Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin: A Cheesy Seafood Sensation Recipe
Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich and cheesy seafood casserole featuring succulent shrimp in a creamy garlic and basil-infused sauce, topped with a crunchy pork rind and parmesan crust. Perfect for a low-carb, flavorful meal that combines the comforting textures of a gratin with the bold flavors of garlic and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prepare for baking.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear them for 1–2 minutes per side until they just turn pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Then add minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant to develop the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese along with all the shredded monterey jack cheese, mixing well until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the shrimp, ensuring even coverage for a rich flavor in every bite.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp and sauce, creating a crispy and flavorful gratin crust.
- Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, indicating the gratin is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and fresh basil for the best flavor and aroma in your dish.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp during searing as they will continue to cook in the oven; this keeps them tender and juicy.
- For meal prep, store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent sauce separation.
- If the sauce separates when reheated, simply stir gently to restore its creamy texture.
Keywords: Keto garlic shrimp, shrimp au gratin, keto seafood casserole, low carb shrimp recipe, cheesy shrimp bake
