Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying low-carb dish perfect for seafood lovers. Featuring tender shrimp baked in a rich garlic cream sauce topped with a crispy pork rind crust, it’s an easy recipe that elevates weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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)
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil, and nutmeg and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half the parmesan cheese and all the monterey jack cheese. Mix until smooth and season to taste.
5. Step 5: Place the shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the remaining parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dish.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cream sauce.
• Fresh basil provides a brighter taste, but dried basil works well when fresh isn’t available.
• Substitute crushed pork rind crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork cracklings for different textures.
• Do not overcook the shrimp in the skillet; they will finish cooking in the oven and stay tender.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp or curdle the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and texture.

Is this dish suitable for those following a keto diet?

Absolutely. This recipe uses low-carb ingredients like heavy cream, cheese, and pork rind crumbs, making it a great option for a ketogenic meal.

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

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4.8 from 122 reviews

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich, low-carb seafood casserole featuring succulent seared shrimp baked in a creamy garlic and basil sauce topped with a crispy parmesan and pork rind crust. Perfect for keto enthusiasts looking for an indulgent yet diet-friendly meal.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish using butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. 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 per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in half a cup of grated parmesan cheese along with all the shredded monterey jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce over the shrimp, making sure they are well coated.
6. Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining half cup of parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dish, which will create a crispy topping when baked.
7. Bake: Bake the assembled shrimp au gratin in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling hot. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs in a reduced quantity if fresh is not available.
• Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during searing, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if coming from cold.
• Pork rind crumbs are used to keep the crust keto-friendly and add crunch without breadcrumbs.

Keywords: keto shrimp au gratin, keto garlic shrimp, low carb seafood casserole, creamy shrimp bake, keto dinner recipe