Description
Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich, creamy, and low-carb shrimp dish featuring seared shrimp baked in a luscious garlic cream sauce topped with a crispy parmesan and crushed pork rind crust. This decadent recipe is perfect for a keto-friendly dinner that’s both flavorful and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 2 pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Aromatics & 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 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). Prepare a large baking dish by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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 about 1–2 minutes per side until they are just pink and opaque. 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 until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup) and all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the shrimp, ensuring all pieces are covered.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp and cream sauce in the baking dish to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Notes
- Using crushed pork rinds as a topping adds crunch while keeping the dish keto-friendly.
- Fresh basil enhances flavor but dried basil can be used as a substitute.
- Do not overcook the shrimp during searing to avoid rubbery texture; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Substitute Monterey Jack with mozzarella if needed, but Monterey Jack provides better melting quality.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cheeses with suitable keto-friendly alternatives, though flavor and texture will vary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Keto shrimp au gratin, garlic shrimp, low carb shrimp recipe, keto dinner, creamy shrimp bake
