Jerk Shrimp Pineapple Polenta Cakes

Ingredients

Polenta cakes

• 1 tube prepared firm polenta, 18 oz (510 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Jerk shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Pineapple salsa

• 1 cup finely diced fresh pineapple
• ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ⅛ tsp fine salt

Equipment

Large nonstick skillet, mixing bowl, thermometer

Allergens and ingredient notes: Shellfish; check prepared polenta ingredients.

Step by step

1. Slice the polenta tube into twelve equal rounds, about ½ inch thick, and pat the surfaces dry. Heat half the olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook six rounds 4–5 minutes per side until golden and heated through. Repeat with remaining olive oil and rounds; keep warm on a rack.
2. Mix pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, the salsa lime juice, and salsa salt in a bowl. Set aside while you cook the shrimp.
3. Toss shrimp with thyme, allspice, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and their ½ tsp salt. Heat the neutral oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side until firm, opaque, and 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
4. Remove the shrimp from heat and toss with the separate shrimp lime juice. Arrange twelve warm polenta cakes on a platter. Divide all the shrimp over them, cutting very large shrimp in half if necessary, then spoon on the pineapple salsa. Serve immediately.

The Devotti twist: A ready-cooked polenta tube becomes a crisp handheld base; the fresh salsa stays cold to sharpen the warm spices.

Make ahead and storage

Refrigerate shrimp, cakes, and salsa separately within 2 hours; use within 2 days. Reheat shrimp and polenta to 165°F (74°C), then add cold salsa.

Image: AI-generated recipe illustration; homemade results and presentation will vary.