There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of good food, especially during those cooler months when you crave something warm and hearty. Recently, I found myself daydreaming about a dish from my childhood—a creamy, sweet corn dish my grandma used to make. It always seemed to appear whenever family gathered around the table, and the delightful aroma would fill the kitchen as she cooked. Inspired by those cherished memories, I decided to create my own version, pairing the sweetness of corn with succulent shrimp for a modern twist that pays homage to her recipe. The result? A luscious Shrimp with Creamed Corn that’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your own kitchen.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 25 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 350
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbs: 30 grams
- Fats: 18 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugars: 5 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp with Creamed Corn
Why should this dish find a spot in your weeknight rotation? For starters, it’s quick to prepare but packed with flavor. The sweetness of the corn melds beautifully with the savory shrimp, tinged with a smoky hint from the paprika, while the creamy feta and half-and-half create a rich sauce that wraps each bite in decadence. Plus, the addition of fresh cilantro and lime juice at the end brightens everything up, making it the perfect balance of flavors. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your family favorites!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 oz feta cheese, divided
- 2 small limes
- Fresh cilantro
Method:
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, season the shrimp with chili powder and salt, then add them to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Corn and Spices
Add the cooked corn and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring to incorporate all the flavors and let it mingle for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
Step 5: Final Assembly and Heat Up
Squeeze in the juice from one lime for that zesty kick. Add the sautéed shrimp back into the skillet, gently reheating them in the sauce for a minute or two.
Step 6: Garnishing to Perfection
Top the dish with the remaining crumbled feta, corn, a few slices of lime, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. For an optional touch, add extra chili powder or smoked paprika for a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this delightful Shrimp with Creamed Corn with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping or over fluffy jasmine rice for a satisfying meal. A simple arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the dish. Your favorite white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the creamy texture. Note that the shrimp may become slightly tougher upon reheating, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Ensure your shrimp are thawed properly if previously frozen, as this will maintain their texture.
- Fresh corn in season can elevate your dish’s sweetness considerably, so don’t hesitate to use it!
- If you prefer a spice kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes during the cooking process.
- The dish can be made lighter by replacing half-and-half with a low-fat dairy option or a plant-based substitute.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your taste. You could swap out the shrimp for grilled chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Use vegan feta or exclude cheese altogether for a dairy-free option. The smoked paprika could be replaced with curry powder for a unique flavor profile.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. - What if I don’t have half-and-half?
You can use a combination of milk and heavy cream or substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños in the sauté stage will heat things up beautifully. - Can I prepare this in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and add the shrimp just before serving. - What’s a good side dish to serve?
A light salad or steamed broccoli works well to complement the richness of the creamed corn.
Wrapping Up
This Shrimp with Creamed Corn is not just a meal; it’s a story—a delightful blend of flavors that celebrates comfort, warmth, and connection. Whether you whip it up for a family dinner or serve it to impress friends, it’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the cooking magic begin! Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Print
Shrimp with Creamed Corn
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting dish that pairs sweet corn with succulent shrimp, topped with creamy feta and brightened with fresh lime.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 oz feta cheese, divided
- 2 small limes
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Season the shrimp with chili powder and salt, then add them to the skillet. Cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Toss in chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cooked corn and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring to mix all flavors and let it mingle for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in half-and-half and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in half of the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
- Squeeze juice from one lime into the skillet. Add sautéed shrimp back in, gently reheating for a minute or two.
- Top with remaining crumbled feta, corn, lime slices, and fresh cilantro. Optional: Add extra chili powder or smoked paprika for spice.
Notes
Shrimp can be replaced with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for variations. Use fresh corn for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
