The Best Honey Garlic Shrimp and Polenta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Succulent honey garlic shrimp dance atop creamy polenta, creating a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds.

Soft, pillowy polenta provides the perfect canvas for these juicy, caramelized crustaceans.

Sweet honey intertwines with pungent garlic, coating each shrimp in a glossy, irresistible glaze.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this elegant yet approachable dish.

Comfort meets sophistication on a single plate, promising a culinary experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Crisp textures and bold seasonings guarantee a memorable meal that comes together surprisingly quickly.

Venture into this delightful recipe and surprise yourself with a restaurant-worthy dinner you can easily master at home.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Polenta

• Elegant Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests with this visually stunning dish served on white ceramic plates, highlighting the golden shrimp and creamy polenta.
• Balanced Meal Presentation: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc and a light arugula salad to complement the rich honey garlic flavors.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform the recipe into a morning meal by adding a soft-poached egg on top and serving with fresh citrus slices for brightness.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare polenta and roasted corn ahead of time, storing separately in airtight containers for quick weeknight assembly.

Storage Tips for Shrimp and Polenta

• Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping shrimp and polenta separate to maintain texture.
• Freeze polenta and shrimp separately in freezer-safe containers for maximum 1 month, ensuring components are completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm polenta with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, then reheat shrimp in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent overcooking.
• Gently reheat polenta in a saucepan with additional liquid, and warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat to preserve tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

The shrimp are done when they turn golden and curl into a “C” shape, which typically takes about 2 minutes per side. They should look opaque and no longer translucent.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the polenta and roast the corn in advance, but cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure they remain tender and don’t become rubbery.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your polenta and chipotle paste are certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements.

• What can I do if my polenta becomes too thick?

If the polenta gets too dense, simply whisk in a little hot water or milk to restore its creamy consistency and smooth texture.

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Polenta Highlights

• Savor Quick Comfort: A one-pan meal that combines creamy polenta with zesty shrimp, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, and use alternative corn options to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elevate your cooking with professional-style techniques like roasting corn and creating a vibrant honey garlic sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Family-Friendly Flexibility: Adaptable recipe suits different dietary needs, allows kid-friendly modifications, and creates an exciting meal everyone can enjoy together.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Polenta

• Polenta: A creamy Italian cornmeal dish that serves as the base for this delicious recipe.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides protein and a delicate flavor to the dish.
• Corn: Fresh kernels that add sweetness and a roasted depth to the overall meal.

• Honey, Chipotle Paste, Garlic: A dynamic combination that creates a sweet, spicy, and aromatic sauce for the shrimp.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus that adds a tangy freshness to balance the sauce.

• Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Basil: Ingredients that enhance the polenta's creaminess and provide a final burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle richness to the shrimp and corn.

Preparation Steps for Shrimp and Polenta

Step 1: Boil Water for Polenta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Creamy Polenta

Gradually pour polenta into boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Cook according to package instructions until the mixture becomes thick and smooth.

Step 3: Enhance Polenta Flavor

• Butter
• Parmesan cheese

Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, creamy texture.

Set aside and keep warm.

Step 4: Roast Golden Corn

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.

Cut corn kernels off the cob and add to the skillet.

Roast, stirring occasionally, until kernels turn a deep golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce

• Honey
• Chipotle paste
• Minced garlic
• Lime juice

Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 6: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.

Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat.

Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until they turn golden and are fully cooked.

Step 7: Glaze Shrimp with Honey Sauce

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the shrimp.

Cook for an additional 30 seconds to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and coat the shrimp.

Step 8: Assemble the Dish

Stir half of the roasted corn into the polenta.

Divide the polenta among four serving bowls.

Top with cooked shrimp and drizzle with remaining honey garlic sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Scatter the remaining roasted corn and chopped fresh basil over the top of each dish.

Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Polenta

• Remove excess moisture from shrimp to ensure better caramelization and prevent steaming during cooking.
• Stir occasionally while roasting to develop deep golden color without burning kernels.
• Use medium-low to medium heat when cooking shrimp to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Taste honey garlic sauce before adding to shrimp, adjusting chipotle and lime juice for perfect sweet-spicy balance.
• Stir continuously while cooking and add extra liquid if needed to achieve smooth, velvety texture.

Variations for Shrimp and Polenta

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in the honey garlic sauce. Use vegetable broth instead of water for polenta and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Corn Bowl: Ensure polenta is gluten-free certified. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce if needed. Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Plate: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken or white fish. Add crumbled feta cheese on top. Incorporate roasted red peppers and kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair.

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Polenta Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic shrimp nestled on creamy polenta creates a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Comfort meets elegance in this quick, satisfying dish that will transport you to coastal kitchens with its simple yet sophisticated charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup polenta (quick cooking)
• 5 cups water
• 2 ears corn (kernels)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon chipotle paste
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 bunch basil (chopped)

Dairy and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot, preparing for polenta creation.
2. Gradually whisk polenta into boiling water, stirring consistently to prevent lumps.
3. Simmer polenta for approximately 8 minutes, monitoring thickness and texture until creamy.
4. Fold butter and Parmesan cheese into polenta, creating a rich and smooth base.
5. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low temperature.
6. Carefully slice fresh corn kernels from cobs with a sharp knife.
7. Roast corn kernels, stirring periodically, until achieving a deep caramelized golden brown color, around 15 minutes.
8. Transfer roasted corn to a separate bowl, reserving for later garnish.
9. Gently pat shrimp dry using paper towels, ensuring minimal moisture.
10. Combine honey, chipotle paste, minced garlic, and lime juice in a small mixing bowl.
11. Reheat skillet with additional olive oil over medium heat.
12. Sauté shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
13. Pour prepared honey garlic sauce into skillet, allowing it to coat shrimp and slightly thicken.
14. Incorporate half of roasted corn into polenta, creating a textured base.
15. Distribute polenta among serving plates, creating individual portions.
16. Arrange cooked shrimp atop polenta, drizzling remaining honey garlic sauce.
17. Garnish with reserved roasted corn kernels and freshly chopped basil.
18. For enhanced creaminess, consider adding extra liquid during polenta preparation.
19. Alternative protein options include large prawns or scallops if shrimp unavailable.
20. Customize spice levels by adjusting chipotle paste quantity to personal preference.

Notes

• Achieve silky smooth polenta by whisking continuously and adding extra liquid for a creamier consistency.
• Roast corn kernels low and slow to develop deep, caramelized flavors without burning.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure beautiful golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle paste, allowing personalization for different spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 244 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 186 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg