Dave Chang's Shrimp and Polenta

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (260ml) water
• 1 ½ teaspoons dashi powder or ½ package of Hondashi
• ½  cup (75g) polenta or yellow grits
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 strips of bacon, sliced into strips
• ½ onion, thinly sliced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 8 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 2 scallion greens, sliced into 1” pieces
• Water, as needed
• 2 eggs

Preparation

1. Make the polenta. Add water, polenta, and dashi powder to the Deep Anyday and stir to combine. Spread the mixture in an even layer. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
2. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5
   ✕

   Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

   Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

   For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

   Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

   PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

   PL 9 = 90% = High

   PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

   PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

   PL 6 = 60% = Medium

   PL 5 = 50% = Medium

   PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

   PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

   PL 2 = 20% = Low

   PL 1 = 10% = Low

   You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
   

   for 20 minutes, or until the polenta is hydrated and tender. Whisk polenta for a minute to get it creamy and combine all the liquid. If needed, add more time at Power Level 4 in 1 minute intervals. If it’s too thick, whisk in ¼ cup water to thin it out.
3. Whisk in butter and adjust seasoning to taste. Cover with lid and set aside.
4. Make the shrimp and bacon. While the polenta rests, add the bacon, onion, garlic and thyme to a Shallow Anyday dish. Cover with lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave for 4-5 minutes.
5. Add the shrimp and scallions on top of the ingredients in the shallow Anyday dish and stir to combine. Cover with lid (knob lifted). Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and fully cooked. Season to taste, cover with lid and set aside.
6. Make the poached eggs. Fill a clean Medium Shallow Anyday Dish with tap water up to the crease of the bowl. Crack 2 eggs into the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
7. Cook in the microwave for 3-4 minutes. Gently press the egg yolk to check that the eggs are done to your liking, and add more time in 30-second increments if needed.
8. Spoon the polenta into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture. Add a poached egg to each dish.

Serving suggestions & tips