Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin
Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a rich and creamy cheesy seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp seared to perfection, smothered in a garlicky parmesan and Monterey jack cream sauce, and topped with a crispy pork rind crust. Perfect for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this comforting casserole is bursting with flavor and easy to prepare for a satisfying dinner.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Sear Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Sear the shrimp in the hot oil for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn just pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy whipping cream into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in half of the grated parmesan cheese and all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 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 well coated.
- 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 to create a flavorful, crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling hot. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Pork rinds are used as a keto-friendly substitute for breadcrumbs to keep the dish low-carb.
- You can swap basil with fresh parsley or thyme for a different herb flavor.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with a coconut cream alternative and choose dairy-free cheese.
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 215 mg
Keywords: Keto shrimp, garlic shrimp au gratin, cheesy shrimp casserole, low carb shrimp recipe, keto dinner, seafood au gratin