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Origins in Culinary Imagination: Eden Hill and its Deconstructed Fried Prawn Risotto
Imagine stepping into a warmly lit, intimate dining room in Seattle’s charming Queen Anne neighborhood, a city that celebrates culinary innovation and artistic expression on the plate. The story of Eden Hill unfolds as a testament to imaginative fine dining, a place where familiar ingredients are transformed through surprising textures and bold flavors, perfectly exemplified by their deconstructed and delightful Fried Prawn Risotto.
Eden Hill isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a canvas for culinary artistry, born from the ambitious vision of Chef Maximillian Petty. Driven by a passion for pushing boundaries while respecting classic techniques, Chef Petty established Eden Hill as a playground for his creative interpretations of Pacific Northwest cuisine, often delivered through inventive tasting menus. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on delivering a sophisticated yet playful dining experience, where every dish is a conversation starter. The ambiance is one of understated elegance—cozy, modern, and conducive to a thoughtful culinary journey, often filled with appreciative murmurs from diners discovering new taste sensations.
During my visit to Eden Hill, amidst the refined setting and the anticipation that accompanies each course, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing their Fried Prawn Risotto. This wasn’t merely a classic dish; it was a clever reinterpretation, a symphony of textures and temperatures. The risotto, often served as a creamy, comforting base, was perfectly al dente, rich with the essence of its broth and cheese. But the prawns—oh, the prawns!—were often presented beautifully, perhaps lightly breaded and fried to an ethereal crispness, their sweet succulence contrasting wonderfully with the risotto. Sometimes, elements might be separated, inviting you to create your own perfect bite, a testament to the chef’s playful genius.
Savoring that Fried Prawn Risotto at Eden Hill, I understood that this establishment is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience the boundless creativity of modern American cuisine. at Eden Hill It’s about respecting ingredients, deconstructing expectations, and creating a dining experience that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying.
If you’re looking for an adventurous and exceptionally memorable fine dining experience in Seattle, a place to savor imaginative dishes and explore new flavor horizons, Eden Hill is a destination that should be at the very top of your list. It’s a place to experience the genuine artistry of a chef and discover masterpieces like their unforgettable Fried Prawn Risotto.
A Celebration of Culinary Imagination: Crafting Your Own Elegant Fried Prawn Risotto
To capture the elegant, vibrant essence of Eden Hill’s delightful Fried Prawn Risotto in your own kitchen, begin with creamy Arborio rice and succulent prawns, and a touch of imaginative inspiration. This culinary journey celebrates the simple beauty of well-prepared ingredients, much like the precise artistry at Eden Hill.
Embarking on this endeavor is a lesson in appreciating the inherent richness of a perfectly cooked risotto and the satisfying crispness of fresh prawns. Focus on gradually building flavor into your creamy rice and ensuring your prawns are golden and tender. Start by selecting Arborio rice (or a suitable local alternative) and fresh prawns, the foundation of this delightful dish .
Consider incorporating elements that reflect Eden Hill’s focus on highlighting the best of seasonal and well-sourced ingredients. A simple drizzle of good quality olive oil and a touch of Parmesan cheese will enhance the inherent flavors and bring out their natural character. The key is to let the quality of the rice and the prawns be the star, perhaps with a delicate herb garnish.
Pay close attention to slowly stirring the risotto, allowing each addition of warm stock to be fully absorbed, creating that signature creamy texture. The frying process for the prawns should be quick and efficient, ensuring a beautiful golden crisp without overcooking. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a testament to the simple yet profound transformation of quality ingredients.
As you prepare this vibrant dish, you’ll appreciate the ease and satisfaction of creating something both delicious and elegant. It’s a celebration of classic bistro flavors, minimal fuss, and the pure pleasure of enjoying a simply prepared yet flavorful dish, inspired by the artistry of Eden Hill.
Chef’s Notes:
• Toast the rice with intent – Briefly toasting Arborio before the broth helps coax out a deeper, nutty flavor that anchors every bite.
• Sear shrimp with patience – Let them sit undisturbed for maximum caramelization and that golden fond that flavors the whole pot.
• Warm your liquids – Adding cold broth or milk can halt starch development. Keep them steaming for consistent creaminess.
• Finish off the heat – Once the risotto’s nearly done, remove from heat before adding peas, cheese, and shrimp to preserve their texture and vibrancy.
• Customize for the occasion – Use basil for a summer twist, or add a swirl of pesto or lemon zest for depth and brightness.
• Stretch with elegance – Bulk it out for guests with sautéed mushrooms or grilled asparagus stirred in before serving.
• Make it ahead-friendly – Stop cooking while the rice is just underdone, chill, then reheat gently with a splash of broth when ready to serve.
• Plate like a pro – Use a wide bowl, smooth the rice into a soft dome, and finish with a flourish of Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a lemon wedge.
• Turn leftovers into arancini – Form into balls, stuff with cheese, roll in breadcrumbs, and pan-fry for an entirely new experience.
• Control the salt – Parmesan and broth carry salt—season at the end to avoid going overboard.
Creamy Shrimp Rice
Get ready to wow your family with this Creamy Shrimp Rice that channels the inviting warmth of Ina Garten and the bold flair of Gordon Ramsay! Succulent seared shrimp meet perfectly al dente Arborio rice, all bathed in a silky broth enriched with butter, white wine, and Parmesan. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the ultimate midweek treat that feels gourmet but cooks up in a single pot—no marathon stirring required. Let’s dive in and make dinner extraordinary tonight!
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes511
kcal35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Proteins Fats
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- Aromatics
1 small shallot finely chopped
3 garlic cloves pressed or minced
- Liquids
1/2 cup dry white wine or extra broth
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth warmed
1 cup whole milk or 2% milk
- Grains Veggies
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
1 cup thawed garden peas
- Finishing Touches
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Handful of parsley chopped for garnish
- Alternative Ingredients:
Shrimp: substitute scallops or chunks of chicken breast
Arborio rice: swap for Carnaroli or Vialone Nano risotto rice
Milk: replace with canned coconut milk for a dairy-free twist
Butter: use vegan margarine or olive oil for dairy-free diets
Chicken broth: swap with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian
White wine: replace with extra broth or a splash of lemon juice
Parmesan: use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative
Peas: swap for asparagus tips or sliced zucchini
Shallot: can use half a small yellow onion
Parsley: replace with chopped chives or basil leaves
Directions
- Searing Shrimp – Heat 1 Tbsp oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a wide-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2 minutes). Lay shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook without moving for 1½ minutes on one side, then flip for another minute (total ~3 minutes). Transfer the shrimp to a warm plate and keep covered; this step builds a rich fond in the pan.
- Softening Aromatics – Reduce heat to medium, add shallot and garlic to the pot, and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the shallot turns translucent (avoid browning to keep flavors sweet). These aromatics form the flavor base, making each grain of rice more savory. Optionally, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a mild kick.
- Deglazing Pan – Pour in the white wine (or ½ cup broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon; cook for 2 minutes until the alcohol scent dissipates. This process—called deglazing—captures all the built-up flavor. If you prefer, swap wine for an equal amount of warm broth.
- Toasting Rice – Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 30 seconds, just until the edges turn translucent. Toasting the rice briefly helps it absorb liquids evenly, yielding a creamier texture.
- First Broth Addition – Pour in 2 cups of the warm broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking; you want a light simmer, not a rolling boil.
- Second Broth Milk Addition – Add the remaining broth plus milk, stir, and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir again and continue cooking for 2 more minutes; the mixture should be soupy and grains still slightly firm.
- Finishing Garnish – Off the heat, stir in peas, Parmesan, remaining butter, and reserved shrimp (plus any juices). Vigorously stir for 10 seconds to emulsify and create a glossy, creamy risotto. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately. If it firms up too much, loosen with 1–2 Tbsp warm water per serving.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Dutch Oven
- Nonstick Pan
- measuring cups and spoons
- silicone spatula set
- Mixing Bowls
- colander
Notes
- • For best results, warm your broth and milk before adding; cold liquids can stall cooking. • Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal. • Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end for brightness or heat. • Leftovers reheat beautifully—stir in a splash of water before microwaving to restore creaminess. • Swap parsley for fresh basil or tarragon for an herbaceous twist.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 511kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Vitamin C: 8mg
- Calcium: 250mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQs: Creamy Shrimp Rice
Can I use long grain rice instead of Arborio?
Not recommended. Arborio’s starch is key to achieving that creamy, risotto-like consistency.
What if I don’t have white wine?
Use extra broth with a splash of lemon juice or white balsamic vinegar for a similar brightness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—substitute butter with olive oil, milk with coconut milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan hard cheese.
How do I know when shrimp are done?
They’ll turn opaque and firm with pink/orange color—just 2–3 minutes total. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Can I cook this without wine and broth?
Technically yes, but it’ll lack complexity. Use well-seasoned water with aromatics like bay leaves or leeks if needed.
Can I add veggies to this dish?
Absolutely. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach stirred in near the end complement the dish well.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Risotto-style rice doesn’t reheat well from frozen—best stored in the fridge up to 3 days.
What’s the best shrimp to use?
Medium-to-large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal. Frozen works fine—just thaw and pat dry before searing.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes to the aromatics or finish with a drizzle of chili oil.
What pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio), lemon-dressed greens, or roasted asparagus balance its richness beautifully.
More Shrimp Recipes
Cajun Butter Shrimp
Cooks in 15 minutesDifficulty: EasyPicture plump shrimp bathed in a sizzling garlicky Cajun butter sauce—this dish delivers bold New Orleans flavor in under 15 minutes! Channeling the spirit of a celebrity chef’s kitchen (minus the entourage), you’ll master this simple yet sensational recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight feast or feeding a crowd. Ready to make your taste buds dance with every buttery, spicy bite?
Southern Fried Shrimp Sandwich
Cooks in 65 minutesDifficulty: EasyBam! Dive into a flavor-packed Southern-inspired shrimp sandwich that’s guaranteed to have your taste buds dancing. Imagine golden, cornmeal-crusted shrimp nestled in pillowy rolls, dressed with a tangy homemade remoulade that sings with paprika and horseradish heat. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick 15-minute fry, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy handheld ready to devour—no fuss, all flair! Whether you’re hosting game day or whipping up a weeknight treat, this crunchy, creamy masterpiece brings bold Creole flair straight to your kitchen.
Skillet Shrimp Rice
Cooks in 30 minutesDifficulty: EasyWho’s ready for a flavor-packed midweek hero? Picture tender, cornstarch-crisped shrimp mingling with fluffy, soy-sauced rice, bright peas and carrots, ribbons of scrambled egg, and fragrant sesame oil—all in one pan. This Skillet Shrimp Rice comes together in just 30 minutes, saving you time without skimping on taste. It’s the fuss-free, restaurant-quality dinner you’ll crave again and again!
