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Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bites

Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bites
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These Cajun Shrimp and Grits Bites are a flavorful Southern-inspired snack featuring creamy, buttery grits combined with tender, spicy shrimp seasoned with authentic Cajun spices. Perfect as bite-sized appetizers, party treats, or a quick flavorful snack, they offer a harmonious blend of textures and bold heat with a customizable spice level to suit any palate.

Ingredients

Shrimp & Seasoning

  • Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (about 1/2 pound)
  • Cajun seasoning (1 to 2 tablespoons, adjust to taste)
  • Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
  • Extra virgin olive oil or olive oil (2 tablespoons for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Grits Mixture

  • Quick-cooking grits (1 cup dry)
  • Butter (2 tablespoons)
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup)
  • Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Green onions, finely chopped (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Grits: Cook the quick-cooking grits according to the package instructions. Stir in butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Allow the grits to cool slightly so they firm up, which makes shaping easier.
  2. Season and Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and lemon juice. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Combine Grits and Shrimp: Gently fold the chopped shrimp and finely chopped green onions into the slightly cooled grits mixture. This helps keep the shrimp tender and evenly distributes the flavors.
  4. Form and Bake Bites: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form small bite-sized balls from the grits and shrimp mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through and slightly golden on the outside.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with more green onions, paprika, remoulade, or spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Let the grits cool enough to firm up for easy shaping into bites.
  • Cook shrimp just until opaque to keep them tender and juicy—avoid overcooking.
  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to customize the spice level.
  • Use a cheese that melts well but doesn’t make the mixture too runny, such as sharp cheddar.
  • Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp yield the best flavor and texture.
  • The recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure that Cajun seasoning blends are gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen before baking.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun shrimp, grits bites, Southern appetizer, spicy snack, party food, bite-sized, gluten free, seafood appetizer

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cajun-shrimp-and-grits-bites/