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    Pink Owl Kitchen » southern recipes » Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits

    Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits

    Published: Jun 22, 2020 · Modified: Mar 8, 2022 by Ashley · This post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits dish is a flavorful southern recipe with spicy blackened catfish served over creamy, cheesy grits all topped off with a Cajun cream sauce!

    overhead shot of blackened catfish and smoked gouda grits on a black plate with a blue linen underneath

    I’m participating in the 2021 Black History Virtual Potluck - a collaborative menu of recipes contributed by 40+ black bloggers from around the globe in honor of Black History Month. See a sampling of some of the phenomenal participant recipes down below!

    Jump to:
    • What Does Catfish Taste Like?
    • What Are Grits?
    • What Is Blackened Seasoning?
    • How to Make This Recipe
    • Bringing Everything Together
    • Here Are Some Other Cajun Recipes You Will Love!
    • 📖 Recipe

    For those of you who don't know, I am a Southern girl straight out of Mississippi. One thing that we eat a lot of where I'm from is catfish as it is largely farmed and raised in Mississippi.

    I know not everyone is familiar with or has easy access to catfish in their region. However, I encourage you to give catfish a try if you ever have the opportunity! This Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits recipe is a great one to get started with.

    What Does Catfish Taste Like?

    Catfish is a mild, almost sweet flavored fish with a firmer texture with less flake than other white fish. It is extremely versatile however and can be used in a variety of different recipes.

    What Are Grits?

    Grits are also a uniquely Southern ingredient and are typically served for breakfast. Shrimp and Grits is also a widely known quintessential Southern dish featuring this unique ingredient.

    Grits are basically just ground corn that is boiled and typically has some sort of milk and butter added. Now that you know a little bit about the Southern roots of these ingredients - let's get on with the recipe, shall we?!

    What Is Blackened Seasoning?

    Blackened seasoning, also called blackening seasoning, is a mixture of chili powders, herbs, and spices. It is a spicy seasoning that can be described as a cross between Cajun and Creole seasoning blends. You can purchase premade blackened seasoning from your grocer or you can make it yourself.

    While the seasoning is definitely spicy, it's not overly hot, perfect if you are looking for that bold flavor without an excessive amount of heat. However, when making your own blackened seasoning, you can easily adjust the level of heat to your preference by altering the amount of each spice.

    The term blackening doesn't refer to the seasoning mix, and rather the cooking process itself. It is the generous seasoning of the protein and cooking in hot oil or butter until a dark golden and crispy crust is formed by the seasoning coating.

    My favorite store-bought brand of blackened seasoning is Zatarain's New Orleans Style Blackened Seasoning. If you prefer to make your own blackened seasoning, this is a great recipe by Miss In The Kitchen, and she provides both a spicy and non-spicy option.

    angled shot of blackened catfish and smoked gouda grits on a black plate with a blue linen underneath

    How to Make This Recipe

    This recipe is surprisingly simple to make and comes together quickly. I also made a quick Cajun/Creole Cream Sauce as a delicious finishing touch to bring everything together.

    How to Prepare the Blackened Catfish

    • Rinse and pat your catfish filets dry with paper towels before you get started.
    • Season each side generously with blackening seasoning. Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add catfish.
    • Cook catfish 3-5 minutes per side, adjusting heat if needed. You want a nice crust on the outside of your catfish. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
    blacked catfish fillets on a paper towel lined plate.

    How To Make Smoked Gouda Grits

    • I use stone-ground grits in my recipes as they tend to have more texture and corn flavor than quick-cooking grits. They do take a bit longer to prepare (10-15 minutes) than quick-cooking grits but they are totally worth it!
    • Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add grits into boiling water, stirring constantly. My rule of thumb is two parts water to one part grits. I go with this ratio because I also add half and half to my grits later in the cooking process and it yields a perfect, thick, and creamy grit texture.
    • Once grits come to a boil, reduce heat and cover. Allow grits to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add in half and half and continue to stir. I don't measure the half and half but typically end up adding about ¼ cup or so.
    • Continue to stir grits until creamy and smooth. Test to ensure the texture isn't too "gritty". Add in seasonings of choice. I like to go with salt (if needed), black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    • Once grits have reached the desired consistency (after about 10-12 minutes), add in shredded cheese and stir to combine. I add somewhere between ¾ cup to a full cup of shredded cheese and you want your grits to be nice and cheesy. Lastly, add in a dollop of butter if desired.

    How to Make Cajun Cream Sauce

    • This cream sauce is super quick and easy and can be added to just about any seafood dish!
    • Chop half of a medium onion and half of a seeded red pepper and set aside.
    • Wipe out the skillet that you cooked the fish in, leaving some of the charred bits. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until onion is translucent. Add in two cloves of chopped garlic.
    • Once the garlic is fragrant, add in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until sauce begins to bubble and thicken.
    • Add in 1 teaspoon of blackened seasoning and stir. Once sauce coats the back of a spoon, remove from heat.
    cajun cream sauce in a white bowl.

    Bringing Everything Together

    Spoon two ladles of Smoked Gouda Grits onto a large plate. Place one catfish filet over top of grits and top with two spoon fulls of Cajun Cream Sauce.

    Garnish with chopped scallions and enjoy!

    angled shot of blackened catfish and smoked gouda grits on a black plate with a blue linen underneath

    Here Are Some Other Cajun Recipes You Will Love!

    Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Dip

    Authentic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

    Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet

    📖 Recipe

    overhead shot of blackened catfish over creamy smoked gouda grits topped with cajun cream sauce on a black plate sitting on wooden surface. half of a red pepper in corner

    Blackened Catfish and Smoked Gouda Grits

    Ashley
    This is a classic southern recipe with spicy blackened catfish served over creamy, cheesy grits all topped off with a Cajun cream sauce!
    4.62 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 419 kcal

    Equipment

    • 10-inch casti iron skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 catfish filets rinsed and patted dry, about 1.25 -1.5 pounds
    • 2 tablespoon blackened seasoning recipe linked above in post
    • 2 tbsp olive oil

    Smoked Gouda Grits

    • 1 cup stone ground grits
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup half and half
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 cup Smoked Gouda cheese grated

    Cajun Cream Sauce

    • 2 tablespoon butter
    • ¼ cup yellow onion chopped, about half a medium onion
    • ¼ cup red bell pepper seeded and chopped, about half a medium bell pepper
    • 2 cloves garlic chopped
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon blackened seasoning

    Instructions
     

    For the Blackened Catfish

    • Season both sides of catfish generously with blackened seasoning and set aside.
    • Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add catfish and cook 3-5 minutes per side, adjusting heat if needed.
    • Transfer cooked catfish to paper towel lined plate to drain.

    Smoked Gouda Grits

    • In a medium saucepan, bring one and a half cups of salted water to a boil. Add ¾ cup of stone ground grits to boiling water and stir to combine.
    • Once grits come to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add in half and half to grits and continue to simmer until thick and creamy. Add in salt (if needed), black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
    • Once desired consistency is reached, add in grated Gouda cheese and stir to incorporate. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Cajun Cream Sauce

    • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in same skillet that you cooked the catfish in (wipe out with paper towel first but leave some charred bits).
    • Add chopped onion and bell pepper to skillet and cook until onion is translucent. Add in chopped garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant.
    • Add heavy cream and cook until sauce begins to bubble and thicken, stirring constantly. Add one teaspoon of blackened seasoning to sauce and stir to incorporate.
    • Once sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, remove from heat.
    • Ladle grits onto plate and top with one catfish filet and spoon Cajun Cream Sauce over top. Garnish with chopped scallions.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 419kcalCarbohydrates: 11.1gProtein: 26.5gFat: 30.9gSaturated Fat: 13.7gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 359mgFiber: 0.8gSugar: 2.5g
    Keyword catfish, fish and grits, southern recipes
    Tried this recipe?Tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram! And don't forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and review!

    You can check out some of the other scrumptious recipes featured in the 2021 Black History Month Virtual Potluck below! These recipes were created by some incredibly talented Black food bloggers - show some love!

    Sourdough Discard Honey Rosemary Cornbread | Feed The Malik

    Smoked Jamaica Jerk Chicken | Food Fidelity

    Sweet & Tangy Collards | FoodLoveTog

    Jerk Shrimp Cakes and Grits | Geo's Table

    Gluten-Free Chicken and Waffles with Maple Bourbon Glaze | Good Food Baddie

    Tropical Candied Yams | Handy Chef

    Trinidadian Beef Stew | Heal Me Delicious

    Cornmeal Coo Coo Recipe | HomeMadeZagat

    Caribbean Oxtail | Just Add Hot Sauce

    Creole Oxtails Stew | Kenneth Temple

    Sweet Potato Bundt Cake | Lenox Bakery

    Brown Sugar Cornmeal Waffles w/ Sweet Tea Maple Syrup | Margaritas On The Rocks

    Southern Potato Salad | Meiko And The Dish

    Sugar Coated Vanilla Peanuts | Murielle Banackissa

    Hoppin' John Fritters | Nik Snacks

    Peanut Curry Braised Ribs | Britney Breaks Bread

    Sweet Potato Pop Tarts with Brown Butter Icing | Chenée Today

    Lemon Pepper Honey Chicken Wings | Razzle Dazzle Life

    Cast Iron Buttermilk Biscuits | Seasoned To Taste

    Smoky Sweet Potato and Tahini Stew | Supper With Michelle

    Sweet Potato & Coconut Cinnamon Rolls | Vee the Baker

    Stewed Okra & Tomatoes with Chicken Sausage | Dude That Cookz

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jen

      July 09, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      My first time making grits (how embarassing). I couldn't find stone-ground, but I did find instant and it worked just fine! The flavors in this dish are incredible...my husband said it tasted like we were in a restaurant! thanks for making me look good. Definitely a keeper recipe!

      Reply
      • Ashley

        July 10, 2020 at 1:48 am

        Hi Jen. Grits are definitely one that you’ll keep going back to once you’ve had them. I’m happy you and your husband enjoyed the recipe! Restaurant quality is certainly quite the compliment to receive! ?

        Reply
        • Marlon Boyd

          February 18, 2021 at 9:44 pm

          Not the greAtest cook at all but love how Easy you mad it seEm and broke it down. That sauCe was amazing! Def gonna be a go to meall for me! Thank yoU!

          Reply
          • Ashley

            February 18, 2021 at 9:50 pm

            I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and found it easy to follow! Thank you!

            Reply
    2. Susan

      October 06, 2021 at 1:20 am

      5 stars
      I’ve been wanting to make this dish for a while now and finally did tonight. Our store didn’t have catfish so I substituted with tilapia. This dish is perfection! Absolutely loved it! Can’t wait to make it again, hopefully with catfish!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        October 06, 2021 at 1:34 pm

        Hi Susan,

        I’m so happy you got the opportunity to try the recipe and I’m ecstatic to hear that you enjoyed it! Any flaky white fish works beautifully in this recipe, although I do hope you get to try it with catfish soon as well! Thank you.

        Reply
    3. Stacy S

      October 19, 2021 at 11:45 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! I’m southern by the way of New Orleans and this recipe blew me and my family away. I was tired of shrimp and grits, so searched for something different. Happy I did. Bravo!

      Reply
      • Stacy S

        October 19, 2021 at 11:49 pm

        Sorry just to add a comment for anyone who has not made grits before. Do not use instant! Y’all need to cook the. at least 30-40 minutes to get them creamy. It’ll be worth it.

        Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        October 26, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        Hi Stacy! I was born and raised in Jackson, MS and have tons of friends and family in New Orleans. I call NOLA my second home. I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for giving it a try!

        Reply
    4. Ashlee

      November 29, 2022 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      I never really like grits. I tired several different kinds and thought they just weren't for me. Then I made these .....omg..... AMAZING! Paired with the blackened fish *chef's kiss*!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        November 29, 2022 at 1:19 am

        This comment makes me smile! I'm so happy you found grits that you enjoy. Thank you for trying the recipe!

        Reply
    5. LaTrina Rosemond

      February 15, 2023 at 6:22 pm

      Is there a particular gouda cheese better than others? I plan on making this soon.

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        February 16, 2023 at 1:18 am

        Any young gouda works great. Hard, aged gouda will not melt as well. Smoked gouda is an excellent option!

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Ashley.

    I am a new mom, wife, and creator of all you see here at Pink Owl Kitchen. All of our recipes are influenced by my southern upbringing and are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients to encourage families to come together around the dinner table more!

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