Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into a vibrant Mexican-inspired paradise! This Smoked Paprika Shrimp with Poblano Polenta and Red Pepper Agave Sauce is not just a recipe—it's an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your senses and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine succulent shrimp kissed with smoky paprika, resting on a creamy poblano-infused polenta, all drizzled with a tantalizing red pepper agave sauce that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup polenta
- 1 poblano pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red pepper puree
- 2 tbsp agave syrup
- 2 cups water or broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp, ensuring they are patted dry with paper towels. Dice poblano pepper finely. Measure out all spices and liquids.
- Make polenta base: In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a gentle boil. Slowly whisk in polenta, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until creamy and thick.
- While polenta is cooking, add diced poblano peppers to the mixture, stirring to incorporate and allow peppers to soften.
- Season shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Prepare red pepper agave sauce: In a small saucepan, combine red pepper puree and agave syrup. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors and reduce slightly.
- Cook shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred, being careful not to overcook.
- Plate the dish: Spoon creamy poblano polenta onto plates, arrange cooked shrimp on top, and drizzle with red pepper agave sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Shrimp Success: Always pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Polenta Perfection: Whisk continuously when adding polenta to prevent lumps, and use a wooden spoon for stirring to maintain a smooth texture.
- Flavor Boost: Toast your smoked paprika briefly in a dry pan before seasoning the shrimp to enhance its smoky depth.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the red pepper agave sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and achieve the ideal thickness.
- Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly—2-3 minutes per side is ideal. They're done when they turn pink and slightly curl.
- Temperature Timing: Have all components ready simultaneously to serve the dish hot and at peak flavor.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime can elevate the dish's brightness and complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 202kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 26g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
