If you crave a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting, you have to try Shrimp and Creamed Corn. This delightful recipe brings together sweet, luscious corn cooked in a creamy sauce and tender, juicy shrimp, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers satisfaction with every bite.

Shrimp and Creamed Corn Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Shrimp and Creamed Corn lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but crucial. Each element plays an important role: from the sweet burst of corn to the richness of cream and the delicate, briny flavor of shrimp, everything works together flawlessly.

Shrimp (1 lb, medium or large): Preferably peeled and deveined for ready-to-cook convenience and perfect texture.
Corn (3 cups, fresh, frozen, or canned): Provides the creamy sweetness that defines this dish’s signature flavor.
Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds an aromatic base that softens and sweetens when cooked.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Unsalted butter (3 tbsp): For that silky richness and a slight nutty flavor when browned.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps to thicken the creamy corn sauce to the perfect consistency.
Heavy cream (1 cup) or half-and-half: Gives the dish its velvety texture and luscious mouthfeel.
Whole milk (½ cup): Lightens the cream a bit and balances out richness.
Sugar (1 tsp): Just a touch to enhance the natural sweetness of corn.
Salt (½ tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasonings for flavor balance.
Cayenne pepper (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle hint of heat if you like a little kick.
Fresh chives or green onions (2 tbsp, chopped): Freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Bacon (2 slices, cooked and crumbled, optional): For smoky, crispy contrast that plays beautifully with creamy corn and shrimp.

How to Make Shrimp and Creamed Corn

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant—it’s that simple scent that makes your kitchen feel instantly inviting.

Step 2: Sweeten the Corn

Next, stir in your corn—whether fresh, frozen, or canned—and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes. This step is key because it brings out the natural sweetness in the corn, turning it into pure comfort food gold.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the corn and stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, gently stirring as the mixture thickens to a luscious, silky consistency. This creaminess is what makes the dish feel so indulgent without being too heavy.

Step 4: Season and Heat

Now, add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne pepper. These simple seasonings bring out every flavor, marrying sweetness and spice perfectly.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Nestle the shrimp directly into the creamed corn mixture and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, soaking up the creamy corn flavors surrounding them.

Step 6: Final Touches

Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions across the top for brightness and color. If you love a bit of smoky crunch, add crumbled bacon on top—it’s a total game-changer.

How to Serve Shrimp and Creamed Corn

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chives or green onions bring lovely visual appeal and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. For a smoky twist, sprinkle crispy bacon or even a handful of toasted breadcrumbs to introduce texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Shrimp and Creamed Corn is beautifully rich, so it pairs marvelously with simple sides like steamed greens, crisp salads, or even warm crusty bread to soak up every luscious bite. Light roasted vegetables or a fresh tomato salad can also balance the creaminess perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the dish in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or over a bed of buttery grits or creamy mashed potatoes for a Southern-inspired feast. For a casual gathering, pile it high on toasted baguette slices as a hearty appetizer everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Shrimp and Creamed Corn in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days, making for a convenient and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’d like to freeze it, scoop the creamed corn and shrimp into freezer-safe containers separately to maintain the best texture. Frozen, it can last up to 1 month without significant loss of flavor.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the sauce grainy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the creamed corn.

Is it possible to make Shrimp and Creamed Corn dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch for a similar creamy texture.

What if I don’t have fresh corn—can I use canned or frozen?

Both canned and frozen corn work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to drain canned corn thoroughly to avoid watery creamed corn.

How spicy does the cayenne pepper make the dish?

The cayenne is very mild in this quantity—just a subtle warmth that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the sweetness of the corn or the delicate shrimp.

Can I prepare parts of Shrimp and Creamed Corn ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the creamed corn base in advance and store it in the fridge. Add and cook the shrimp fresh just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Shrimp and Creamed Corn, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen repertoire. Its dreamy creaminess paired with tender shrimp and the natural sweetness of corn creates a dish that’s comforting, elegant, and utterly delicious. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!

“`