tagAlt.Ricotta Cheese with Grilled Shrimp and Crispy Italian Bacon

Creamy Ricotta with Charred Shrimp and Crunchy Italian Pancetta

A sophisticated fusion of seafood, dairy, and savory Italian bacon that will surprise and enchant your palate!
Add to favourites

    • ( Scored 5 on 1 reviews )

Nina:

I would have never thought to match ricotta and shrimp, but boy, am I glad this recipes does it for me.

read all reviews...

tagAlt.Ricotta Cheese with Grilled Shrimp and Crispy Italian Bacon

Mastering Creamy Ricotta with Charred Shrimp and Crunchy Italian Pancetta

Although tradition in Italian cuisine often discourages pairing seafood with dairy, this innovative recipe is a delightful exception. Here, the smooth, slightly tangy flavor of fresh ricotta perfectly complements the gentle sweetness of grilled shrimp. This unlikely combination results in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both intriguing and satisfying.

Adding crispy Italian pancetta (or bacon) provides a savory crunch, elevating the mouthfeel and lending a wonderful contrast to the creamy and delicate elements. Even culinary purists will find themselves enchanted by the ease and deliciousness of this dish—a perfect choice for a special evening when you crave the taste of the sea with a gourmet twist.

Historically, Italian cooking rarely mixed cheese with fish, but regional exceptions—like Sicilian swordfish with ricotta—show that the boundaries are meant to be explored. This dish is a contemporary celebration of those bold culinary steps.

Wine Pairing Tips for Creamy Ricotta with Charred Shrimp and Crunchy Italian Pancetta

The complex flavor profile of this dish, combining the creamy slight tang of ricotta cheese, the delicate umami of shrimp, and the savory intensity of pancetta, deserves an equally nuanced wine match. Opt for a full-bodied white wine with a balanced mouthfeel and enough structure to complement each component. A top choice is Vernaccia di San Gimignano, renowned for its fresh fruit notes and signature almond finish. Alternatively, a premium sparkling wine will cleanse the palate and highlight the bacon’s rich savor. For the adventurous, consider pairing with an orange wine, which, thanks to prolonged skin contact, offers the texture and depth to stand up to the dish’s layered flavors.

Ingredients

for 4 servings

Ricotta Cheese with Grilled Shrimp and Crispy Italian Bacon ingredients

  • Ricotta cheese (Sheep's Milk) 300 grams
  • Shrimp 6
  • Italian Bacon (Pancetta) 100 grams
  • Basil (Leaves) 6
  • Lemon Zest 1
  • Mint (Leaves) 2
  • Salt as needed
  • Extra-virgin olive oil as needed

Try it with...

or show me more...

Preparation

for 4 servings

Step

1

Of 3

Blend and Season the Ricotta

In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix ricotta cheese with sea salt, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly grated lemon zest according to your taste preferences.

Rinse and gently pat dry a handful of fresh mint and basil leaves. Slice them into thin strips, then mix them into the ricotta blend. Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature before serving—this step is crucial, as serving ricotta too cold will dull its vibrant, fresh flavor.

Step

2

Of 3

Prepare and Clean the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully remove the shrimp’s head and devein by making a shallow cut along the back to extract the dark vein. Peel the shells, taking care to keep the tails intact for presentation. Store the cleaned shrimp in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them to preserve freshness.

Step

3

Of 3

Crisp the Pancetta and Finish the Presentation

Slice smoked pancetta (or high-quality Italian bacon) into long, slender strips about 2 cm wide. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat without adding any oil. Add the pancetta strips and sauté until they turn golden and irresistibly crisp. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat and maintain their crunch.

Using two teaspoons, shape the ricotta mixture into elegant ovals and place one in the center of each serving plate. In a separate nonstick pan, heat a small amount of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp, searing them until they develop a golden crust on one side. Flip and cook briefly on the other side to ensure tenderness and flavor.

Arrange the shimmering shrimp atop the molded ricotta, then garnish with the warm, crispy pancetta and a fresh leaf of mint and basil for a burst of color and aroma. Serve immediately for the best contrast of textures and temperatures.

Ingredient tip: If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with 1 1/2 tablespoons dried basil and 1 teaspoon dried mint for a similar aromatic effect.

Try it with...

or show me more...

Filippo Bartolotta

Filippo Bartolotta

...Great Italian Goodies!

You may like

tagAlt.Risotto with Smoked Scamorza Lemon and Fresh Basil

Creamy Risotto with Smoked Scamorza, Zesty Lemon & Fresh Basil

10 minutes 11 ingredients 538 kCal

(1) Intermediate
tagAlt.Fried Sage leaves

Crispy Fried Sage Leaves: A Tuscan Delicacy

5 minutes 6 ingredients 352 kCal

(1) Beginner
tagAlt.Coffee Panna Cotta with Almond Crunch

Silky Coffee Panna Cotta with Crunchy Almond Praline

60 minutes 7 ingredients 433 kCal

(1) Intermediate
tagAlt.Chickpea Torta Smoked Eggplant cecina

Chickpea Flatbread with Smoked Eggplant Emulsion and Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

95 minutes 17 ingredients 405 kCal

(1) Beginner

Reviews

Nina Saturday 11th of April 2020

Super fresh!

I would have never thought to match ricotta and shrimp, but boy, am I glad this recipes does it for me.

all.sign in to leave a review
About us

A tight-knit team with a dream: to create a virtual meeting place between chefs, journalists and producers with Italian food and wine lovers around the world. Mamablip is a technological neighborhood cafe where a simple and intuitive language is spoken. It allows anyone to get in touch with the places of production and their interpreters and live real experiences made of scents, flavors and desire to learn. Mamablip brings producers, produce, chefs and experts directly to your home, offering authentic content that enhances sustainability and respect for the planet.