butterflied, pancetta-tied fantails

(1 rating)
Recipe by
Jana Leys
Seabrook, TX

SHRIMP & BACON!! Pancetta wrapped shrimp stuffed with creamy polenta... A finger food to please your man, kids, and best guests!! The secret is thin-n-toasty pancetta bacon. I entered this recipe in Paula Deen's/Kraft Philly Cream Cheese contest but I was in the hospital for surgery before the video was made, missing the deadline. :/ Prepared many times for my husband, our son, and friends. Drawn by the aroma … they'll HOVER 'round the kitch and RELISH every bite.

(1 rating)
yield 4 , 4-5 shrimps pp
prep time 30 Min
cook time 5 Min

Ingredients For butterflied, pancetta-tied fantails

  • 1 lb
    shrimp, 16-20 count (i buy de-veined ez peel)
  • 1/2 lb
    pancetta, sliced thin
  • 8 oz
    polenta, prepared set aside (can buy prepared polenta)
  • 4 oz
    whipped philly cream cheese with chive
  • 2 tsp
    lemon juice, fresh
  • 1-2 tsp
    lemon zest, grated
  • 1 tsp
    red pepper flakes (for mild heat)
  • 1 Tbsp
    cilantro, chopped - optional
  • 2 Tbsp
    celery, chopped small - optional
  • 1/2 c
    jam, such as raspberry chipotle or jalapeno for drizzle
  • 2
    celery stalks and/or carrot sticks for garnish

How To Make butterflied, pancetta-tied fantails

  • 1
    STEP #1 Shrimp: Grasp tail and peel-off shrimp shell (leave on tails). Use a paring knife and gently split back to butterfly. Pat dry with paper towels, place in bowl, cover and set aside in refrigerator.
  • 2
    STEP #2 Prepare Filling: In medium mixing bowl mash polenta and cream cheese togetehr. Add lemon juice, zest, pepper flakes, celery & cilantro. Salt & Pepper to taste but not much - pancetta is salty. Place an iron skillet (or heavy, oven safe pan) on stove over medium heat, singfilling. Place an oven rack 5-6 inches from broiler element. Broiler to low setting.
  • 3
    STEP #3 Divide Filling in Half and reserve for plating. Scoop about 1 1/2 heaping teaspoon of filling for each shrimp. Wrap each shrimp entirely and securely with pancetta, and place momentarily on plate or baking sheet. Spread the tails to form fans.
  • 4
    COOKING Move all 16 shrimp to hot skillet quickly and place skillet in oven on top shelf, under broiler. Check after three minutes. Remove 2-3 minutes later - or when shrimp is orange and pancetta sizzles. (You begin to smell the pancetta bacon toasting. Pancetta should be somewhat crispy and appear a golden brown color.
  • 5
    PLATING Spread about 2 tablespoons of filling onto a small plate and arrange four shrimp on top. Add celery and carrot sticks to garnish, if desired. Drizzle with jam. Serve with a pitcher of margaritas! Tasty y'all!

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