfish

  • Season both sides of the catfish fillets with blackening seasoning.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
  • Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned catfish fillets in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.

Making the Grits

  • In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
  • Slowly stir in the grits, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Once thickened, stir in the milk, butter, salt, and pepper.

Serving

  • Spoon a generous portion of grits onto a plate and place the blackened catfish on top. Garnish as desired.

Notes

For dietary adjustments, substitute catfish with tilapia or a plant-based protein. Use almond milk for dairy-free options. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keyword Blackened Catfish, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Grits, Southern Cooking