Description
Succulent garlic shrimp delight gratin brings Mediterranean coastal charm to dinner tables with its aromatic blend of seafood and herbs. Crisp breadcrumb topping and rich garlic butter sauce promise a delectable experience you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) shrimp, medium-sized, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsps (45 g) butter, unsalted
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Parsley, fresh, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9 inch glass baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray or butter to ensure effortless release.
- Flavor Development: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until its fragrant essence fills the kitchen, releasing rich aromatic notes within 60 seconds.
- Protein Cooking: Introduce shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn a vibrant pink and become tender, transforming in approximately 3-4 minutes. Transfer cooked shrimp to a mixing bowl.
- Creamy Fusion: Blend heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and cooked shrimp in the bowl, stirring meticulously to create a harmonious, velvety mixture that promises luxurious texture and depth of flavor.
- Assembly and Topping: Pour the creamy shrimp mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading uniformly. Combine panko breadcrumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese and generously scatter over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Baking Perfection: Position the gratin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and golden-brown crust that indicates culinary success.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous element. Serve immediately while the gratin remains warm and inviting.
Notes
- Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch carefully during sautéing, as shrimp can quickly turn rubbery and tough if cooked too long.
- Optimize Breadcrumb Crispiness: Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before topping to enhance their golden-brown crunch and nutty flavor.
- Control Cream Separation: Use room temperature cream and cheese to help prevent potential curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
- Select Shrimp Quality: Choose fresh, firm shrimp with a mild sea-like scent; frozen works well if thawed completely and pat-dried to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 499
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 745 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg