Shrimp and Creamed Corn

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer with this quick and delicious Shrimp and Creamed Corn recipe! Large, juicy shrimp seasoned with smoky chili powder pair beautifully with sweet corn kernels in a creamy feta-lime sauce. Fresh cilantro and a touch of lime juice add a bright, zesty finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a dinner party, this one-pan dish is as versatile as it is flavorful. Serve it with fluffy rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce. It’s a show-stopping, fuss-free meal your family will adore!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • For the Shrimp:
    • 1.5 lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, about 15-20 count per pound)
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Creamed Corn:
    • 2 tablespoons salted butter
    • ½ cup chopped onion
    • 5 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (grilled or boiled from 2 ears of corn)
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 cup half-and-half
    • 4 oz feta cheese, divided (crumbled from a block is best)
    • 2 small limes (juice from 1, slices from another)
    • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions:

  1. Cook the Shrimp:
    • Heat a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat.
    • Sprinkle shrimp with chili powder and salt. Add to the skillet in a single layer without crowding.
    • Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
  2. Prepare the Creamed Corn:
    • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sprinkle lightly with salt, and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 2 additional minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
    • Add corn kernels and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
    • Pour in half-and-half, bring to a gentle simmer, and mix in 3 oz of crumbled feta cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  3. Combine and Garnish:
    • Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the sauce. Return shrimp to the skillet and gently reheat.
    • Top with the remaining corn, lime slices, and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle extra chili powder or smoked paprika, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 455 kcal | Servings: 4

A Summer Delight Bursting with Flavor

Shrimp and creamed corn is the epitome of summer dining fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. This dish seamlessly blends the sweetness of corn, the zest of lime, the smoky heat of spices, and the creamy richness of feta cheese into a single harmonious plate. Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican street corn, this one-pan recipe is a celebration of simplicity and culinary brilliance. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a delightful experience for your taste buds and a breeze in preparation.

A Celebration of Seasonal Ingredients

Fresh, in-season produce is the heart of this recipe, with corn taking center stage. Corn on the cob, particularly when grilled, offers a smoky sweetness that canned or frozen kernels simply can’t replicate. Shrimp, another key player, adds a touch of luxury to the dish. The natural sweetness of shrimp complements the corn beautifully, while their firm, juicy texture makes every bite satisfying. Fresh cilantro and lime bring brightness, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce and adding layers of freshness to the dish.

The spices, including smoked paprika and chili powder, add depth and complexity. These flavors are reminiscent of the seasonings used in Mexican cuisine, giving the dish its bold and exciting taste profile. The creamy feta sauce, made with half-and-half, serves as the ultimate finishing touch, binding the elements together with a velvety texture that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Versatility Meets Simplicity

One of the most appealing aspects of shrimp and creamed corn is its versatility. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, yet it’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party or special occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from jasmine rice to roasted vegetables or even a light salad. For those looking to keep things low-carb, cauliflower rice or quinoa offers an excellent base to soak up the creamy sauce.

Moreover, this recipe is adaptable to individual tastes. Want to amp up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a more herbaceous profile? Toss in some fresh parsley or chives alongside the cilantro. Even the choice of shrimp size can be adjusted based on availability or preference.

Nutritional Highlights

Shrimp and creamed corn strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition. Shrimp are a lean protein source, rich in vitamins and minerals such as selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. Corn contributes dietary fiber and natural sugars that provide a hint of sweetness without the need for added sugar. The dish also benefits from the inclusion of healthy fats from olive oil and the richness of half-and-half, making it a satisfying yet wholesome meal.

The use of feta cheese deserves special mention. Opting for a block of feta rather than pre-crumbled varieties ensures better flavor and a smoother melting consistency. Feta is not only a great source of calcium but also adds a salty, tangy punch that elevates the overall flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is an excellent example of achieving balance in cooking. The sweet corn contrasts beautifully with the spicy chili powder and smoked paprika, creating layers of flavor that keep each bite exciting. The lime juice adds acidity, cutting through the richness of the cream, while the cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note. Together, these elements create a cohesive, restaurant-quality dish that’s both satisfying and approachable.

The one-pan method also makes this recipe a standout. By cooking everything in the same skillet, not only is the cooking process simplified, but the flavors also have the opportunity to meld together, creating a depth and complexity that’s hard to achieve with multiple cooking vessels.

Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh corn on the cob and peel your shrimp just before cooking. Fresh ingredients truly make a difference in a dish like this.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly usually within 3-4 minutes. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep a close eye on them.
  3. Grill the Corn: If you have the option, grilling the corn before slicing it off the cob will add a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
  4. Customize the Creaminess: While half-and-half provides a nice balance, you can use heavy cream for an even richer sauce or substitute with milk for a lighter version.
  5. Serve Immediately: While the dish can be reheated, it’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.

The Perfect Summer Dish

What makes shrimp and creamed corn stand out is how it encapsulates the essence of summer dining. It’s light enough for warm evenings, yet hearty and satisfying. The combination of shrimp, corn, and spices offers a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, making it a dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Whether you serve it with fluffy jasmine rice, tuck it into tortillas for a taco-inspired twist, or pair it with a crisp glass of white wine, this dish is sure to impress. It’s a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Conclusion:

Shrimp and creamed corn is a recipe that deserves a place in every cook’s repertoire. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The fresh, seasonal ingredients shine, and the adaptability of the dish ensures it can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs.

By combining the sweetness of corn, the succulence of shrimp, and the boldness of Mexican-inspired spices, this dish offers a dining experience that is both comforting and exciting. Serve it to your family, share it with friends, or enjoy it as a solo indulgence you won’t be disappointed.

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