Description
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a decadent, flavorful seafood dish that features tender shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and topped with a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb crust. The shrimp are typically seasoned with garlic, butter, lemon, and fresh herbs, then placed under the broiler to create a deliciously caramelized, slightly crispy topping. The combination of savory shrimp, creamy garlic butter, and the crunchy, toasted breadcrumbs makes this dish irresistibly good. It’s often served as an appetizer or as part of a main course, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner. The rich flavors and the contrast of textures in Garlic Shrimp Gratin make it a comforting yet elegant dish that’s sure to delight seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh, high-quality shrimp are the star of this dish, so opt for the best shrimp you can find.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp and infusing them with flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A touch of paprika gives the shrimp a subtle smoky flavor that complements the garlic.
- Salt and pepper: To season the shrimp and bring out its natural sweetness.
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Butter provides richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the key flavor in this dish, adding depth and a robust, savory aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream forms the luxurious base of the sauce, giving it a velvety texture.
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional): White wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce, helping balance the richness of the cream. You can substitute with chicken broth if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A small amount of mustard adds a touch of tang that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of the shrimp and balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme complements the garlic and gives the sauce a herby, aromatic note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a pop of color.
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for creating a crispy, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy shrimp.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce and shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The butter helps toast the breadcrumbs, giving them a golden, crispy texture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a fresh finishing touch.
Instructions
First Step: PREPARE THE SHRIMP
- Season the Shrimp: Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika will add a subtle smoky flavor to the shrimp that complements the garlic sauce.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Second Step: MAKE THE GARLIC CREAM SAUCE
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the Wine: If using, pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes. If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and go directly to adding the cream.
- Add the Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken as it cooks, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat.
Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE GRATIN
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish, such as a 9-inch round or oval dish, with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Shrimp: Arrange the sautéed shrimp evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the garlic cream sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is covered with the creamy goodness.
Fourth Step: MAKE THE CRISPY TOPPING
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Top the Shrimp: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp and sauce. The breadcrumbs will create a crispy, golden topping as the gratin bakes.
Fifth Step: BAKE THE GRATIN
- Bake: Place the assembled gratin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The breadcrumbs should have a crisp, toasted texture, and the shrimp should be perfectly cooked through.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE
- Garnish: Once the gratin is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note.
- Serve: Serve the Garlic Shrimp Gratin hot, directly from the baking dish. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 30g