Shrek Inspired Rotisserie Style Weed Rat Recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People

There are few films that stand the test of time quite like the lasting impression Shrek has had on the past few generations. Lucky enough to have been the actual target audience for the movie at its release, I was at the ripe age of 11 when Shrek first hit theaters. Some of my fondest memories from elementary school involve the excitement as the teacher rolled in the stand TV—and the classroom became absolutely feral when we realized we were watching Shrek.

Since then, Shrek has spawned its own cinematic universe with multiple sequels and even a successful spin-off series in Puss in Boots. And honestly, most of the movies stand up, even decades after their original release.

As a kid mostly raised on Disney movies, Shrek took the standard fairytale trope and flipped it on its head. The original movie follows the journey of Shrek, a solitary ogre, who finds his swamp overrun by displaced fairy tale characters. To reclaim his land, Shrek strikes a deal with Lord Farquaad and sets off to rescue Princess Fiona, accompanied by a talkative Donkey. The adventure transforms into a tale of friendship, love, and self-acceptance, challenging the norms of beauty and heroism.

The first movie captures the development of Shrek and Fiona’s genuine relationship, even before Shrek learns about the curse that transforms Fiona into her own ogre form after sunset. In one particularly memorable scene, Shrek prepares a quick dinner for them, roasting “weed rats” rotisserie style.

This depiction of rotisserie weed rat has intriguingly lived rent-free in my head for over two decades. And I’m definitely no stranger to Shrek-themed dinner parties – like this Shrekcuterie board.

So, after dozens of requests over on TikTok to recreate this fairytale dinner, I decided it was high time to venture out of my own swamp and into a land far, far away to make this edible weed rat.

Here’s What You Need

• Ground chicken: Acts as the main body of the dish, providing a lean, versatile protein base.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the flavor.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and helps with the coating process.
• Bacon: Offers a smoky flavor and an interesting textural contrast.
• Flour: Coats the chicken, helping the egg and breadcrumbs to adhere.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy outer layer when fried.
• Vegetable oil: Used for frying, giving the dish a golden color and crispy texture.

Let’s Cook!

First up, grab a large bowl and get your ground chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and one egg into the mix. Stir these ingredients together until everything’s well combined.

Bacon Wraps

Now, take those bacon strips and twist them into thinner pieces. We’re wrapping these around wooden skewers to mimic rat tails. Lay out the skewers on a baking sheet for the next part.

Shaping Our Rats

With the skewers ready, let’s tackle the chicken mixture. You’ll want to grab about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of the mix for each skewer. Shape the chicken around the skewer, fashioning a rat body complete with a head and ears, and leave the bacon tail sticking out.

Freeze Frame

Before we go any further, these chicken rats need a quick chill. Pop them in the freezer for about an hour. You’re not freezing them solid, just firming them up so they hold their shape better for the next steps.

Dredging Station

Set up three bowls for a classic dredging process: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Take each skewer and toss in flour, then the egg, and finish with a coat of breadcrumbs. This coating is key for that perfect crispy finish.

Cooking Options

You’ve got options here: rotisserie or oven + frying.

For the Rotisserie Fans: If you’re using a rotisserie spit, shape the chicken and bacon directly onto the spit. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. The goal is a fully cooked interior and a nicely browned exterior.

Oven + Frying Method: No rotisserie spit? No problem! After dredging, bake these breaded critters at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. They should be cooked through. If you’re after a golden crust, give them a quick fry in hot vegetable oil for 3-5 minutes.

Tips & Troubleshooting

• Ensuring Even Cooking: The chicken should be frozen just until firm but not solid to maintain shape while allowing for even cooking. If the chicken is too frozen, it may not cook evenly, leading to a crispy exterior with an undercooked interior.
• Achieving the Perfect Crust: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying—about 350°F to 375°F. A cooking thermometer can help with accuracy. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb it and become greasy. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked.
• Preventing Breadcrumbs from Falling Off: Let the breaded ‘rats’ sit for a few minutes after dredging and before frying. This helps the coating to set and stick better during the frying process.
• Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked chicken. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Creating a Smoother Dredging Process: Keep one hand dry for handling the flour and breadcrumbs and the other wet for the egg wash to avoid clumping and ensure a more even coating.

With the recipe now ready for the world to try, this edible tribute to “Shrek” offers a unique way to bring a piece of cinematic history to your table. It’s a creative nod to a film that has captivated audiences for years, turning a humorous on-screen moment into a real-world culinary experience. This endeavor was all about bringing a bit of “Shrek’s” world into our kitchens and dining rooms, providing a playful yet edible dish that goes beyond the ordinary.

Whether you’re hosting a movie night, looking for a novel dish to surprise guests, or simply a fan wanting to connect with your favorite film in a new way, this recipe is your gateway to making mealtime a little more magical. As you prepare this dish, remember that the essence of cooking lies in experimentation and fun, transforming everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

The SHREK Cheese Board aka “Shrekuterie”