Description
These Grilled Shrimp and Cheddar Grit Fritters with Smoky Cream are a delightful Southern twist on a classic appetizer. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside, they are perfect for entertaining or as a special treat. The smoky cream adds a creamy and zesty finish that complements the fritters beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
For the fritters:
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking grits
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup grilled shrimp (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup green onions (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- vegetable oil for frying
For the smoky cream:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fritters: In a saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Slowly stir in the grits and cook according to package instructions, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Let cool slightly.
- Mix the ingredients: Once grits are cool enough to handle, mix in chopped shrimp, egg, green onions, flour, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until combined. Refrigerate mixture for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Fry the fritters: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture into the oil, flattening slightly with the back of a spoon. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
- Make the smoky cream: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Serve warm fritters with a dollop of smoky cream and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Notes
- These fritters can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for a crispy finish.
- Try adding cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Use stone-ground grits for a more rustic texture, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters with sauce
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
