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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, buttery garlic flavors with succulent, tender shrimp, then the Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe is calling your name. This iconic American seafood favorite, originating from Chicago’s historic Jewish-Italian restaurants, combines simple ingredients to create something truly special. With a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping and a hint of dry sherry, every bite feels like a cozy celebration of delicious comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe never fails to deliver a satisfying, elegant experience that’s easy enough for any home cook to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about the Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe is elegant in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully selected to add layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color on top. From the juicy shrimp to the freshly chopped parsley, every element plays a role in making this dish shine.
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp for the best juicy, tender bite.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter is the heart of the dish, providing a rich base and helping to marry all the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Garlic infuses a wonderful aroma and sharpness to balance the richness.
- 1/3 cup dry sherry: This adds a subtle sweetness and depth that enhances the seafood’s natural flavor.
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs: Freshness here ensures a delicate, crispy topping that’s light yet flavorful.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a nutty, salty finish that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Parsley adds a burst of freshness and a pop of green for visual appeal.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: The lemon juice brightens every bite with a hint of lively acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika contributes a subtle smokiness and vibrant red color to the butter sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A pinch to add just the right amount of gentle heat if you like a little kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
How to Make Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Arrange the Shrimp
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly butter a shallow baking dish so the shrimp won’t stick and the butter can mingle with the other ingredients. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and to give that crispy breadcrumb topping room to get perfectly golden.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dry sherry, fresh lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. This sauce is the soul of the Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe – vibrant, buttery, and packed with aromatic punch that’s sure to make your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Shrimp
Carefully pour the flavorful garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure every piece is coated. This ensures each bite bursts with that rich, savory goodness that defines the dish.
Step 4: Combine and Sprinkle Breadcrumb Mixture
In a separate bowl, toss together the fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. This mixture will create a crispy, cheesy crust that adds the perfect contrast to the tender shrimp beneath. Sprinkle it evenly over the shrimp and butter sauce.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes. You are aiming for shrimp that are opaque and just cooked through, topped with a golden-brown, crispy breadcrumb crust. Let the dish rest for five minutes once out of the oven to allow the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, try adding lemon wedges on the side; their bright acidity complements the richness of the butter sauce wonderfully. A sprinkle of extra parsley right before serving adds a fresh, vibrant touch that makes every plate inviting.
Side Dishes
Classic Shrimp de Jonghe pairs beautifully with crisp, simple sides like a green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables, which help balance the richness. For a more indulgent meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a rustic look. This makes the golden breadcrumb topping even more appealing and keeps the dish warm at the table. You can also layer some sautéed spinach or roasted tomatoes underneath to add color and complement the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to cool the dish completely to preserve the shrimp’s delicate texture and the buttery sauce’s flavor.
Freezing
While the Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warm throughout. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the shrimp and make the breadcrumb topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the breadcrumb topping’s crispiness.
Is there a substitute for dry sherry?
If you don’t have dry sherry on hand, a dry white wine or a splash of vermouth can work well. These alternatives will deliver a similar depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this dish without Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavor and helps crisp the topping, you can omit it or substitute with another firm cheese like Pecorino Romano if desired. The dish will still be delicious!
How spicy is Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe?
The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper which is optional, so you can control the spice level to your taste. Without it, the dish remains gently seasoned and focused on rich buttery and garlic flavors.
What type of bread is best for the breadcrumbs?
Fresh breadcrumbs made from a sturdy sandwich bread or a crusty French bread work best, as they provide great texture. Avoid pre-packaged dry breadcrumbs for that fresh, crisp topping.
Final Thoughts
Giving the Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe a try will soon make it one of your go-to dishes for an elegant yet comforting seafood experience. It’s packed with rich flavors that somehow stay light and fresh, perfected by a crunchy topping that makes every bite irresistible. So grab your butter, gather those shrimp, and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to your table every time.
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Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Classic Shrimp de Jonghe is a delicious and elegant American seafood dish featuring large shrimp baked in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with a golden Parmesan breadcrumb crust. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic, sherry, lemon, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying main course perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Butter Mixture
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/3 cup dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly butter a shallow baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage for uniform cooking.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dry sherry, fresh lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
- Pour Butter Mixture Over Shrimp: Evenly pour the seasoned butter mixture over the arranged shrimp, making sure each piece is coated thoroughly.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley until well combined.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp and butter mixture, creating a golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly for optimal taste.
Notes
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture and crispier topping.
- Serve with lemon wedges to add a fresh citrusy brightness.
- Pair this dish with crusty bread to soak up the rich buttery sauce.
- For a balanced meal, serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
