Description
Succulent Baked Shrimp Delight with its golden crunchy crust promises a Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience that dazzles palates. Crisp breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs create a perfect harmony, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible coastal-style dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
Dairy and Cream:
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (4 tablespoons melted)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- ¼ cup dry sherry
- 6 medium scallions, minced (white and tender green parts)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Hot sauce (to taste)
Crust:
- 4 cups small oyster crackers
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat a spacious glass baking vessel with butter, creating a smooth surface for the shrimp to rest in a pristine single layer. Chill the prepared dish in the refrigerator to maintain ingredient freshness.
- Construct a rich cream base by combining shrimp shells, velvety heavy cream, and aromatic dry sherry in a saucepan. Infuse with a delicate salt pinch and bring to a rolling boil. Gently simmer the mixture, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 25 minutes.
- Strain the cream concoction through a coarse sieve, collecting the liquid in a measuring cup. Aim for a precise 2 1/2 cups of infused cream.
- In a separate skillet, melt butter and introduce finely chopped scallions. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Pour the strained cream into the skillet with scallions. Reduce the liquid by simmering until the volume reaches about 2 cups, concentrating the flavors.
- Remove the cream mixture from heat and enhance with bright lemon juice, tangy Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, cracked black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Allow the mixture to cool to a tepid temperature.
- Transform oyster crackers into a rustic topping by crushing them within a robust sealed bag using a rolling pin. Transfer the coarse crumbs to a mixing bowl.
- Incorporate melted butter and vibrant paprika into the cracker crumbs, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning a rack in the center.
- Season the chilled shrimp with salt and pepper, then generously drape the cooled cream mixture overtop.
- Sprinkle the seasoned cracker crumbs evenly across the surface, creating a textured crust.
- Bake for 25 minutes until the dish becomes effervescent and the shrimp are perfectly cooked.
- Finish with a quick broil, approximately 30 seconds, to achieve a golden-brown, crispy topping.
Notes
- Marinate shrimp in advance for deeper flavor infusion and tender texture.
- Make cream mixture ahead of time to enhance overall dish complexity and save cooking time.
- Choose fresh, large shrimp for best taste and most impressive presentation.
- Use dry sherry for authentic richness; avoid sweet cooking wines.
- Control broiling time carefully to prevent burning the delicate cracker topping.
- Serve immediately after baking to maintain crunch and optimal temperature.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 220mg