If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with Southern charm, you’re going to love this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe. It’s a luscious combination of tender shrimp and velvety, sweet creamed corn that comes together quickly and will have you savoring every creamy, flavorful bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels indulgent yet effortless, making it a true favorite to keep in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the sweetness of fresh corn to the smoky warmth of paprika, each element helps build a dish that’s rich and irresistibly tasty.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Gives a silky richness and helps develop deep flavor when cooking shrimp and aromatics.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Balances the butter and adds a subtle fruity note while preventing sticking.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The star protein, quick to cook and tender when perfectly seasoned.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild smokiness that complements the sweetness of the corn and shrimp.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
- Shallot, minced (1 small): Adds a subtle onion flavor that’s sweet and delicate.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings savory depth and a bit of zest to every bite.
- Corn kernels (2 cups, fresh or frozen): The star ingredient for the creamy base, offering natural sweetness and bite.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Turns the corn into a luscious, dreamy sauce.
- Milk (¼ cup): Lightens the cream just enough for balance without thinning the sauce.
- Cream cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds smoothness and a subtle tang that enriches the creamed corn.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle kick if you want to brighten up the flavors.
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings a fresh, vibrant finish both in color and taste.
How to Make Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, season the shrimp evenly with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a beautiful flavor boost. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. This quick sear keeps them tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to rest while you prepare the creamed corn.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the minced shallot and garlic. Stir them around for 1 to 2 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their sweet and savory aromas into the pan. This step adds a delicate base that perfectly complements the shrimp and creamy corn.
Step 3: Cook the Corn and Create the Cream Sauce
Next, add the corn kernels and give them a toss, letting them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. This helps to bring out their natural sweetness and slightly caramelize the edges for extra flavor. Then pour in the heavy cream, milk, and dollops of cream cheese. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, creamy sauce, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Season with a pinch more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up a bit.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp with Creamed Corn
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the velvety creamed corn sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 1 to 2 minutes so those flavors can meld perfectly and the shrimp warm back up. This fusion is where the magic happens — the shrimp soak up the dreamy sauce, making every bite wonderfully satisfying.
How to Serve Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley on top gives this dish a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the richness beautifully. It also adds a bit of texture and a fresh finish, making the presentation inviting and vibrant on the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when served alongside warm, buttery grits, fluffy rice, or a crusty loaf of bread that’s perfect for soaking up every bit of that luscious creamed corn. Simple sides like steamed green beans or a crisp salad can add freshness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate this homey favorite? Try serving the shrimp and creamed corn atop crispy polenta cakes or spoon it over toasted baguette slices as an appetizer for a crowd. You can also pile it into butter lettuce cups for a fun, handheld version that’s perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy its creamy goodness again without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
Because of the creamy texture and shrimp, freezing this dish isn’t ideal as it can cause the sauce to separate and the shrimp to become rubbery. It’s best to prepare fresh or refrigerate leftovers for quick reheating instead.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to maintain the creamy consistency. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s luscious texture if it thickens too much as it cools.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get the best texture and prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a safe and tasty meal.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and use vegan cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture without dairy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What level of spice does this recipe have?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust the heat to your liking. Without them, the dish is mild and comforting; with them, it gains a subtle kick that brightens the flavors.
Can I add other vegetables to the creamed corn base?
Yes! Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños can be a great addition for more flavor and texture variety. Just sauté them along with the shallots and garlic before adding the corn.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe is one of those wonderfully satisfying dishes that feels both special and easy to make any night of the week. Its blend of creamy, smoky, and sweet flavors paired with tender shrimp creates a comforting plate that’s hard not to love. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of Southern-inspired deliciousness that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Print
Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shrimp and Creamed Corn recipe features tender shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and cooked in a rich, creamy corn sauce. It’s a Southern-inspired skillet dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of juicy shrimp, sweet corn, and a velvety cream sauce garnished with fresh herbs makes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Creamed Corn Sauce
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
Instructions
- Heat the fats: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the pan for cooking the shrimp evenly.
- Season and cook shrimp: Season the shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced shallot and garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, forming the flavor base.
- Cook corn: Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release sweetness.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamed corn sauce.
- Simmer and serve: Let the shrimp and creamed corn simmer together for 1–2 minutes to warm through. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh chives or parsley.
Notes
- Serve over grits, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and use vegan cream cheese.
