Description

Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich, cheesy seafood bake featuring succulent seared shrimp smothered in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, topped with a crispy pork rind crust. This low-carb, gluten-free dish is perfect for keto enthusiasts seeking a savory and indulgent meal. With its blend of fresh basil, nutmeg, and melted Monterey Jack cheese, it delivers a deliciously creamy texture and a golden, bubbly finish from baking.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasonings

2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

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 crushed pork rind crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

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.
Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then sear them for 1–2 minutes per side until they just turn pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Then add minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant to develop the flavorful base of the sauce.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese along with all the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing well until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the shrimp, ensuring even coverage for a rich flavor in every bite.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining parmesan cheese with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp and sauce, creating a crispy and flavorful gratin crust.
Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, indicating the gratin is perfectly cooked and ready to serve.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
To add extra depth, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
The pork rind topping keeps this dish keto-friendly by replacing traditional bread crumbs.
Ensure the shrimp is not overcooked during searing to maintain tenderness after baking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven to preserve the gratin crust.