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