Zesty Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe: Coastal Comfort on a Plate

Culinary magic happens when garlic shrimp gratin meets pure comfort on a plate.

Aromatic herbs dance around succulent seafood, creating an irresistible melody of flavors.

Coastal memories flood back with each creamy, golden bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through this simple yet elegant dish.

Cheese melts luxuriously, embracing plump shrimp in a warm, indulgent hug.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this sensational recipe.

Why Garlic Shrimp Gratin Is Rich, Creamy, And Easy

• Savor Speedy Seafood Delight: This garlic shrimp gratin promises a restaurant-quality dish that comes together incredibly fast, perfect for busy home cooks craving gourmet flavors without complex preparation.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Adaptable to personal tastes, the recipe allows easy modifications like adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or experimenting with different cheese types for unique flavor profiles.
• Create Impressive Dinner Magic: Transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that looks and tastes sophisticated, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings, date nights, or when you want to surprise dinner guests with minimal effort.

Everything You Need For Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Rich dairy ingredients that create a luxurious and smooth sauce with deep flavor complexity.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic and zesty ingredients that add brightness, heat, and herbal notes to the shrimp gratin.

• Olive Oil: A high-quality fat used for sautéing and developing rich flavor foundations.

How To Bake Garlic Shrimp Gratin Step By Step

Step 1: Crank Up the Heat

Fire up your oven to a blazing 425°F and grab a baking dish ready for some seafood magic.

Step 2: Dry Those Shrimp

Grab paper towels and give those shrimp a thorough pat-down. Moisture is the enemy of perfect caramelization.

Step 3: Create the Sizzle Base

Splash olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot playground for your shrimp.

Step 4: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet, letting it dance for about 30 seconds until its incredible aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 5: Quick Shrimp Sear

Drop the shrimp into the skillet, cooking them lightning-fast. Watch for that perfect pink color and gentle curl – about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 6: Build the Flavor Bomb

• Heavy cream
• Butter

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step 7: Dish Transfer

Slide the shrimp and its luxurious sauce into the waiting baking dish, spreading everything out evenly.

Step 8: Cheese Shower

Rain down grated parmesan cheese, covering every inch of the dish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for molten, golden, bubbly cheese that’s begging to be devoured.

Step 10: Fresh Finale

• Fresh lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Chopped parsley

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Give the dish a quick 2-3 minute breather. This lets the sauce thicken and the flavors mingle. Then dive right in!

Tips To Nail Garlic Shrimp Gratin Every Time

• Dry Shrimp Perfectly: Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture, ensuring crispy, golden-brown exterior during cooking.
• Choose Fresh Seafood: Select large, deveined shrimp with firm texture and bright color for the best flavor and presentation.
• Control Garlic Intensity: Sauté garlic briefly to prevent burning, releasing its aromatic notes without bitter undertones.
• Manage Cooking Time: Watch shrimp closely while sautéing, removing from heat when they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat and add fresh lemon zest at the end to brighten the dish's richness.

Tasty Twists On Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace heavy cream with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Coconut Curry Kick: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk, incorporate curry powder, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a tropical transformation.
• Cajun Celebration: Mix in Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and use andouille sausage for a spicy New Orleans-style rendition.
• Herb Garden Elegance: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage instead of parsley, then top with herbed breadcrumbs for extra texture and aromatic complexity.

Perfect Pairings For Garlic Shrimp Gratin

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Serve Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the luxurious garlic cream sauce, transforming every bite into a delightful experience.
• Match Zesty Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast that enhances the shrimp's flavor.
• Recommend Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds.

How To Store Garlic Shrimp Gratin The Right Way

• Store leftover garlic shrimp gratin in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Carefully transfer cooled gratin to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 1 month, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
• Warm refrigerated gratin in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture.
• Consume stored gratin within the recommended timeframe, as seafood dishes lose their peak flavor and texture when kept too long.

FAQs About Garlic Shrimp Gratin Answered Simply

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium or large-sized, peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking.

• Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference. Add more for extra spiciness or reduce for a milder flavor. You can also use cayenne pepper as an alternative.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just confirm your parmesan cheese is pure and check any additional ingredients for potential gluten content.

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

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and slightly curl.

Garlic Shrimp Gratin Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic shrimp gratin brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its rich, golden-crusted allure. Succulent shrimp nestled in a velvety sauce promise comfort and elegance for passionate home cooks craving restaurant-quality seafood.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), preparing a baking dish for the succulent seafood creation.
2. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure optimal caramelization and prevent excess moisture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for the shrimp.
4. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking quickly for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly curl.
6. Pour in heavy cream, butter, and sprinkle red pepper flakes, creating a rich and spicy base.
7. Transfer the shrimp and sauce to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in an even layer.
8. Generously dust the top with grated parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
11. Let the gratin rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly thicken before serving.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are patted completely dry to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization without releasing excess water during cooking.
• Use high-quality fresh shrimp for the most tender and flavorful results, preferably wild-caught or fresh-frozen options.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, reducing for sensitive palates or increasing for those who love heat.
• Opt for gluten-free alternatives by replacing parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 465
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg