Shrimp and polenta – This Southern-inspired meal combines creamy, buttery polenta with succulent, seasoned shrimp, creating a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why Shrimp and Polenta?
Polenta, made from coarsely ground cornmeal, serves as a creamy, hearty base for the savory shrimp. When combined, these ingredients create a balanced dish with contrasting textures and flavors: the velvety polenta complements the tender, juicy shrimp perfectly. This dish is also highly customizable—ideal for personalizing to your taste preferences.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp and Polenta
- Use High-Quality Polenta: Opt for stone-ground cornmeal for authentic flavor and texture.
- Prevent Lumps: Gradually whisk the cornmeal into boiling liquid to avoid clumps.
- Creaminess is Key: Incorporate heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan for a luscious polenta base.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly (about 2-3 minutes per side). Overcooking results in a rubbery texture.
- Layer Flavors: Toast spices like paprika in the oil before adding shrimp for deeper flavor.
Variations to Try
- Cajun-Style Shrimp and Polenta: Toss the shrimp in a Cajun spice blend for a bold, zesty twist.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Cheesy Polenta: Amp up the indulgence by loading the polenta with extra cheese and serving garlic butter-drenched shrimp on top.
- Vegetarian Polenta with Mushrooms: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Tomato Shrimp: Add a rich tomato sauce with chili flakes to the shrimp for a spicy, tangy variation.
- Seafood Medley: Include scallops, mussels, or calamari alongside the shrimp for a seafood extravaganza.
How to Serve Shrimp and Polenta
- As a Main Dish: Serve it in individual bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and a wedge of lemon for a complete, hearty meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp arugula or spinach salad to balance the richness.
- As Appetizers: Serve small portions in ramekins or appetizer spoons for an upscale party presentation.
- Family Style: Prepare a large platter with polenta spread out on the base, shrimp arranged on top, and garnished with parsley and lemon slices.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp and Polenta
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the shrimp and polenta in separate containers if possible to maintain texture.
- Freezing: While shrimp doesn’t freeze well due to potential texture changes, polenta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and transfer to a zip-top bag.
- Reheating: Gently reheat polenta on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to restore its creamy consistency. Shrimp can be reheated in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the polenta and shrimp separately. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble just before serving.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large, wild-caught shrimp with tails on are ideal for presentation and flavor. Opt for deveined shrimp to save time.
Is instant polenta a good substitute?
While instant polenta is quicker to prepare, it lacks the depth of flavor and texture of traditional polenta. Use it only if you’re in a pinch.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Polenta is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the stock and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Shrimp and Polenta
Shrimp and polenta - This Southern-inspired meal combines creamy, buttery polenta with succulent, seasoned shrimp, creating a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Polenta:
- ¾ cup fine-grind cornmeal
- ¼ cup medium-grind cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
- 4 cups cold water
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large wild shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Soave or Vermentino)
- ½ to 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a Dutch oven or saucepan, whisk together the cornmeal, water, and salt.
- Cover and bake for 50 minutes. Remove from the oven, stir vigorously, and if needed, return for another 10 minutes to ensure smoothness. Stir in 2 tbsp butter or ghee for that creamy finish. Leave it in the oven (turned off) to stay warm.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Increase the heat, add wine and water, and let it simmer until reduced by half. Sprinkle in the salt.
- Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink. Flip them over, sprinkle with parsley, and add lemon juice. Cook another minute, then stir in 1 tbsp butter to create a rich, glossy sauce. Remove from heat.
- Spoon creamy polenta into shallow bowls, top with shrimp, and drizzle the pan sauce over each serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 530Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 279mgSodium 1978mgCarbohydrates 35gFiber 3gSugar 8gProtein 29g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Conclusion
Shrimp and polenta is a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and comfort to any meal. With its rich, creamy texture and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s a versatile recipe that you can whip up on a weeknight or serve to impress guests. Plus, with all the variations and tips I’ve shared, you can make this dish your own and adapt it to suit your preferences. Whether you stick to the basics or jazz it up with a few twists, this is a meal you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Enjoy!
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