The combination of tender shrimp, sweet grilled corn, and a creamy feta-based sauce brings the magic of Mexican street flavors into your kitchen in just one pan. With hints of smoked paprika, garlic, and lime, this dish strikes the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and brightness.
Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe offers elegance without complexity. Fresh cilantro and lime slices not only add a pop of freshness but elevate the visual appeal too. Pair it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or warm corn tortillas for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (large, about 15–20 count per pound)
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons salted butter
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½ cup chopped onion
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (from 2 ears grilled or boiled corn)
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 cup half-and-half
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4 oz feta cheese (divided, preferably a block crumbled fresh)
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Juice from ½ lime
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Lime slices (for garnish)
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Optional: extra chili powder or smoked paprika for garnish
Directions:
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Heat a large (12-inch), high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
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Season shrimp with chili powder and salt. Sauté in hot skillet (work in batches if needed) for 3–4 minutes, flipping until shrimp turn pink. Remove from skillet.
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In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onions with a pinch of salt and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring to prevent burning.
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Stir in 1 cup of cooked corn and smoked paprika.
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Pour in half-and-half and bring to a light simmer. Add 3 oz of crumbled feta, stirring until melted into the sauce.
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Squeeze in lime juice and return shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat and gently reheating.
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Top with remaining ½ cup corn, lime slices, and fresh chopped cilantro. Sprinkle additional chili powder or paprika to taste.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 455 kcal | Servings: 4
Shrimp and Creamed Corn: A Zesty, Creamy Homage to Summer’s Freshest Flavors
There are few dishes that embody the essence of summer quite like Shrimp and Creamed Corn. Bright, creamy, lightly spicy, and packed with garden-fresh produce, this dish offers a stunning one-pan solution for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. With a luscious feta cheese sauce, a kiss of lime, and a kick of chili powder and smoked paprika, it’s a recipe that truly sings.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its flavor but in the philosophy behind it. It’s about celebrating seasonal ingredients specifically, fresh yellow corn and combining them with high-quality proteins and pantry staples to produce a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.
A Culinary Fusion with Roots in Mexican Inspiration
The soul of this dish is rooted in the flavors of Mexican street corn (Elote), which is known for its unforgettable combination of sweetness, smokiness, spice, and tang. In this recipe, corn isn’t just a supporting player it’s the heart of the sauce, melding beautifully with feta, lime, and spices to coat every bite in flavor.
Instead of mayonnaise and cotija cheese traditionally found in Elote, this version uses a luscious feta and half-and-half sauce that delivers both creaminess and a salty contrast to the natural sweetness of corn. Smoked paprika adds that chargrilled character without requiring a grill, and fresh lime ties everything together with a bright, citrusy zing.
Add to that a protein packed helping of shrimp, sautéed in chili powder and olive oil, and you have an elevated yet easy entrée that tastes like something you’d find on a trendy summer bistro menu.
Why This Recipe Works
There are several standout aspects to this dish that make it not just good, but great:
1. One-Pan Efficiency
In an era where home cooks are increasingly pressed for time, one-pan meals have become not just convenient, but essential. The Shrimp and Creamed Corn recipe delivers big on flavor with only one skillet to clean up afterward.
By cooking the shrimp first and building the creamed corn sauce in the same pan, you lock in the seafood’s flavor while streamlining your cooking process. It’s efficient and elevates the depth of the sauce a win win for weeknight chefs.
2. Seasonality Meets Versatility
Using fresh corn is key to this dish’s success. When in season, corn provides an unmatched crispness and natural sweetness that frozen or canned varieties can’t replicate. That said, the recipe is also forgiving if you’re making it out of season, feel free to swap in boiled or grilled frozen kernels.
Shrimp is similarly versatile. While the recipe calls for large shrimp, you could just as easily adapt it to use prawns, scallops, or even chunks of white fish. It’s a seafood-lover’s canvas.
3. Balanced Flavors and Textures
Creamy, spicy, tangy, and fresh this dish hits all the flavor notes. The creamy base softens the heat of the chili powder and paprika, while the lime juice cuts through the richness. Feta adds a briny contrast to the sweetness of the corn, and the chopped cilantro brightens the final product both visually and aromatically.
From a texture standpoint, you get plump, juicy shrimp; creamy sauce; and sweet-crisp kernels of corn. Each bite delivers something different, keeping the palate engaged.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
One of the best parts about this recipe is how well it pairs with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out the plate:
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Cilantro-Lime Rice – The fresh citrus notes and mild spice echo the ingredients in the main dish beautifully.
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Cauliflower Rice – A great low-carb alternative that absorbs the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
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Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would complement the corn while adding additional smokiness and texture.
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Warm Tortillas or Crusty Bread – These are ideal for scooping up any leftover sauce and make the meal feel more complete.
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Simple Avocado Salad – The cool creaminess of avocado balances out the warmth and spice in the dish, and a quick lime vinaigrette ties everything together.
This shrimp and corn dish also works beautifully as a taco filling or even tossed with cooked pasta for a seafood-forward version of mac and cheese with a twist.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are some chef-approved insights for getting the most out of your shrimp and creamed corn dish:
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Use block feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled. It melts better and has a creamier texture.
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Grill your corn if possible. The char brings a deep smoky element that pairs beautifully with the paprika and chili powder.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp. As with any seafood, shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery when overdone. Look for a pink hue and slight curl as your visual cue.
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Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños for garnish.
Storage and Leftovers
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop and add a splash of milk or half-and-half to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid freezing dairy sauces tend to separate and lose their luxurious texture when thawed.
This makes it a convenient meal prep option especially if you prepare a larger batch to enjoy over a couple of days with different sides or as taco or pasta fillings.
Healthy Yet Indulgent
Though it’s rich and satisfying, the ingredients used in this dish are real, whole foods. You get lean protein from the shrimp, antioxidants from garlic and paprika, calcium from feta, and healthy fats from olive oil. If you’re watching calories, you can even swap half and half for a lighter dairy option without sacrificing too much creaminess.
With its balanced macronutrients and vibrant ingredients, it’s a perfect way to indulge without guilt.
Conclusion
In summary, this Shrimp and Creamed Corn recipe isn’t just a quick meal it’s a culinary experience. It’s a dish that captures the sun-drenched vibes of summer with each forkful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this meal promises both ease and elegance.
Its roots in Mexican street food give it broad appeal, while the creamy feta sauce and pan-seared shrimp add sophistication. It’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to return to again and again not just in summer, but whenever you need something vibrant and comforting.
So next time fresh corn is in season or you’re craving something zesty and satisfying, make this shrimp and corn skillet. You’ll fall in love with its effortless charm and unforgettable flavor.