South Carolina Grilled Hoppin’ John Fritters

Introduction

Ready to bring a Southern tradition to your grill? These South Carolina Grilled Hoppin’ John Fritters pack bold Lowcountry flavor into crispy, savory bites all cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. By transforming the black-eyed peas and rice combo into fritters, we're giving Hoppin’ John a golden, caramelized twist with plenty of crunch. The flat top cooktop’s even sear ensures perfect texture without ever burning the fritters. Let’s honor this Southern classic with a twist your tastebuds won’t forget.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas, mashed slightly
• 1 cup cooked white rice (cooled)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp butter (for grill use)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Fire up your Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the oil-soaked napkins inside the center base of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack quality firewood on top of the napkins.
4. Light the paper with a match or lighter.
5. Let the grill heat up for 20 minutes. You’re ready to cook when the flat top griddle is hot and the center grate hits searing temps.

Step 2: Make the fritter mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine mashed black-eyed peas, cooked rice, scallions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic.
2. Crack the egg into the bowl and mix well.
3. Add flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix until the batter holds its shape when formed into a patty.

Step 3: Form the fritters

1. With clean hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, then gently flatten into patties about 2.5 inches wide.
2. Place them on a tray and let them chill for 10 minutes to firm up before grilling.

Step 4: Grill the fritters on the Arteflame

1. Add butter to the medium-high temp zone of your flat top cooktop.
2. Place each fritter on the buttered area, using the inner ring of the cooktop where it’s hotter (but not close to the center grate).
3. Grill until the bottom is golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes, then flip and grill the other side for another 3–4 minutes.
4. Keep finished fritters warm by moving them to the cooler outer edge of the cooktop.

Step 5: Finish and plate

1. Once all fritters are grilled, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot as a side dish, appetizer, or hearty vegetarian Southern main course.

Tips

• Use the hotter inner cooktop zone to get a golden crust, then move fritters to the outer zone to keep warm.
• Butter on the flat top boosts flavor and gives the fritters a savory sear.
• Chill fritters briefly before grilling—they hold together better this way.
• If your fritters seem loose, add a bit more flour or cornmeal to bind.
• No need to flip constantly—just once is perfect for that crispy crust.

Variations

1. Cheesy Fritters: Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar to the mix for a rich, melty center.
2. Spicy Jalapeño Fritters: Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
3. Bacon-Infused Fritters: Fold in 1/3 cup of crisp-cooked chopped bacon for smoky flavor.
4. Sweet Corn Hoppin’ John Fritters: Add 1/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels for a sweet pop.
5. Smoky Sausage Hoppin’ John Fritters: Mix in 1/3 cup cooked and crumbled andouille sausage before forming patties.

Best pairings

• Grilled collard greens with smoked sea salt
• Sweet cornbread grilled on the Arteflame edge for maximum crust
• Hot honey glazed grilled chicken thighs
• Stone-ground mustard dipping sauce
• Sweet tea or a bourbon-spiked peach iced tea

Conclusion

South Carolina Grilled Hoppin’ John Fritters offer a fun twist on a Southern tradition that’s perfect for your next cookout or holiday meal. Thanks to the Arteflame grill’s perfect flat top heat distribution, you’re guaranteed a golden crust and even cook—without using pots, pans, or an oven. Fire up and enjoy the Southern comfort, bite by bite.