Description
This Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta recipe features succulent shrimp cooked with a lightly spiced blend of chili powder and smoked paprika, combined with a rich, creamy corn sauce infused with garlic, onion, and tangy feta cheese. Finished with fresh lime juice and cilantro, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors. Ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner for four.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, approximately 15-20 count per pound)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamed Corn & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (grilled or boiled, from approximately 2 ears of corn)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 oz feta cheese (divided, crumbled)
- 2 small limes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: Heat a 12-inch high-sided skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the olive oil, making sure it spreads easily without sizzling or burning.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet, then sprinkle with chili powder and salt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onion: In the same skillet, add the salted butter and chopped onion. Lightly season with salt. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Reduce heat if necessary.
- Add corn and spices: Add the cooked corn kernels and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring to combine everything well.
- Add half-and-half and feta: Pour in the half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in 3 oz of the crumbled feta cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Add lime juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the sauce and stir well to enhance brightness and flavor.
- Reheat shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring to rewarm them in the sauce without overcooking.
- Garnish and serve: Top the dish with the remaining ½ cup of corn kernels, sliced lime wedges, chopped fresh cilantro, and additional chili powder or smoked paprika if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Grilled corn adds a smoky depth but boiled corn works well too.
- Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika to control the spice level.
- Half-and-half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter one.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure all ingredients and spices are certified gluten-free.
- This dish pairs nicely with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamed sauce.
