Belgian Shrimp
Belgian Shrimp features tender cooked shrimp topped with a rich, flavorful butter-based mixture infused with herbs and a hint of spice, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shrimp shelled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 c butter softened ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 6 small shallots and green tops ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 c bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp Tabasco ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp consomme or chicken broth or strained court bouillon ⓘ
- 2 small cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dried tarragon ⓘ
- 1 small bunch chives or 1 slice white onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Mince very fine the shallots, garlic, chives or onion slice, then add thyme, parsley, and tarragon and mix well.
- Add this mixture to softened butter, blending well.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients except the shrimp, folding in the bread crumbs last of all to form a stiff paste.
- Divide the cooked shrimp into 4 piles.
- Spread a layer of the mixture 1/4-inch thick over the bottoms of 4 pottery or individual casserole dishes.
- Place a covering layer of shrimp in spoon fashion in rows on top of the mixture, pressing the shrimp into it.
- Use the remaining mixture to cover the shrimp.
- Place the dishes in a 400°F oven and cook for 10 minutes.
- Broil until the tops are browned, then serve at once.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the butter mixture. If you don't have shallots, finely chopped onions can be a good substitute. Adjust the amount of Tabasco based on your spice preference. To save time, pre-cooked shrimp is ideal, but make sure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious butter sauce. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside rice or roasted vegetables. For more shrimp ideas, browse more chicken recipes for complementary dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. You can also serve cold as a shrimp salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Belgian Shrimp contains roughly 636 calories, with 27g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (328% of the Daily Value), iron (187% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw shrimp, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure the shrimp are cooked through before serving, which may require an additional 5-8 minutes in the oven. Just be careful not to overcook them, as this can lead to a rubbery texture.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you're out of bread crumbs, crushed crackers or panko can work as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. Just ensure to adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired consistency in the mixture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco or incorporate diced jalapeños into the mixture. You could also experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a spicier hot sauce. Just remember to taste as you go to find the right level of spice for your palate.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).