Spicy Blackened Cod with Creamy Grits and Sautéed Greens
Flaky cod fillets coated in a bold spice blend and quickly seared to perfection, served with creamy, cheesy grits and fresh, vibrant sautéed spinach.
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 15 min
- Total: 25 min
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: $6.14/serving
Dietary
- Gluten-Free
- Nut-Free
- Soy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Pescatarian
- High-Protein
- Low-Sugar
- Low-Calorie
Tags
- quick
- sauté
- healthy
- spicy
- fresh
- smoky
- rich
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound cod fillets
- 2 tablespoon blackened seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cup water
- 1 cup milk (any type)
- 0.75 cup quick-cooking corn grits
- 0.5 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 6 ounce fresh spinach
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and generously sprinkle all sides with blackened seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the cod cooks, bring 2 cups water and 1 cup milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup quick-cooking corn grits, reducing heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon butter into the cooked grits until melted and creamy. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Keep warm.
- In a separate pan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 6 ounces fresh spinach and cook, tossing frequently, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Serve the blackened cod fillets immediately over the creamy grits, alongside the sautéed spinach.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 447
- Protein: 37.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.7 g
- Fat: 15.6 g
- Fiber: 6.1 g
- Sodium: 1721 mg
- Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
- Sugar: 3.8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg