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
Scale
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
