My South Carolina fish and grits recipe has creamy buttery grits with crispy fried fish that will knock your socks off. This low-country comfort food classic will make you feel right at home.
One taste of the cheesy grits will feel like you are right on the South Carolina coast! This southern dish can be made right in the comfort of your home. I can almost bet that it will become a breakfast favorite! The white grits with cajun seasoning is the perfect combination. I love enjoying this dish with a side of andouille sausage. Sometimes, when I’m feeling extra spicy I will pour over some shrimp gravy. Y’all, I’m getting hungry just by the pure mentioning of this Southern staple.
Ingredients For South Carolina Fish and Grits
Fish- I used tilapia but you can go for cod, catfish, or snappers to pair with the grits.
Grits- Try going for stone-ground grits, but if you can’t get your hands on them. Go for yellow grits.
Butter- I mean come on. We can’t have any type of low-country fish and grits without butter being involved.
Heavy Cream- This will give you a delicious hot grits mixture that works well with the cheddar cheese.
How To Make Fish and Grits?
1. Clean the fish and add it to a small bowl.
2. Preheat your vegetable oil to 350 degrees. Be mindful of the high heat. Only use about 3 cups of oil are enough for frying.
3. Meanwhile, add mustard to a bowl along with flour, and seasonings. Coat the fish well.
3. Add the fish to the hot oil in a cast iron pan. Cook until golden brown.
Grits
Start by bringing the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add some salt and stir in the grits. Once the grits have submerged, add in cheese. Cook everything over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until those grits are tender; about 10 to 15 minutes should do it for the perfect fish and grits recipe.
Variations
Cajun Fish- Make your fish creole style by adding a ton of cajun seasoning.
Toppings- add things like tomatoes out of the can on the top of the fillets. I promise everyone at the dinner table will be pleased.
Cheese– You can add different types of cheese, such as gouda cheese or Parmesan cheese.
Chicken- The great part is that this recipe is versatile. You can add chicken to this recipe.
Equipment
Deep Fryer- If you are uncomfortable with cooking with a pot of grease or unsure of how to master the cooking time. Use a deep fryer.
Cast Iron Pan- Using a cast iron pot will give the fish a nice sear but you can use any pan you have.
Cutting Board- You can use a cutting board to season your fish and grits.
Storage
Use separate airtight containers for the leftover fish and grits. This recipe should last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Questions
What goes with fish and grits?
Fish and grits are a meal all on its own. You don’t have to add anything but toppings such as pieces of turkey bacon, green onions, or a drizzle of olive oil just to jazz things up.
How To Make South Carolina Fish and Grits Recipe
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 to 5 Pieces Fish I used tilapia.
- 1 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning Only use half of the seasoning for the fish and the other half for the flour mixture.
- 1 Tablespoons Garlic Powder Only use half of the seasoning for the fish and the other half for the flour mixture.
- 1 Tablespoons Black Pepper Only use half of the seasoning for the fish and the other half for the flour mixture.
- 2 Tablespoons Mustard
- 2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- Vegetable Oil Enough for frying
- Hot Sauce Optional
Cheese Grits
- 2 Cups Grits
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 4 Tablespoons Butter Salted or Unsalted
- 1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping cream
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt To your liking
Instructions
Fish
- Clean the fish and add it to a small bowl.4 to 5 Pieces Fish
- Preheat your vegetable oil to 350 degrees. Be mindful of the high heat. Only use about 3 cups of oil, are enough for frying.Vegetable Oil
- Meanwhile, Add mustard and seasonings along with the flour to your fish. Mix well.1 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning, 1 Tablespoons Garlic Powder, 1 Tablespoons Black Pepper, 2 Tablespoons Mustard, 2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
- Carefully add the fish to the hot oil. Cook until golden brown.
Cheese Grits
- Start by bringing the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add some salt and stir in the grits. Once the grits have submerged, add in cheese. Cook everything over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until those grits are tender – about 10 to 15 minutes should do it for the perfect fish and grits recipe.2 Cups Grits, 4 Cups Chicken Broth, 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 4 Tablespoons Butter, 1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping cream, 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- Top with hot sauce.Hot Sauce
.
I tried these today. The only things I changed was that I used Old Bay seasoning in my grits instead of just salt and I only used one cup of dry grits and they came out perfect. I used my own fish fry recipe for the fish as I’m not too keen on flour batter. This recipe gave me a good starting point.