Experience a burst of Brazilian flavor with these irresistible Grilled Picarones, perfect for any gathering. These sweet potato fritters paired with a spicy aioli will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I fell in love with Grilled Picarones during a trip to Brazil, where the combination of sweet and spicy flavors captivated my palate. They quickly became my go-to appetizer for dinner parties, impressing everyone with their unique taste and presentation.

Why You’ll Love It Too

  • Quick prep and cook time, perfect for last-minute guests.
  • Simple ingredients make it approachable for any home cook.
  • Sweet and savory flavor profile appeals to all ages.
  • Great for outdoor grilling or broiling.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free.

Ingredient Notes

1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes provides a sweet base; you can use canned sweet potatoes if in a pinch. 2 tablespoons of tapioca flour help bind the fritters – consider using cornstarch for a gluten-free option. 1 pound of shrimp adds a savory kick; replace with cooked chicken for an alternative. 1/2 cup of mayonnaise is the base for the aioli, and you can spike it with lime juice or garlic if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your broiler and lightly oil a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, tapioca flour, and diced shrimp until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Form small patties and place them on the baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Broil for about 7 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
  5. Step 5: For the aioli, mix mayonnaise with desired spices and serve alongside the fritters.

Things I’ve Learned

Letting the fritters sit for a few minutes before cooking can help them firm up. If they fall apart, add a touch more tapioca flour to bind. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a hot pan or oven for best results. These can also be made ahead of time and frozen before broiling; just adjust cooking time if using frozen fritters.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these vegetarian?

A: Absolutely

Q: What can I substitute for sweet potatoes?

A: Pumpkins or butternut squash work beautifully and provide a similar flavor

Q: How long do the fritters last in the fridge?

A: They will last about 3 days; keep in an airtight container

Q: Can I make a dairy-free aioli?

A: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan version to keep it plant-based

Four-Ingredient Grilled Picarones with Spicy Aioli

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tapioca flour
  • 1 pound cooked shrimp, diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Preheat your broiler and lightly oil a baking sheet.
  2. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, tapioca flour, and diced shrimp until well combined.
  3. Form small patties and place them on the baking sheet.
  4. Broil for about 7 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy.
  5. For the aioli, mix mayonnaise with desired spices and serve alongside the fritters.

This recipe has become a go-to favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine!