Description
Creamy garlic shrimp gratin brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to dinner tables with irresistible charm. Succulent shrimp nestled in rich, herb-infused sauce promises a luxurious meal you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 g) medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
Dairy and Cheese:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing for a delectable seafood transformation.
- Gently melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
- Introduce shrimp to the fragrant butter, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté until they turn a vibrant pink and achieve perfect doneness, roughly 3-4 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
- Create a luxurious blend in a mixing bowl by combining heavy cream, mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and the expertly cooked shrimp, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish with a light grease, then carefully pour the creamy shrimp mixture into the vessel.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan, then generously distribute this golden layer across the surface of the shrimp mixture.
- Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautifully golden and bubbling top that signals culinary perfection.
- Extract from the oven, allow a brief resting period to let flavors meld, then embellish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before presenting this elegant seafood gratin.
Notes
- Select large, fresh shrimp to ensure maximum flavor and tender texture.
- Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference, adding more for intense flavor or less for subtle notes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced white fish or scallops alongside shrimp for variety.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to prevent rubbery texture; they should turn pink and curl slightly.
- Allow dish to rest briefly after baking to help sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 526
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 250 mg