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Cheesy Shrimp & Grit Bites

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Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Shrimp:
    • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (halal-certified)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Grits:
    • 1 cup stone-ground grits (ensure it’s a gluten-free version if needed)
    • 4 cups water (or low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor)
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Bites:
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
    • Olive oil spray or additional olive oil for frying

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Fresh, tender shrimp provide the perfect seafood element for this dish, creating a balance between the creamy grits and the savory seafood flavor.
  • Stone-ground Grits: These grits give a hearty, satisfying texture that forms the base of the bites. Their neutral flavor complements the cheesy and shrimp filling.
  • Cheddar & Parmesan: These cheeses provide both sharpness and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, enriching the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: A crispy breadcrumb coating helps to hold the bites together and creates a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Cook the Shrimp:
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp and remove them from the heat. Chop the shrimp into small pieces once they’ve cooled slightly.

Cook the Grits:

  1. Cook the Grits:
    In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water (or broth) to a boil. Add the grits and reduce the heat to low. Stir frequently to prevent clumping. Cook the grits for 20-25 minutes until they are thick and creamy. Add butter, salt, and pepper, and stir until fully incorporated.
  2. Add the Cheeses:
    Once the grits are cooked, remove them from the heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.

Combine the Shrimp and Grits:

  1. Combine Shrimp with Grits:
    Gently fold the chopped shrimp into the cheesy grits mixture. Ensure that the shrimp is evenly distributed throughout the grits. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes to make it easier to form into bites.

Form the Bites:

  1. Shape the Bites:
    Using your hands, form the grits and shrimp mixture into bite-sized balls or patties, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 12-16 bites, depending on the size.

Coat the Bites:

  1. Prepare the Coating:
    In one shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each grits bite into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.

Cook the Bites:

  1. Fry the Bites:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the grits bites into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the bites for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pan and drain on paper towels.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve:
    Arrange the Cheesy Shrimp & Grit Bites on a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/cheesy-shrimp-grit-bites/