Shrimp And Grits Bites Recipes

THE BEST SHRIMP AND GRITS

Steps:

• Bring the milk, 2 cups water, 2 3/4 teaspoons salt and the sugar to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Vigorously whisk in the grits until the liquid comes back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer, whisking occasionally and scraping the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking, until the grits are tender and thick, 35 to 45 minutes. Whisk in the butter until melted. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil a large skillet over high heat until you see wisps of smoke rising from the pan. Cook half the shrimp until lightly browned on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a large bowl. Repeat with 1 more tablespoon of the oil and the remaining shrimp.
• Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the andouille in an even layer. Cook undisturbed until browned on one side, about 1 minute. Transfer to the bowl with the shrimp.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in the same skillet and add the garlic, bell peppers, onions, jalapeno, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until brick-red colored, about 1 minute. Add the wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the sauce reduces and you can no longer smell any alcohol, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shrimp, andouille, any accumulated juices and 1/4 cup water and cook until the sauce is slightly reduced and the shrimp are cooked through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the warm grits among plates. Serve the shrimp and andouille over the grits. Garnish with the scallions.

SHRIMP & GRITS CANAPES

Steps:

• 1. In a small sauce pan with a tight fitting lid over medium-high heat, bring 2 cups of water or chicken stock and grits to a boil, stirring often.
• 2. Turn the heat down to medium, add parsley and scallions, place lid on pan and continue to simmer the grits until they are tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• 3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil and while the oven is preheating, place a baking sheet inside to heat with the oven. In a small bowl, coat the shrimp in Cajun seasoning. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and, in a single layer, add the shrimp. Place the pan back in the oven and broil the shrimp for 3-5 minutes or until their color changes and they start to curl. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• 4. Now turn the oven down to 400° F. With non-stick cooking spray, coat the mini muffin tin(s). Fill each tin about half way full with the grits mixture. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Remove from the oven and cool. After cooled, remove from tins.
• 5. In a food processor, grind tasso ham until finely chopped. Next add the cream cheese and blend into the ham creating a mousse.
• 6. To assemble, place a dollop of tasso ham mousse on top of each grit cake and top with one roasted shrimp. Garnish with a chive, optional.
• 7. Note: Tasso ham is just a smoked ham piece slathered in cajun seasonings. If Tasso ham is unavailable in your area, you can purchase a small piece of smoked ham and grind it with Cajun seasoning to create the spicy mousse.

CHEESY SHRIMP AND GRITS

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil in a pot. Add salt and pepper. Stir in grits; reduce heat and let simmer until water is absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar cheese and butter.
• Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
• Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels.
• Heat remaining bacon grease in the skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp until they are bright pink on the outside and the meat is opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Add bacon, scallions, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Saute for 3 minutes.
• Spoon grits into a serving bowl. Add shrimp mixture and mix well. Serve immediately.

SHRIMP AND GRITS BITES

Steps:

• In 10-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp; drain on paper towels. Crumble; set aside. Reserve drippings. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, heat broth to boiling over high heat. Gradually stir in grits and salt. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until grits are thickened. Stir in cheese and bacon. Spoon into pan. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
• Heat oven to 450°F. Run spatula around edge of pan and under grits to loosen edges; turn upside down onto large cutting board. Using 1 3/4-inch round cutter, cut grits into 30 rounds. Place in single layer on large cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes; turn cakes over. Bake 10 to 12 minutes longer or until crisp and browned.
• Meanwhile, add shrimp and garlic to bacon drippings in skillet. Cook over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp are pink. Stir in tomatoes. Reduce heat; simmer 1 minute. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
• Top each grits cake with 1 heaping teaspoon shrimp mixture; sprinkle with onions.