Shrimp Over Creamy Polenta Recipes

SPICY SHRIMP OVER CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl add shrimp, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and optional cayenne pepper.
• Toss together until all the shrimp are coated.
• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp to the skillet.
• Cook until the shrimp turn pink and remove from the heat.
• Place shrimp on a plate and wipe out the skillet.
• The shrimp will also be warmed when added to the tomato mixture so keep that in mind when cooking the shrimp. It's ok for them to be slightly undercooked.
• In the skillet you cooked your shrimp (and wiped clean) add both can Rotel tomatoes, garlic, smoked paprika, and kosher salt to taste.
• Cook on medium heat until the mixture is hot.
• Add in shrimp, lower heat to low, and keep covered while you prepare polenta.
• In a large high-sided skillet set over medium-high heat add water and milk.
• Bring to a boil and slowly whisk in polenta.
• Once all the polenta has been added turn the heat down to low and slowly whisk until thick. On my stove, this takes about 7 minutes.
• Once creamy and cooked remove from heat and stir in butter, cheese, and salt.
• Add polenta to the bottom of a bowl and top with tomatoes and shrimp.

SHRIMP AND POLENTA

Steps:

• MAKE HERB DRESSING: Finely chop herbs and green onions. Stir together with other dressing ingredients except oil. Slowly whisk in oil. Alternatively (I do this): put all herb dressing ingredients in a processor and pulse to blend well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• MAKE POLENTA: Follow directions on package. I use 1/2 cup instant Polenta (for 2-3 servings) plus 2 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. (Typically: boil water and salt. Stir in Polenta slowly, stirring constantly. Turn heat to low. Cook for a minute or two until thickened.) Remove from heat and stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. If too thick, add a bit more water and stir. Polenta should be creamy, smooth and loose. It will thicken more on standing. Cover and keep warm. Note 2 to make regular polenta.
• SAUTE SHRIMP: Rinse and pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Make sure they are dry. Heat oil (or oil-butter combination) in non-stick pan to medium high until sizzling. Add shrimp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Saute for 2 minutes, turn over, then saute for another 1-3 minutes, depending on size of shrimp. Don't overcook. They're done when they are just turning opaque (pink or white). TURN OFF HEAT. Add herb dressing and stir to coat.
• SERVE: Rewarm polenta if needed on medium-high heat, adding a bit of water if needed. Stir rapidly until smooth again. Spoon Polenta into bowls or plates. Top with shrimp and serve.

SAUTEED SHRIMP OVER POLENTA

Steps:

• Heat 2 cups chicken stock and half-and-half until nearly boiling. Add polenta and stir constantly until no clumps remain, 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer until tender and thickened, 20 to 30 minutes. Add additional stock or water if polenta is too thick.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup chicken stock, oregano, thyme, and ancho chile powder. Simmer until vegetables reach desired texture, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, stir Parmesan cheese into the polenta. Add shrimp to the vegetable mixture; cook until pink and heated through, 3 to 5 minutes more. Spoon polenta onto serving plates and top with shrimp mixture.

SPICY SHRIMP WITH CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring salt and 4 cups water to a boil. Add polenta in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk 2 minutes more, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and cheese, then season with salt.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and green onion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until soft, stirring, 4 minutes.
• Add shrimp and thyme and cook until shrimp are completely pink, stirring, 4 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Add wine and chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in cream and simmer 2 minutes more.
• Serve shrimp over polenta and garnish with remaining green onion greens.

SHRIMP OVER CREAMY POLENTA

Steps:

• In a medium-size saucepan, heat 2 cups of water.
• When water comes to a low boil, turn off the heat and slowly pour in the polenta and continue to whisk until it is fully incorporated and it's smooth and creamy.
• Then whisk in salt, butter, and both kinds of cheese. Continue to whisk until it's fully combined and creamy. Cover and keep on the stove to keep warm.
• In a medium-size skillet, heat on moderate heat, add the olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Saute the garlic and pepper flakes for 30 seconds or more to fragrant the oil.
• Toss in the shrimp. Saute the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink.
• Lower the heat, and add the butter and Dijon mustard.
• Pour in the white wine and stir with a wooden spoon to help deglaze the sauce.
• Immediately following, add in freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shrimps. Add a dash of smoked paprika over the shrimps, and simmer for an additional 1 minute.
• Turn off the heat and taste the sauce. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
• Check to see if the polenta is still hot. If you need to, you can reheat on the stove-top for a minute or so. Then transfer the polenta to a serving dish or platter.
• Transfer the shrimps over the creamy polenta and spoon all the remaining sauce over the shrimps and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
• Serves: 2 to 3 servings