Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe
Introduction
Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich and flavorful low-carb dish perfect for a satisfying dinner. This creamy, cheesy shrimp bake combines garlic, fresh herbs, and a crispy topping for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped) or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic, basil, and nutmeg, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all the monterey jack cheese, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Arrange the shrimp in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream sauce evenly over them.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese with crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the dish.
- Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh basil for a brighter flavor or substitute with dried if fresh is unavailable.
- For added heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cream sauce.
- Serve with steamed low-carb vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- To keep it dairy-free, substitute cheeses for dairy-free versions and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and crispy topping. Avoid microwaving to keep the topping crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.
Is pork rind crumbs necessary, or can I use another topping?
Pork rind crumbs add a keto-friendly crunch, but you can substitute with crushed almonds, crushed pork cracklings, or even keto-friendly breadcrumbs if preferred.
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Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and low-carb dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in a rich garlic cream sauce, topped with a crispy parmesan and pork rind crumb topping. Perfect for a satisfying keto-friendly meal that combines bold flavors and indulgent textures without the carbs.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Sauce and Topping
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped) or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper then sear them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until just pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, chopped basil, and nutmeg and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release their fragrance.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all the shredded monterey jack cheese. Mix well until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the shrimp ensuring they are well coated.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining half cup of grated parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the shrimp and sauce in the baking dish to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can also be used if thawed and patted dry.
- Crushed pork rind crumbs are used here as a keto-friendly breadcrumb substitute to keep the dish low-carb.
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- To make this dish dairy-free, use suitable cream and cheese alternatives, though it will alter the texture and flavor.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp during searing as they will continue cooking in the oven, preventing them from becoming rubbery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Keto
Keywords: keto shrimp au gratin, garlic shrimp, low carb shrimp recipe, keto dinner, creamy shrimp bake, parmesan shrimp, keto seafood dish
