Easy Salmon Patties and Shrimp with Cheesy Eggs and Grits Recipe
There’s something about the wildness of cooking that makes it feel like an adventure. Honestly, my kitchen can sometimes be a chaotic space; it’s where burnt toast and spilled milk somehow coexist with the rise of delicious aromas. And this salmon patties and shrimp with cheesy eggs and grits recipe? It holds a special place in my food-loving heart.
Let me take you back a few years. Picture it: I’m rummaging through my pantry, trying to whip up something for dinner. A box of grits on one shelf, a can of salmon on another—those lightbulb moments never come easy! Insert eye roll here. That day, I was really just aiming for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal that tickled the taste buds while being budget-friendly enough to keep my wallet from throwing a tantrum. Some trial and error later, I stumbled upon this delicious combination. Who knew canned salmon, shrimp, and creamy cheesy eggs could create a dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl?
This recipe not only brought a wave of nostalgia but also a chorus of gratitude from my family. The smell of frying salmon patties mingling with the saltiness of shrimp and the cheesy goodness of scrambled eggs wafted through my home like a soothing balm. It was one of those evenings when soft lighting flickered, rain pattered against the window, and we all gathered together, mouths watering in anticipation.
Let’s be real: cozy dinners like this are where memories are born. And that same delicious warmth wraps itself around every plate of this meal, creating a sanctuary against the hectic world outside. I might have had a few explosive moments in the kitchen (oops), but everything fell into place with this recipe. Trust me, it’s worth every bit of effort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of high protein meals ingredients, you can pull this off on a busy weekday without running for takeout.
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s simple, satisfying comfort food that satisfies the soul.
- Kid-Approved: My picky eaters absolutely devour this meal! Salmon patties? No problem. They’ll ask for seconds.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Leftovers make the best lunches, and these foods meet my criteria for easy high protein high calorie meals!
- Versatile: You can easily switch it up to cater to your taste buds or what you have in your fridge.
- Inexpensive Ingredients: A go-to when you want something nutritious without breaking the bank.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Let’s delve a little deeper. The unique blend of flavors here comes from that beautiful marriage of the earthy, crunchy salmon patties contrasting against the sweet and succulent shrimp. Add in creamy, cheesy eggs and velvety grits, and oh boy, your taste buds will be dancing. It’s like a mini full English breakfast right at home, minus the fuss.
Each bite is a delightful surprise; you’ve got the crunchy exterior of the salmon patties combined with the gooey cheesiness of the scrambled eggs. When you bring this to the table, everyone’s in for a treat they didn’t see coming!
Ingredients
- Canned salmon: The star of the show! Not only is it a high protein ready-made meal, but it also adds a rich flavor that really shines through in these patties. Try to go for wild salmon if you can; that will amp up the taste!
- Bread crumbs: These serve as the binding ingredient for the patties. They add a nice texture, offering a delightful crunch. Don’t skimp! I usually go for panko for that extra crispy bite!
- Egg: This helps unify the bombshell flavors and also binds the patties together. Yep, a single egg can be a real lifesaver!
- Green onions: They add a fresh, zesty kick. Plus, who doesn’t want a pop of color?
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined to keep things simple. Shrimp brings a sweet seafood flavor that complements our salmon patties. Make sure to get good quality!
- Eggs: More eggs! These become the canvas for our creamy cheesy concoction.
- Cheese: I like to whip in good old cheddar, but feel free to use your favorite melting cheese—cream cheese or even mozzarella would work wonders.
- Grits: The comfort component! They provide that silky finish and balance out the oceanic tastes of the salmon and shrimp.
- Milk, salt, pepper, butter: Just simple flavor enhancers. The milk makes the grits mouthwateringly creamy; the butter gives everything that rich depth!
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s tackle this together! Before you know it, you’re going to have a plate of dreamy salmon patties and delicious shrimp ready to devour.
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Patties
Start by combining the canned salmon, bread crumbs, chopped green onions, and an egg in a large mixing bowl. It’s an oddly satisfying mix! Honestly, when you combine those simple ingredients, you might not expect much, but once you start to mash and blend everything together, the warmth of the salmon comes through beautifully. Mix them until everything’s combined but don’t overdo it! You want a pleasant texture, not a mush.
Step 2: Get Frying
Grab a skillet, and drizzle in some oil over medium heat. You’ll want enough to coat the bottom well—this isn’t a time to skimp if you want that beautiful golden crust. Form your salmon mixture into patties of your desired size (I typically go for about three inches wide). You might even want to slightly squish them to form that crunchy crust. Place them in the hot skillet and sauté until each side turns golden brown. The sizzle? Oh, pure bliss!
Step 3: Fluffy Grits
In the meantime, bring water to a boil in another pot and add the grits, milk, salt, and butter according to package instructions. For the best results, you want them to softly simmer, thickening up into a creamy dreamlike consistency. Trust me; put that whisk to work, and you’ll be rewarded with velvety grits that might have you questioning if you ever really needed a four-course meal!
Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
Now, turn your attention to the shrimp in another pan. Toss them in and cook until they turn pink; it doesn’t take long! An impromptu dance party in the kitchen while you stir the shrimp is completely acceptable—and might just be a game changer for both your cooking skills and night!
Step 5: Scramble Those Eggs
Finally, in that same skillet—once your salmon patties are done and resting on a plate—crack more eggs. As they cook, sprinkle in your cheese until you have that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Stir, stir, stir! You want those curds to come together deliciously.
Step 6: Serve With Love
Now that everything is prepared, there’s no need to rush. Line your plate with a bed of hot grits, top it with a couple of your salmon patties, and add the shrimp confidently. And don’t forget the cheesy eggs! It’s a plate that will make your heart sing.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip on seasoning: Adding sufficient salt and pepper is essential! It highlights the flavors beautifully.
- Let the ingredients shine: Using quality ingredients, especially when it comes to shrimp, makes a significant difference.
- Chill the patties if necessary: If you feel the mixture is a tad too wet, let it chill in the fridge for a bit before frying.
- Experiment: Feel free to try adding diced bell peppers or buffalo sauce into your salmon mix for a flavor punch!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian version: Sub the salmon with mashed chickpeas and some spices—trust me, they hold up quite well!
- Spice it up: Throw in some Cajun seasoning or minced jalapeño for a kick.
- Dairy-free: For a nondairy alternative, make the grits with almond milk and use a dairy-free cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This meal shines as is, but if you want to take it a notch higher, I’d suggest pairing it with a lightly dressed salad. Imagine a refreshing cucumber salad alongside! If you’re feeling indulgent, a glass of crisp white wine would complement this beautifully. As for dessert? Something simple, like a fruit sorbet, to cleanse the palate! Honestly, this and a rom-com is perfection.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have extras (though let’s be real, it’s hard not to devour it all), store the components separately. The salmon patties and shrimp will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, just pop them in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them from drying out. For grits, add a little milk to loosen them up and warm gently.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
You can prepare the salmon patties ahead of time and freeze them! Just form and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them into a zip-top bag, and you can pull them out as needed for a quick meal later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp will leave you with rubbery bites. Be mindful!
- Skipping the resting time for salmon patties if they are too wet—let them chill out for better frying.
- Pouring too much liquid into grits—stick to the proportions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes! Just cook and flake it, but make sure to adjust for any additional liquid. -
Can I make these grits in advance?
You can, but remember to add a splash of liquid when reheating to bring them back to life! -
What cheese works best for eggs?
You can really use any cheese you love! Just be aware of how each type melts—go for the ooey-gooey types.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet for frying
- Mixing bowl
- Pot for boiling grits
- Whisk or spatula for stirring eggs
- Baking sheet if freezing patties
Final Thoughts
This salmon patties and shrimp with cheesy eggs and grits recipe holds a treasure trove of flavors, memories, and comfort all wrapped into one exquisite plate. I truly hope you find joy in cooking—and perhaps a bit of chaos—just like I did. Cooking isn’t about perfection but about connection, memories, and laughter.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Your kitchen adventures await!
Salmon Patties and Shrimp with Cheesy Eggs and Grits
Ingredients
For the Salmon Patties
- 1 can Canned salmon Try to go for wild salmon for better flavor.
- 1 cup Bread crumbs Panko is recommended for extra crunch.
- 1 large Egg Binds the patties together.
- 2 tablespoons Green onions Chopped, adds freshness and color.
- 1 tablespoon Oil For frying the patties.
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound Shrimp Peeled and deveined.
For the Cheesy Eggs
- 4 large Eggs More eggs for scrambling.
- 1 cup Cheese Use cheddar, cream cheese, or mozzarella.
For the Grits
- 1 cup Grits Comfort component, provides silky consistency.
- 3 cups Water For boiling grits.
- 1 cup Milk Makes the grits creamy.
- 1 tablespoon Butter Adds richness.
- to taste Salt Flavor enhancement.
- to taste Pepper Flavor enhancement.
Instructions
Preparation of Salmon Patties
- In a large mixing bowl, combine canned salmon, bread crumbs, chopped green onions, and an egg.
- Mix until combined, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture pleasant.
Frying
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Form the salmon mixture into patties and fry in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.
Cooking Grits
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add grits, milk, salt, and butter.
- Simmer while whisking until thick and creamy.
Cooking Shrimp
- In another pan, sauté the shrimp until they turn pink.
Scrambling Eggs
- In the same skillet used for the patties, crack eggs and cook while stirring.
- Add cheese until melted and mixed into the eggs.
Serving
- Serve the dish by layering hot grits, salmon patties, shrimp, and cheesy eggs.
