Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta

If you’re searching for a meal that combines comfort with a punch of flavor, look no further than Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp served over Parmesan Corn Polenta. This dish marries the richness of buttery shrimp with the creamy, cheesy goodness of polenta, creating a culinary experience that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The spicy kick and the bright notes of lemon perfectly complement the savory shrimp, while the polenta provides a hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Let’s explore how to make this delightful dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Parmesan Corn Polenta

1. Boil the Liquid: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Polenta: Slowly whisk in the cornmeal, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, for about 20-25 minutes or until the polenta thickens and the grains are tender.
3. Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, butter, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the polenta is creamy and well combined.
4. Keep Warm: Remove from heat and cover to keep warm while you prepare the shrimp.

2. Cook the Shrimp

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Add Lemon: Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and add the zest, tossing everything to combine. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld together.

3. Assemble the Dish

1. Plate the Polenta: Spoon a generous portion of the Parmesan corn polenta onto each plate, creating a bed for the shrimp.
2. Top with Shrimp: Arrange the spicy garlic lemon butter shrimp over the polenta.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Tips for Perfect Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp, preferably wild-caught. Frozen shrimp can be used in a pinch but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the quantity, or omit it altogether.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

The Magic of Parmesan Corn Polenta

Polenta, a classic Italian dish made from cornmeal, is transformed into a luxurious side when combined with Parmesan cheese and butter. The addition of cream further elevates its richness, making it the perfect accompaniment to the bold flavors of the shrimp. This Parmesan corn polenta is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile, pairing well with various proteins, from grilled chicken to sautéed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a few complementary sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for added texture and color.
• Crusty Bread: Use a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce from the shrimp and polenta.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Instant Polenta?

• Yes, instant polenta is a quicker alternative that can save time. However, the texture may be slightly different from traditional slow-cooked polenta.

Can I Substitute the Shrimp?

• If you prefer, you can substitute shrimp with scallops, chicken, or even tofu for a different protein option.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

• Yes, both the shrimp and polenta are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

• The polenta can be made ahead and reheated with a little extra cream or broth to loosen it up. The shrimp is best cooked fresh to maintain its tender texture.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid to keep the polenta creamy.

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta is a dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures in a way that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this meal is a surefire way to satisfy any palate. Enjoy the perfect balance of spice, citrus, and creamy goodness in every bite!

Yield: 6

Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp with Parmesan Corn Polenta

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If you're searching for a meal that combines comfort with a punch of flavor, look no further than Spicy Garlic Lemon Butter Shrimp served over Parmesan Corn Polenta. This dish marries the richness of buttery shrimp with the creamy, cheesy goodness of polenta, creating a culinary experience that's both satisfying and indulgent. The spicy kick and the bright notes of lemon perfectly complement the savory shrimp, while the polenta provides a hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Let’s explore how to make this delightful dish.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• Parmesan Corn Polenta:
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 ears corn – kernels removed from the cob
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup dry polenta
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• kosher salt and black pepper
• Shrimp:
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• juice from 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. To make the polenta. In a medium pot, melt together the butter and corn. Cook 5-8 minutes, until the butter browns around the corn. Add 2 cups water and the milk. Bring to a low boil, then whisk in the polenta, stirring until the polenta is soft and thick, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the parmesan and season with salt and pepper. Turn the heat off, cover the pot, and let the polenta sit 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make the shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, shrimp, cajun seasonings, and a big pinch of pepper. Cook on both sides until seared, about 2-3 minutes per side. Stir in the garlic and thyme and continue to cook until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and basil.

3. Spoon the polenta into bowls, then spoon the shrimp and sauce over the polenta. Eat and enjoy!

Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: mix 2 1/2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon black pepper. Makes 3/4 cup. 

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 420