Zesty Golden Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe: A Coastal Delight

Bubbling with rich, aromatic flavors, this golden garlic shrimp gratin recipe promises a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

Succulent shrimp nestled in a creamy, herb-infused sauce creates a luxurious dining experience.

The golden garlic notes elevate each delectable bite, bringing a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this dish speaks to seafood lovers seeking something extraordinary.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every spoonful, blending classic techniques with bold, robust flavors.

Crispy edges and tender shrimp make this gratin a showstopper that transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet celebration.

Prepare to savor every decadent morsel of this irresistible seafood masterpiece.

Shrimp Gratin Ingredient Checklist

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that brings oceanic freshness; choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for easy preparation and consistent cooking.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sauce; select unsalted for better flavor control.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture; look for high-fat content cream for maximum richness.
• White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to sauce; optional but recommended for sophisticated flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty notes; choose freshly grated for most intense taste.
• Garlic: Introduces aromatic punch; select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden, stretchy layer; opt for fresh variety for superior melting quality.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, crunchy finish; use panko for extra crispness.
• Parsley: Offers fresh, bright garnish; select vibrant green leaves without wilting.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor; use sea salt or kosher salt for clean taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground provides most robust flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, zesty element; choose fresh over bottled for best taste.

Kitchen Gear for a Golden Shrimp Bake

• Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and preparing the garlic cream sauce.
• Baking dish or ovenproof skillet: Used for assembling and baking the gratin.
• Paper towels: Needed to pat shrimp dry before cooking.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate butter and seasoning measurements.
• Chef's knife: To mince garlic and chop parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and cooking ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Layer Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400°F, getting ready for some serious culinary.

• Dance the Shrimp

Dry those ocean gems with a paper towel. Give them a quick salt and pepper massage. Sear the shrimp in butter until they blush pink, then whisk them away from the heat.

• Whip Up the Creamy Elixir

Back in the same skillet, let garlic waltz with butter until fragrant. Pour in cream and a splash of wine, letting it bubble and thicken. Pull it off the heat and stir in Parmesan, a zesty squeeze of lemon, and fresh parsley.

• Create the Flavor Nest

Nestle the shrimp in a baking dish. Cascade the luxurious sauce over them. Blanket with mozzarella and sprinkle breadcrumbs for a golden crown.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven. Bake until the cheese melts into a golden landscape, about 10-12 minutes. For extra crunch, give it a quick broil.

• Serve with Flair

Shower with extra parsley. Slide onto the table with crusty bread or rice, ready to transport taste buds to flavor paradise.

Tips to Keep Shrimp Tender and Gratin Crispy

• Broil the gratin for an extra 1-2 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch and rich caramelized flavor.
• Always ensure shrimp are just pink and slightly undercooked before baking, as they'll continue cooking in the oven to prevent rubbery texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a delicious lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish's crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or thyme instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate shrimp and creamy sauce.

Serve Hot With Crusty Bread or Pasta

• Seaside Bread Dip: Tear chunks of crusty French or sourdough bread and use them to soak up the rich, garlicky cream sauce at the bottom of the dish. The bread absorbs all the delicious flavors, making each bite a creamy delight.
• Zesty Salad Companion: Create a light citrus salad with mixed greens, sliced lemon wedges, and a simple vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness. The fresh, tangy salad cuts through the creamy shrimp gratin perfectly.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the garlic and seafood, enhancing the overall dining experience with their bright, refreshing notes.
• Elegant Plating Pro: Serve the gratin in individual cast-iron skillets or elegant ceramic dishes for a restaurant-style presentation. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma.

Store Gratin Without Losing Texture

• Store leftover garlic shrimp gratin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Allow the gratin to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps prevent condensation and maintains the crispy breadcrumb texture.
• Warm the dish in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
• Wrap the gratin securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve its original flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What type of wine works best in this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the shrimp and cream sauce perfectly, adding depth without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat them dry thoroughly, and ensure they are deveined before cooking to maintain the best texture and taste.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and slightly curl – this usually takes 1-2 minutes per side. They should look just barely undercooked since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

• Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy compared to the original recipe’s texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Golden Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

French-inspired garlic shrimp gratin delivers a luxurious seafood experience with crisp golden breadcrumbs and tender succulent shrimp. Mediterranean flavors meld perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup (50 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine, dry (optional)
• ¼ cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp lemon juice, fresh
• 2 tbsps parsley, fresh, chopped
• salt
• black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat shrimp completely dry and season with salt and black pepper, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
2. Searing: Heat butter in a skillet over medium flame, quickly sear shrimp until they turn pale pink, leaving them slightly undercooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until its fragrance infuses the butter, creating an aromatic base for the sauce.
4. Sauce Development: Pour heavy cream and white wine, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce, developing a luxurious, silky texture.
5. Flavor Layering: Off the heat, integrate Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley, whisking to create a harmonious, creamy sauce.
6. Assembly: Arrange shrimp in a single layer within an ovenproof dish, then lavishly coat with the garlic cream sauce.
7. Cheese and Crumb Topping: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously and dust with breadcrumbs, promising a golden, crispy exterior.
8. Baking: Position the dish in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, baking for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown.
9. Final Touch: Activate broiler for 1-2 minutes to achieve an extra-crisp finish, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
10. Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by crusty bread or a light, refreshing salad.

Notes

• Master Shrimp Drying: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure perfect searing and prevent watery sauce, allowing for optimal caramelization and flavor concentration.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Sear shrimp briefly over medium heat to avoid overcooking, maintaining tender, juicy texture and preventing rubbery consistency.
• Balance Cheese Distribution: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly for consistent melting and golden-brown coverage, creating a uniform, appetizing top layer.
• Watch Broiling Closely: Monitor broiler carefully during final 1-2 minutes to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, ensuring crispy yet delicate surface.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 423
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg