Description

This Keto Garlic Shrimp Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and low-carb seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp baked in a rich garlic cream sauce topped with a crispy parmesan and pork rind crust. Perfect for those following a ketogenic diet, it’s easy to prepare and delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

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 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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish 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, then sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes until just pink and slightly firm. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic, chopped basil, and ground nutmeg. Cook for 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly. Stir in half a cup of grated Parmesan and all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble Dish: Place the seared shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish and pour the warm cream sauce evenly over the shrimp.
Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining half cup of grated Parmesan with the crushed pork rind crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cream sauce-covered shrimp.
Bake: Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh is unavailable, adjusting quantity accordingly.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed garlic mixture if you like a bit of heat.
Make sure to sear the shrimp just until pink to avoid overcooking during baking.
This dish is perfect served alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to keep the meal keto-friendly.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: keto garlic shrimp, shrimp au gratin, low carb seafood, creamy shrimp bake, keto dinner, garlic cream sauce, pork rind topping