Fans of “Nashville Hot” will enjoy tongue-tingling shellfish atop crispy baked grit cakes with a spicy-sweet sauce.

Spicy Fried Shrimp with Crispy Grit Cakes

For grit cakes, spray a 12x8-in. baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside. Bring chicken stock, 1 cup buttermilk and 2 Tbsp. butter to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Gradually stir in grits. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until very thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup Parmesan cheese until melted. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.

Line a rimmed baking pan with waxed paper; set aside. Peel shrimp, leaving tails attached; pat dry with paper towels. Combine flour, seasoned salt and cayenne pepper in a medium shallow bowl. Whisk together eggs and remaining ¾ cup buttermilk in a small bowl. Dip shrimp, a few at a time, into flour mixture to coat; shake off excess and place in prepared baking pan. Then dip shrimp, a few at a time, into egg mixture; return to flour mixture to coat. Return shrimp to the baking pan; let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, for sauce, melt remaining 3 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in hot sauce and brown sugar; remove from heat. Remove and reserve 3 Tbsp. sauce for garnish. Set aside remaining sauce in skillet.

Place oven rack 6 in. from heat. Preheat broiler to HIGH. Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray. Cut grits into 8 or 12 (2- to 3-in.) rounds using a round biscuit or cookie cutter. Place on prepared baking sheet. Broil for 6 to 10 minutes or until golden and crisp, turning halfway through. Keep warm.

Heat 1/2 in. oil to 350 degrees in 12-in. cast iron skillet over medium heat. Fry shrimp in 2 batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until shrimp reaches 145 degrees and coating is golden brown, turning halfway through. Drain on paper towels. Add fried shrimp to sauce in the skillet; gently toss to coat.

To serve, arrange 2 or 3 grit cakes on each serving plate; top with shrimp. Drizzle shrimp with reserved sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley and pickles, if desired. 

Nutrition facts cannot be accurately calculated for fried foods.