Introduction

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich and flavorful dish perfect for low-carb dinners. Tender shrimp are seared and baked in a creamy garlic sauce topped with a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s an impressive yet simple recipe that’s sure to satisfy seafood lovers.

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cream sauce.
Fresh basil adds the best aroma, but dried basil works well in a pinch.
Swap pork rind crumbs with toasted almond flour or crushed pork cracklings for a similar crispy topping.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and crisp topping.

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 them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cheese and cream?

Dairy-free substitutes are possible but may change the texture and flavor. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese can substitute parmesan and monterey jack.

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

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5 from 400 reviews

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich and creamy seafood dish perfect for low-carb diets. Succulent shrimp are seared and baked in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce topped with a crispy parmesan and pork rind crust. Easy to prepare and bursting with bold flavors, it’s ideal for a special dinner or meal prepping keto-friendly comfort food.

Author: Zane
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

Shrimp and Seasoning

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 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). Grease a large baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Sear Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot skillet for 1–2 minutes on each side until they turn just pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour 1 cup of heavy whipping cream into the skillet, allowing it to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and all the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until smooth and well combined. Season the cream sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Assemble Dish: Arrange the seared shrimp evenly in 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 grated parmesan cheese with 1/2 cup crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cream-covered shrimp 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 the sauce is bubbling hot. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can be used but thaw completely before cooking.
Crushed pork rinds are used as a keto-friendly breadcrumb substitute; substitute with almond flour for a different low-carb option.
Ensure not to overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor, but dried basil is an excellent alternative.
To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be less rich.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Keto, Shrimp Au Gratin, Garlic Shrimp, Low-Carb Seafood, Keto Dinner, Creamy Shrimp Bake