Spicy Calabrian Shrimp with Corn, Potatoes & Pangrattato
You are going to fall in love with how fast this skillet meal comes together on a busy weeknight. It packs all the personality of a coastal seafood boil but skips the heavy pot of water and the mess. We are tossing sweet corn, crispy-edged baby potatoes, and succulent shrimp in a rich Calabrian chili butter, then topping the whole thing with a bright, lemony pangrattato for that essential crunch. Think of this as your new favourite way to celebrate fresh ingredients without spending all evening in the kitchen. It is vibrant, satisfying, and honestly just fun to eat.
1lblarge wild-caught Argentinian shrimp450 g, peeled and deveined
1teaspoonkosher saltdivided
½teaspoonblack pepperdivided
½teaspoonsmoked paprika
3tablespoonolive oildivided (2 tablespoon for shrimp, 1 tablespoon for skillet)
2cupscorn kernels 300 g (fresh or frozen)
1smallshallotfinely diced
3garlic clovesfinely chopped
4tablespoonunsalted butter56 g
1 to 1 ½tablespoonCalabrian chili paste
1teaspoonhoneyoptional
1tablespoonfresh lemon juice
1teaspoonlemon zest
2tablespoonchopped parsley or basil
Lemon wedgesfor serving
Instructions
Make the Lemon Pangrattato
Pangrattato is a traditional Italian condiment of toasted, seasoned breadcrumbs often called the "poor man's parmesan" used to add texture to dishes.
Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and panko. Cook, stirring often, for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, Parmesan, parsley, and a small pinch of salt. Set aside.
Cook the Potatoes
Bring a 5-qt sauté pan (or a medium pot) of well-salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until just fork-tender at the edges but not mushy.
Drain well and let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to steam dry.
Season the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
Toss with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, the smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoon olive oil.
Crisp the Potatoes
Rinse out and heat the same 5-qt sauté pan (or large skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add the potatoes cut-side down. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.
Build the Skillet
Add the corn and shallot to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is hot and the shallot has softened.
Lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the lemon juice, butter, Calabrian chili paste, honey, and lemon zest. Stir until the butter is melted and glossy.
Cook the Shrimp
Push the potato mixture to the edges (or to one side) of the skillet.
Add the seasoned shrimp into the open space and toss to coat in the chili butter. Cook in batches, allowing the shrimp to touch the base of the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Place the cooked shrimp over the potato mixture and repeat until all the shrimp are cooked.
For Serving
Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley or basil. Taste and adjust with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper if needed.
Spoon half of the pangrattato over the skillet just before serving, and keep the rest on the table so everyone can add more for extra crunch. Serve with lemon wedges.
💬Tried this recipe?
We'd really appreciate a rating and quick review! It helps more home cooks find the recipe, and we love hearing what you think.