Oh, let me tell you about this incredible dish—Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta! It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, combining the sweetness of creamed corn, the briny goodness of feta, and perfectly cooked shrimp that just sings in your mouth. I can still remember the first time I made this. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was craving something comforting but also a bit fancy. I whipped this up, and the moment I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special!
This dish is a delightful dance of flavors that come together so effortlessly. The creamy corn acts as a luscious base, while the feta adds that tangy kick that elevates everything to a whole new level. Plus, it’s super quick to make, so it’s perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending all day in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (I always opt for the freshest shrimp I can find, but frozen works too if that’s what you have!)
2 cups creamed corn (you can use canned or homemade—just make sure it’s smooth and creamy for that luscious texture)
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the tanginess of the feta is what really makes this dish pop, so don’t skimp on this one!)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic really brings out the best flavors, but if you’re in a pinch, jarred works too)
1 teaspoon paprika (this adds a lovely warmth and a hint of smokiness—feel free to adjust based on your spice preference)
Salt and pepper to taste (always a must for seasoning, so taste as you go!)
Fresh parsley for garnish (adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness at the end)
How to Prepare Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious dish! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a plate full of deliciousness in no time. Trust me, it’s as easy as it is tasty!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat up those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke—this means it’s hot enough for cooking. Heating the oil properly is key to getting that lovely sear on your shrimp, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once your oil is heated, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds or until it’s fragrant. Oh, that smell! It’s heavenly! Just be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we don’t want that ruining our dish!
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now, let’s add the star of the show—your shrimp! Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn that beautiful pink color. Keep an eye on them; shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. You want them perfectly tender—just like a lovely seafood kiss!
Step 4: Incorporate Creamed Corn and Paprika
Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the 2 cups of creamed corn and the teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s all heated through and bubbly—yum! The creamy corn will just wrap around the shrimp like a warm blanket!
Step 5: Add Feta Cheese
Now it’s time for the magic touch—add that 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese! Stir it in until it’s melted and creamy. The feta adds such a wonderful tang that makes this dish really shine! If it feels a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, give everything a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is your chance to adjust flavors to your liking! Serve it up in bowls or on plates and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley. Not only does it look gorgeous, but it also adds a refreshing burst of flavor! And there you have it—your Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta is ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what’s going into your delicious Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving, so you can enjoy every bite without any guilt:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 200mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 28g
These numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the nutritional profile of this dish. It’s a hearty meal packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a satisfying dinner. So go ahead, indulge in this delightful combination of shrimp, creamed corn, and feta—you deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet creamed corn, tangy feta, and succulent shrimp is simply irresistible.
Versatile ingredients: Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, or toss in your favorite veggies to make it your own!
Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you—yay!
Impressive presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a showstopper for any meal.
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love the sweet and savory flavors in this dish!
Tips for Success
Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta: 5 Steps to Comfort Food 6
Now, let me share some of my top tips to ensure your Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta turns out absolutely perfect every time! I promise, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your dish to the next level!
Fresh is Best: Always try to use the freshest shrimp you can find. If you can buy it from a local fish market, even better! Fresh shrimp will give you that sweet, briny flavor that frozen shrimp just can’t match.
Don’t Overcook: Remember, shrimp cook really quickly! Keep an eye on them and pull them off the heat as soon as they turn pink. If you overcook them, they’ll become rubbery, and nobody wants that!
Taste as You Go: This is key! When you season with salt and pepper, start with little amounts and adjust to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different, and you might prefer a bit more or less seasoning!
Customize Your Corn: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices to your creamed corn—like a pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of cumin for a smoky flavor. Make it your own!
Play with Garnishes: While fresh parsley is a great finish, consider other garnishes too! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can really brighten and enhance the flavors.
Make it Ahead: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep beforehand, you can cook the shrimp and mix in the creamed corn and feta right before serving. Just warm it up and you’re good to go!
Pair it Right: Serve this dish with a nice crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious creamy goodness. It totally takes it to the next level!
Follow these tips, and I guarantee your Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta will be a hit at your table! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re like me and love to play around in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate the endless possibilities for customizing your Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up and keep your taste buds excited:
Protein Swap: Don’t have shrimp on hand? No problem! You can easily substitute with diced chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken will take a bit longer to cook through!
Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in some fresh or frozen veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, or even corn kernels can add great color and nutrition. Just sauté them for a minute or two before adding the shrimp.
Cheese Variations: If feta isn’t your thing, try crumbled goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its own unique flair to the dish!
Herb Infusion: Switch up the fresh parsley for other herbs like basil or cilantro. These can add a fresh, vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy corn.
Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This will give your dish a nice kick that balances the sweetness of the corn!
Sauce It Up: Consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. It brightens the dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy ingredients.
Grain Base: Instead of serving this over rice or bread, try it on a bed of quinoa or farro for a nutty flavor and a healthy twist!
With these variations, you can keep your Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta exciting and new every time you make it. Get creative and have fun experimenting with your favorite ingredients!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy every last bite later on.
Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation and keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to label it, so it doesn’t get lost in the back of the fridge!
Freezing: While I’d recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best flavor, you can freeze it if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It should keep well for about 1 month. Just remember, the texture of the shrimp might change a bit after freezing, but it’ll still taste delicious!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ll want to be gentle to keep those flavors intact:
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the microwave! Heat in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp again—nobody wants rubbery shrimp!
Stovetop: For the best results, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth to a pan over medium heat and stir in your leftovers. Heat gently until everything is warmed through, about 5 minutes. This helps maintain that lovely creamy consistency!
And voilà! You’re all set to enjoy your Shrimp with Creamed Corn & Feta again. Just remember, this dish is always best enjoyed fresh, but with these storage and reheating tips, you’ll still have a delightful meal ready to savor later on!
What do you think?
Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!