Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich and creamy dish packed with bold flavors. Tender shrimp are coated in a cheesy garlic cream sauce, then baked to golden perfection with a crunchy pork rind topping. It’s a low-carb meal that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner.

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 them for 1–2 minutes per side until they just turn pink. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, basil, and nutmeg, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in half of the parmesan cheese and all the Monterey Jack cheese until smooth. Season the sauce to taste.
5. Step 5: Place the cooked shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese with the heavy cream.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added for extra aroma and flavor.
• Use crushed pork rinds as a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before searing to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

Is there a substitute for the pork rind topping?

If you prefer not to use pork rinds, crushed toasted almonds or a mix of parmesan and almond flour can create a similar crunchy topping while keeping it keto-friendly.

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

A rich and flavorful Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin dish featuring seared shrimp baked in a creamy garlic basil sauce topped with a crispy pork rind and parmesan crust. Perfect for a low-carb, ketogenic meal that’s indulgent yet easy to prepare.

• Author: Logan
• 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 basil
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (remaining half)
• 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 with butter or cooking spray to prepare for baking.
2. Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn just pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and allow it to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half a cup of grated parmesan cheese and all the shredded monterey jack cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Assemble Dish: Arrange the seared shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy garlic basil sauce over the shrimp to coat them thoroughly.
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 for a crispy, flavorful topping.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling hot.

Notes

• For extra garlic flavor, you can add an additional clove or two when sautéing the aromatics.
• Use fresh basil if available for a brighter herbal note, but dried basil works well too.
• Serve this dish immediately after baking to enjoy the creamy texture and crunchy topping at their best.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated, though the topping may lose some crispiness.

Keywords: Keto, garlic shrimp, au gratin, low carb, keto dinner, creamy shrimp bake, parmesan topping, pork rind crust