Description
Garlic Shrimp Gratin is a rich and flavorful French-inspired baked seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy garlic sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a main course, this gratin combines tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a balance of heat from red pepper flakes, all finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Topping
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish or individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add shrimp along with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they start turning pink. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping any bits off the bottom, and reduce for about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Transfer: Return the shrimp to the pan, ensuring they are coated well in the creamy sauce, then transfer the entire contents into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp and cream in the dish.
- Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, broil the dish for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- For a richer gratin, double the amount of heavy cream used in the sauce.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb topping for added depth and smokiness.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked during sautéing, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
