Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! Al here, and today I’m thrilled to share a delightful recipe that combines bold flavours and creamy comforts: Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Polenta. There’s something magical about the combination of succulent shrimp and velvety polenta, and this dish is sure to win over any dinner table in a flash!
Of late, I’ve found myself reminiscing about the vibrant coastal restaurants I visited on my travels. The aroma of freshly cooked seafood mingling with fragrant herbs and spices is a memory I’ve longed to recreate in my own kitchen. So, this recipe is my homage to those breezy, sea-kissed flavors but with a cozy twist perfect for a night at home.
Let’s talk shrimp. These little morsels pack such an incredible punch when paired with garlic and lemon, and nothing beats the wonderful sizzle as they hit the hot skillet, filling your kitchen with irresistible fragrance. The secret here is to marinate them just enough to absorb those lovely flavours, then cook them quickly for optimal tenderness.
And oh, the polenta! It’s a dish that has always sparked my interest, and I love its versatility. For this recipe, we’re going for a luxuriously creamy texture, enriched with the savory depth of Parmesan cheese. Cooking it gently with stock and milk makes it comforting, almost like wrapping yourself in a culinary hug. The end result is a luscious base that cradles the shrimp beautifully.
This dish is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary – and better yet, it’s wonderfully easy to make. Perfect for a weekday treat or even an impressive meal for guests, it embodies warmth, flavor contrast, and universal appeal.
So, gather your ingredients and dive into this ocean of deliciousness! I promise, one bite of these Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp with Creamy Parmesan Polenta will transport you straight to a dreamy coastal locale, even if only for a moment.
Cheers to another gastronomic adventure! As always, I’d love to hear about your experience making this dish. Share your thoughts or any creative tweaks you might have tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
For the Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp:
– 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Creamy Parmesan Polenta:
– 200g polenta (cornmeal)
– 750ml chicken or vegetable stock
– 250ml whole milk
– 50g grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp:
1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Introduce the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet, stirring well to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh parsley. Set aside.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta:
1. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken or vegetable stock and whole milk to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
2. Slowly whisk in the polenta, reducing the heat to low. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the polenta is creamy and the cheese has fully melted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. To serve, spoon the creamy Parmesan polenta onto a plate and top with the garlic-lemon butter shrimp. Enjoy!
