Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish using 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 per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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