Corn Risotto with Spicy Shrimp

Sweet corn and shrimp come together with a little kick.

Corn risotto with spicy shrimp
Photo: Joy Howard
Active Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
6

Making risotto may seem like a big undertaking, but aside from a bit of attentiveness, there's really not much to it. The key is not to rush the process and keep the cooking temperature low. If it's too high, you'll end up with rice that's undercooked and not very creamy. (You should lower the heat if it only takes a minute or two for your rice to absorb each addition of broth.) We've developed this recipe using frozen corn, but if you happen to make it during the summer's harvest, you can also use fresh kernels without changing the recipe steps. Either way, it's a great addition to a creamy pot of risotto; and topped with Cajun-spiced shrimp, it makes for a tasty meal for any time of year.

Ingredients

Risotto

  • 6 cups chicken broth

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 ½ cups arborio rice

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • 1 ¾ cups fresh or frozen and thawed corn kernels

  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup green onions, sliced, for garnish

Shrimp

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, such as Tony Chachere's

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 pound large shrimp, shells removed

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions

  1. In a small saucepan, warm the broth over low heat. Keep warm.

  2. In a heavy bottom pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the salt, pepper, and rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice begins to turn translucent, about 1 minute more.

  3. Add the wine and cook, stirring continuously, until evaporated. Add 1 cup of the broth. Continue to stir until absorbed. Keep adding the broth, 1 cup at a time, stirring all the while and letting the broth absorb into the rice between each addition.

  4. Add the corn and stir until heated through. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the Parmesan. Cover and set aside.

  5. In a medium bowl, toss together the olive oil, shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Melt the butter in a large cast iron skillet. Cook the shrimp, turning occasionally, until pink and opaque, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. To serve, scoop the risotto into a bowl and top with shrimp and scallions. Makes about 6 servings.

Related Articles