Ingredients

8 large shrimp , peeled and deveined
1/2 fresh lime , juiced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper
1/2 fresh lime
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup quick-cooking grits
1 tablespoon half-and-half , or as needed
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce , finely chopped
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 red onion , finely diced
2 cloves garlic , crushed
2 1/4 cups panko bread crumbs , divided
1 cup olive oil for frying , or as needed
Smoked Shrimp and Grit Cakes are a flavorful twist on traditional grits. The smoked shrimp adds a unique and delicious smoky flavor to the dish, while the creamy and spicy grit cakes offer a contrast of textures. Panko bread crumbs give the cakes a nice crispy texture, and a fresh lime wedge adds a touch of acidity. The dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as an appetizer for a party. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress your friends and family.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, lime juice, garlic powder, celery salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground dried chipotle pepper.
2.Preheat a smoker to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C) and smoke the shrimp for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until they are cooked through and infused with a smoky flavor.
3.While the shrimp is smoking, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the grits and reduce the heat to low, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until the grits are thick and creamy. Mix in the half-and-half, finely chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cilantro, and butter. Remove from heat and let cool.
4.In a separate pan, sauté the red onion and garlic over medium heat until the onion is translucent. Mix the onion and garlic into the cooled grits along with 1 cup of panko bread crumbs. Shape the mixture into 8 individual cakes, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
5.Place the remaining 1 1/4 cups of panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each grit cake in the bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the surface to help them adhere.
6.In a large skillet, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Fry the grit cakes over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve with the smoked shrimp on top and a fresh lime wedge.

PROS

Smoked shrimp adds a unique smoky flavor to the dish, while the creamy and spicy grit cakes provide a delicious texture.
Panko bread crumbs give the cakes a nice crisp, and the dish is easy to prepare.

CONS

Frying the grit cakes makes the dish high in calories and fat.

The dish is also relatively high in sodium due to the use of celery salt and adobo sauce.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not particularly healthy, there are some notable health benefits to certain ingredients. Shrimp is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved heart and brain health. Grits are high in carbohydrates, providing energy and fiber. Chipotle peppers are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and potassium. Cilantro has been linked to aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

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