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Shrimp & Grits Appetizer
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Shrimp & Grits Appetizer

These bite-sized shrimp and grits appetizers are a fun way to serve Southern comfort in party form.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 20 appetizers
Calories: 91kcal
Author: Laura Lynch

Ingredients

For the grits

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup grits
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ounce cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar shredded

For the shrimp & sauce

  • 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seasoning divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 scallion thinly sliced
  • 1 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili peppers + a spoonful of its oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Bring the chicken stock to a boil in a pot. Add the grits and whisk. Reduce the heat to low and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Then add the butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar. Stir until smooth. If necessary, add a little water to thin it out a little. Set aside.
  • Toss the shrimp with olive oil and half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook the shrimp in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and tent with foil.
  • In the same pan, add butter and scallions. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the remaining cajun seasoning, Calabrian peppers and their oil. Cook for another minute.
  • Add chicken stock and scrape up any brown bits from the pan. Add lemon, worcestershire and cream. Whisk until it comes together as a sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Put the shrimp back in the pan and toss.
  • To serve, put a tablespoon of grits on a small serving dish or spoon. Add a scoop of the chili sauce and a shrimp. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 199mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 562IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.3mg