Description
Welcome to the delightful world of “Baked Shrimp Delight with Crunchy Crust,” a casserole that perfectly combines the tenderness of shrimp with a creamy, savory sauce and a crispy topping. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also visually appealing, making it perfect for both family dinners and special occasions. Let’s explore the ingredients and steps required to create this seafood masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- Salt
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons melted
- 6 medium scallions, minced (white and tender green parts)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Freshly ground pepper
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- 4 cups small oyster crackers
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Butter a 3 1/2-quart shallow glass baking dish and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Simmer the Cream and Shells: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, dry sherry, and reserved shrimp shells. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderately low heat for 25 minutes, then strain the mixture through a coarse sieve set over a large measuring cup. Aim to have about 2 1/2 cups of cream mixture.
- Cook the Scallions and Reduce Cream: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet. Add scallions and cook for 3 minutes on moderate heat. Add the strained shrimp cream and simmer until reduced to about 2 cups, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Let cool until tepid.
- Prepare the Topping: Put oyster crackers in a sturdy resealable plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or heavy pan until coarse crumbs form. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, add 4 tablespoons of melted butter and paprika, and stir to combine.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, evenly pour the cooled cream over them, and scatter the oyster cracker crumbs on top. Bake in the center of the oven for 25 minutes, or until bubbling and shrimp are cooked through. Then broil for 30 seconds or until the topping is evenly browned.