If you are a fan of classic French cuisine, then you have to try Shrimp Cargot. This dish is the perfect combination of delightful ingredients, that will leave your taste buds singing!
It’s so simple to make yet it has such an incredible flavor profile. Plus, this recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or even as a special occasion meal when you want something a little more special.
In this article, you will learn about the origin of shrimp cargot, its ingredients, cooking tips, and even FAQs so you can make this dish perfectly every single time.
What Is shrimp cargot?
Shrimp Cargot is a classic dish consisting of sautéed shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked until cooked through. The name comes from the French word “cargot” which means snails. The dish is popular in many parts of the world.
Where Did I First Try shrimp cargot?
My first experience with shrimp cargot was in my college cafeteria. It was a special French dinner night and, of course, I had to try the dish! The presentation was beautiful; it looked just like something you would find in a gourmet restaurant.
The aroma that filled the air as the dish was cooking made my mouth water. When the chef served the dish, it was even more beautiful than expected. The golden brown cheese on top looked like a blanket of sunshine over the shrimp and mushrooms in garlic butter sauce.
The first bite was incredible! The shrimp were cooked perfectly, and the garlic butter sauce had a perfect balance of seasoning that felt like home-cooked love. I found myself savoring every bite, not wanting it to end.
I was immediately hooked and went home shortly after that night determined to make my own version of shrimp cargot. I experimented with different ingredients, techniques, and cooking times until it was perfect in my eyes. Every time I cook this dish, I am reminded of the first time I tried it all those years ago.
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Ingredients
- Butter: This recipe requires butter to achieve a creamy garlic butter sauce and also to help cook the shrimp and mushrooms.
- Garlic: The garlic gives this dish a delicious flavor as well as an incredible aroma. You can use either fresh or powdered garlic for this recipe.
- Shrimp: This recipe calls for large peeled and deveined shrimp, but you can use whatever type of shrimp you prefer.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add a delicious earthy flavor and texture to this dish. You can use any type of mushroom you like for the recipe.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is used as a topping for the dish and helps give it a golden, gooey texture when melted.
Cooking Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 2
Add in the shrimp and cook until lightly browned. Put one shrimp inside every mushroom cap, then top each mushroom with a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese.
Step 3
Place the mushrooms in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cooking Tips
• Make sure to preheat the oven before starting to cook your shrimp cargot.
• When cooking the garlic butter sauce, stir often so it doesn’t burn.
• When adding the shrimp to the skillet, make sure they are all evenly distributed so that they cook properly.
• Allow the cheese to melt fully before serving your dish.
What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?
• If you don’t have mozzarella cheese, you can use any type of cheese like Parmesan, Gruyere, or even Cotija.
• Instead of mushrooms, you can use other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
• If you don’t have butter, you can use olive oil as a substitute.
Shrimp Cargot Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of butter churned to perfection
- 6 tablespoons of aged shredded mozzarella cheese a melty embrace of dairy richness
- 2 aromatic cloves of garlic a fragrant essence from the earthy bulbs
- 6 plump and succulent peeled/deveined large shrimp oceanic jewels from the depths
- 6 mushrooms nature’s delightful cups ready to cradle flavors
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add in the shrimp and cook until lightly browned. Put one shrimp inside every mushroom cap, then top each mushroom with a tablespoon of mozzarella cheese.
- Place the mushrooms in a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Make sure to preheat the oven before starting to cook your shrimp cargot.
- When cooking the garlic butter sauce, stir often so it doesn’t burn.
- When adding the shrimp to the skillet, make sure they are all evenly distributed so that they cook properly.
- Allow the cheese to melt fully before serving your dish.
Nutrition Information
One serving of shrimp cargot contains approximately
- 292 calories,
- 17 grams of fat,
- 3 grams of fiber, and
- 24 grams of protein.
How to Store Leftover shrimp cargot?
Leftover shrimp cargot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in an oven-safe container and cook at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can safely eat shrimp cargot as long as the shrimp are cooked through. Indeed, it is a great source of protein.
What can I serve this with?
Shrimp cargot can be served with a variety of side dishes such as rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables. Also, a nice glass of white wine is always a great pairing!
Is it easy to make?
Yes, it is very easy to make! The ingredients are simple and the preparation time is minimal. Plus, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. So, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion!
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading this recipe on how to make shrimp cargot! This dish is a classic French recipe that is sure to please any crowd. By simply following the steps and adding your own flare, you will be able to create a masterpiece that everyone can enjoy.
Besides, it provides a great source of protein and tastes incredible. And if you do, let your friends and family know about this recipe as well.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.