Savory Shrimp DeJonghe Recipe: A Classic Buttery Delight

Crispy, buttery shrimp dejonghe beckons seafood enthusiasts with its irresistible allure.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this classic Belgian dish for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Garlic and parsley dance alongside succulent shellfish, creating a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to coastal Belgium.

Delicate breadcrumbs provide a golden, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the tender shrimp inside.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce maximum satisfaction in this elegant yet approachable recipe.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and aromas that will make you feel like a gourmet chef.

Prepare to savor every delectable morsel and impress everyone at your table.

Why Shrimp DeJonghe Is a Retro Favorite

• Boost Flavor Profile: Packed with rich, buttery breadcrumb mixture and aromatic herbs like parsley and tarragon, this dish delivers an incredible taste explosion that elevates classic shrimp.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Beginner-friendly recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality results.
• Elegant Entertaining Centerpiece: Stunning presentation makes this dish ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or when you want to impress guests with a sophisticated seafood entrée that looks professionally prepared.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serves perfectly as a main course or appetizer, pairs wonderfully with salad or rice, and can be prepared quickly for unexpected company or weeknight dinner excitement.

What You Need for Classic Shrimp DeJonghe

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that serves as the primary protein for this classic dish.

• Garlic, Shallot: Provide a rich, depth of flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Parsley, Tarragon: Fresh herbs that add a bright and aromatic dimension to the recipe.
• Nutmeg: A warm spice that contributes a subtle, complex undertone.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness, helps create a creamy texture, and assists in browning the breadcrumb topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior that provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Sherry: A fortified wine that introduces a subtle, sophisticated flavor to the mixture.

Steps to Master Shrimp DeJonghe at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F, getting it ready for some delicious seafood magic.

Step 2: Create Magical Breadcrumb Mixture

• Softened butter
• Breadcrumbs
• Sherry
• Fresh parsley
• Tarragon
• Minced garlic
• Chopped shallot
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until you have a rich, fragrant paste that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Take a ceramic baking dish and generously dot the bottom with remaining butter, creating a delectable foundation for your shrimp.

Step 4: Arrange Succulent Shrimp

Spread shrimp evenly across the buttery surface, creating a beautiful seafood landscape.

Step 5: Blanket with Breadcrumb Goodness

Lavishly spread the prepared breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp, ensuring most of the seafood gets covered in flavor-packed goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes.

• Butter melting and bubbling
• Shrimp turning pink and opaque
• Breadcrumbs becoming lightly golden

Step 7: Crisp and Brown

Switch your oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning, aiming for a gorgeous golden-brown and crispy topping.

Tips for Golden, Garlicky Shrimp DeJonghe

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this classic dish.
• Select medium to large shrimp for even cooking and a more satisfying bite.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or chives to personalize the breadcrumb mixture.
• Pat shrimp completely dry before layering to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy topping.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.

Fresh Takes on Shrimp DeJonghe Recipes

• Mediterranean Flair: Replace sherry with white wine, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano over the breadcrumb mixture for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Mix Cajun seasoning into breadcrumbs, use andouille sausage bits, and add a dash of hot sauce for a New Orleans-style experience.
• Coconut Tropical Blend: Incorporate shredded coconut into breadcrumbs, use coconut rum instead of sherry, and top with chopped macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired seafood dish.
• Herb Garden Selection: Swap tarragon for fresh dill, add chopped chives, and include lemon zest to create a bright, herbaceous flavor profile.

What Pairs Well with Shrimp DeJonghe

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, buttery shrimp dish and complement its delicate seafood flavors.
• Serve Crusty French Bread: Select a warm, artisan baguette to soak up the delicious herbed butter sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Shrimp DeJonghe and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Complement with Chardonnay: Opt for an unoaked Chardonnay that offers crisp apple and citrus notes to enhance the shrimp's subtle flavors without overwhelming the delicate dish.

How to Keep Shrimp DeJonghe Delicious Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Shrimp DeJonghe in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to shrimp's delicate texture. Cream-based and breadcrumb toppings tend to become soggy and lose their crisp quality when frozen.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes to restore crispness.
• Microwave Option: Quick but less ideal. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking shrimp. Use medium power to maintain texture and prevent rubbery result.

FAQs for the Best Shrimp DeJonghe Experience

• What is the origin of Shrimp DeJonghe?

This classic dish originated in Chicago, specifically at the DeJonghe Hotel restaurant in the early 20th century, created by Belgian chefs who were popular in the city’s culinary scene.

• Why use sherry in the recipe?

Sherry adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness and complements the buttery breadcrumb mixture, giving the dish a sophisticated taste profile.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs by using about one-third the amount called for in the recipe to maintain the intended taste balance.

Shrimp DeJonghe Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp dejonghe brings Belgian coastal comfort to dinner tables with its rich, buttery essence. Garlic-infused breadcrumbs and tender seafood create a luxurious experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail shells removed

Dairy and Fats:

• 2 sticks (1 cup / 227 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup dry sherry

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 425°F, ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Create a flavorful paste by combining softened butter with breadcrumbs, incorporating sherry, herbs, aromatics, and seasonings until well blended and thick.
3. Generously coat the bottom of a ceramic baking dish with remaining butter, creating a rich foundation for the shrimp.
4. Arrange shrimp in a uniform layer across the buttered surface, ensuring even distribution.
5. Lavishly spread the prepared breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp, covering most of the seafood with the aromatic topping.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until butter becomes bubbly, shrimp turn pink and opaque, and breadcrumbs develop a light golden hue.
7. Activate the broiler and quickly crisp the surface for 2-3 minutes, watching attentively to achieve a golden-brown, crunchy topping without burning.

Notes

• Choose larger, jumbo shrimp for a more luxurious texture and easier eating experience.
• Always pat shrimp dry before layering to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Substitute sherry with white wine or chicken broth for non-alcoholic version if needed.
• Fresh herbs dramatically enhance flavor compared to dried versions, so use them when possible.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 250mg