Shrimp Elegant
Elegant shrimp in a creamy tarragon-mustard sauce with shallots, perfect for special occasions or impressing guests with a sophisticated seafood dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and peel the shrimp.
- Heat safflower oil until hot.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute on each side; remove from skillet.
- Add shallots and tarragon to the skillet; sauté for a few seconds.
- Add water and boil down until reduced.
- Add heavy cream and reduce heat to simmer.
- Add butter and melt into the sauce.
- Stir in mustard, ensuring not to let the sauce boil after adding.
- Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, pour a little sauce onto each plate, then arrange shrimp on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If unavailable, thaw shrimp under cold water, but avoid soaking. You can substitute safflower oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Fresh tarragon is preferable, but dried tarragon can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Shrimp Elegant over a bed of rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For an impressive spread, consider offering it alongside Seafood Pate or any favorite seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. You can add a splash of water or cream to the skillet to help revive the sauce and maintain its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shrimp Elegant contains roughly 493 calories, with 21g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2063mg per serving (90% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
What can I serve with Shrimp Elegant?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, wild rice, or a crisp green salad. For a more elaborate meal, consider serving it alongside Tuna Tomato Combo for a seafood-themed dinner.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, usually taking about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
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).