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There is something utterly comforting about a dish that combines juicy, tender shrimp with the luscious sweetness of creamed corn, all cooked together in one skillet for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. The Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe is a delightful combination that brings a splash of Southern charm to your table with its creamy texture, mild spices, and fresh, vibrant ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe shines with its easy preparation and rich, comforting taste that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that each add a unique touch. From the sweetness of fresh corn to the richness of cream, each component plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the juiciest bite and optimal flavor absorption.
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels: Sweetness and texture come alive with fresh corn, but frozen works wonderfully when fresh isn’t available.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds signature creaminess and richness necessary for the “creamed” part of the dish.
- 1/4 cup whole milk: Balances the heaviness of the cream and keeps the sauce silky but not too thick.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a smooth, buttery richness that enhances both shrimp and corn flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the onion and shrimp gently to perfection.
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped: Offers a mild sweetness and aromatic base to build layers of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brightens the savory notes and adds that irresistible fragrant touch.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: A subtle smoky spice that gives color and warmth.
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle kick for those who love a little heat in their skillet.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of green and a gentle herbaceous note to finish.
How to Make Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Base
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of these fats creates a rich and flavorful foundation. Once melted, add your finely chopped onion and cook gently until it becomes soft and slightly translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This slow cooking releases the onion’s natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more—this short time keeps the garlic from burning while allowing its aroma to infuse the butter and oil.
Step 2: Cook the Corn
Next, stir in the corn kernels and cook for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the corn heats through evenly. This step helps the corn develop a subtle roasted note while keeping its natural sweetness intact. It’s where the magic of combining fresh or frozen corn with aromatic onion and garlic really begins to shine.
Step 3: Create the Creamed Corn Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, blending them carefully with the corn mixture. Now comes the seasoning moment: sprinkle in paprika, a touch of cayenne pepper if you want a bit of heat, plus salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice the cream thickening slightly, enveloping the corn in a velvety sauce that will soon embrace the shrimp perfectly.
Step 4: Sear the Shrimp
While the sauce simmers, heat another skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil, then lay down your shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until their flesh turns pink and opaque. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to infuse some extra flavor. Those perfectly seared shrimp bring a beautiful contrast in texture and taste to the creamy corn base.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp with Creamed Corn
Once the shrimp are cooked, gently transfer them to the skillet with the creamed corn mixture. Stir everything together so the shrimp are nestled into the creamy sauce, soaking up those wonderful flavors you carefully built in the previous steps.
Step 6: Let It All Simmer
Continue cooking the combined mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This extra simmering allows the flavors to blend beautifully and ensures the shrimp stay tender while the sauce thickens to just the right consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top—this final touch brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal lift to each bite. And just like that, your delightful Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe is ready to bring smiles to your dinner table.
How to Serve Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here; it adds a fresh contrast to the creamy richness and a pop of green that makes the dish feel lighter and more vibrant. You might also try a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a few cracked black pepper flakes for an extra touch of color and mild spice.
Side Dishes
This recipe holds its own wonderfully as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy steamed rice to soak up the luscious sauce, buttery cornbread for a textural contrast, or a crisp green salad to add brightness and balance. These sides keep the meal well-rounded without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the shrimp and creamed corn.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe over creamy grits or even polenta for Southern-inspired comfort. You can also spoon it into tortilla shells for a creamy shrimp taco variation, or use it as a decadent topping for baked potatoes. The creamy sauce and tender shrimp make this dish versatile and perfect for casual family dinners or more festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (although they tend to disappear quickly), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. Remember to keep the shrimp covered well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp dishes with cream sauces can be tricky since the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you’d like to freeze this dish, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before reheating to help maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring occasionally. This keeps the cream sauce silky and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it back up to that perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works very well—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to get that nice sear and avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
You can substitute half-and-half or a blend of milk and a little cream cheese to keep some creaminess while cutting calories. Just be aware the sauce won’t be quite as rich and thick.
How spicy is this dish with the cayenne pepper included?
The cayenne pepper adds just a mild warmth that complements the sweetness of the corn and richness of the shrimp—it’s subtle but noticeable. You can always leave it out entirely if you prefer no heat.
Can I make this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free, so as long as your spices and other ingredients are verified gluten-free, it’s safe and perfect for those avoiding gluten.
What other seafood could I use instead of shrimp?
Scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut would be great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly since these proteins vary in how quickly they cook through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe is that perfect choice. It’s comfort food with a bit of elegance, effortlessly combining sweet, creamy, and savory flavors in one easy skillet. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of those go-to meals you want to share again and again. So, grab your skillet and ingredients and dive into this delicious experience—you won’t regret it!
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Shrimp and Creamed Corn Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp and Creamed Corn recipe combines succulent, tender shrimp with a luscious, creamy corn mixture infused with garlic, onion, and a hint of paprika and cayenne for a subtle kick. Quick and easy to prepare, it makes for a comforting main dish or a flavorful side, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of paprika
- Olive oil (small amount for cooking shrimp)
Creamed Corn
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the corn: Add the fresh or frozen corn kernels to the skillet with the aromatics. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the corn to start softening.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then season with paprika, cayenne pepper if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the cream thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the shrimp: While the cream corn simmers, heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil, then add the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Combine shrimp and cream corn: Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the creamed corn mixture. Stir gently to combine all flavors well.
- Simmer together: Continue cooking the combined shrimp and creamed corn for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat to heat through completely and allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot as a main dish accompanied by rice, cornbread, or a light salad, or enjoy as a hearty side dish.
Notes
- For added heat, leave the cayenne pepper in the recipe; omit it for a milder flavor.
- Fresh corn is preferred for best flavor, but frozen corn works well when fresh is unavailable.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with a starch like rice or cornbread to make a complete meal.
