Best 2 Grilled Shrimp And Eggplant Appetizers Recipes

**Grilled Shrimp and Eggplant Appetizers: A Mediterranean Delight**

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our delectable grilled shrimp and eggplant appetizers. These bite-sized treats offer a symphony of textures and tastes, combining the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the smoky, earthy notes of grilled eggplant. Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, the shrimp and eggplant are grilled to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between tender interiors and slightly charred exteriors. Drizzled with a zesty lemon-tahini sauce, these appetizers are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Accompanying the grilled shrimp and eggplant, you'll find a refreshing cucumber-tomato salad, adding a crisp, cooling balance to the richness of the main dish. For a touch of sophistication, try our elegant grilled shrimp skewers, marinated in a flavorful blend of white wine, garlic, and herbs. These skewers are perfect for a stylish party or gathering. And don't miss our savory grilled eggplant rolls, stuffed with a tantalizing mixture of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. These delectable rolls are sure to impress your guests with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

RAGIN' CAJUN EGGPLANT AND SHRIMP SKILLET

Ragin' Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet image

We always have a large summer garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That's when we harvest our onion, bell pepper, tomatoes and eggplant, the main ingredient of this dish. This recipe turns Cajun with the Holy Trinity (onion, celery and bell pepper), shrimp and red pepper flakes. -Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 celery ribs, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 small green pepper, seeded and diced
3 plum tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 ounces uncooked shell-on shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

Place eggplant in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain., Preheat oven to 350°. In an ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, onion and green pepper; saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in tomatoes and eggplant. Saute 5 minutes. Stir in seasonings. Add shrimp and bread crumbs; saute 5 minutes longer, stirring well., Bake 30 minutes. Remove skillet from oven; top with cheese. Bake 5 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 399 calories, Fat 21g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 131mg cholesterol, Sodium 641mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

GRILLED SHRIMP AND EGGPLANT WITH FISH SAUCE AND MINT

Grilled Shrimp and Eggplant With Fish Sauce and Mint image

The nuoc mam brings out the saline character of the shrimp and seems to heighten the sweetness of the eggplant, while the garlic adds its sharp bite, and the mint a cool freshness.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories dinner, easy, main course

Time 1h

Yield 2 to 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds eggplant, scrubbed, trimmed and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, more as needed
1 pound extra large shrimp, shelled
1 large garlic clove
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus sprigs for garnish
1 tablespoon nuoc mam or nam pla fish sauce, or to taste

Steps:

Preheat a grill to medium or the oven to 425 degrees. Toss eggplant with 6 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place in a grill basket, or spread in an even layer on one or two rimmed baking sheets (leave plenty of room between pieces so they can brown). Grill or roast until eggplant softens and browns, about 10 to 20 minutes.
While eggplant cooks, toss shrimp with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Thread shrimp onto skewers if grilling. If roasting, remove baking sheet from oven and add shrimp, stirring well. Return to oven to bake until shrimp is just opaque and eggplant is golden brown, an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Or grill shrimp alongside eggplant until shrimp is cooked and eggplant very soft and brown, 5 to 10 minutes longer.
Using a mortar and pestle or a heavy knife, pound or mince together the garlic and a pinch of salt until a paste forms (if using a knife, use flat side after garlic is minced). In a bowl or platter, toss shrimp, eggplant, garlic paste, mint and fish sauce together. Serve with mint sprigs for garnish.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 525, UnsaturatedFat 31 grams, Carbohydrate 24 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 25 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 1335 milligrams, Sugar 14 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

To ensure the shrimp and eggplant cook evenly, cut them into uniform sizes.
Marinate the shrimp and eggplant in flavorful ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and spices to enhance their taste.
Use a high-quality grill brush to clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent food from sticking.
Grill the shrimp and eggplant over medium heat to prevent them from burning or drying out.
Keep an eye on the shrimp and eggplant while they are grilling to ensure they don't overcook.
Serve the grilled shrimp and eggplant immediately with desired toppings and sauces for a hot and delicious appetizer.

Conclusion:

These grilled shrimp and eggplant appetizers are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests at any gathering. The succulent shrimp, tender eggplant, and aromatic herbs come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for an easy and flavorful appetizer to enjoy at home, these grilled skewers are sure to be a hit. So fire up your grill and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and healthy appetizer.