Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that truly wows without requiring hours in the kitchen, Classic Shrimp de Jonghe is your golden ticket. Butter-basted shrimp, nestled beneath a savory blanket of herbed breadcrumbs and just a hint of Parmesan, turn dinnertime into a celebration. With roots in St. Louis and a flavor profile that never goes out of style, Classic Shrimp de Jonghe delivers restaurant-level deliciousness right to your table. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a special meal, you’ll love how every bite bursts with buttery, garlicky charm!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Classic Shrimp de Jonghe so spectacular is its short list of handpicked ingredients, each carefully chosen to create maximum flavor and comfort. These simple staples team up to deliver luscious texture, color, and layered taste—the secret is in how they all come together!
- Shrimp: Use 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the freshest, sweetest bite.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, divided): Butter is the soul of the dish, providing richness and helping the topping turn beautifully golden.
- Finely chopped onion (1/2 cup): Onion adds a lovely, gentle sweetness that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Don’t skimp—garlic brings classic, savory depth and irresistible aroma.
- Dry white wine (1/2 cup): This deglazes the pan and adds gentle acidity, lifting all the flavors.
- Fresh breadcrumbs (1 cup): These absorb all the buttery goodness and create a golden, crispy top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Parmesan melts into the crumbs, bringing a lovely tang and subtle saltiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons): Parsley injects bright, herbaceous flavor, and a dash of vibrant green color.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Just a teaspoon brings brightness and balance, making the whole dish pop.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): This ties all the flavors together perfectly—taste and adjust as needed.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly ground is best for a mild, peppery back note.
- Cayenne pepper (pinch, optional): For a gentle kick of heat, add a pinch—especially great if you love a little spice.
How to Make Classic Shrimp de Jonghe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then butter a shallow baking dish or a set of individual ramekins. A generous buttering ensures nothing sticks and adds that little touch of extra richness everyone loves in Classic Shrimp de Jonghe.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring and sautéing until they’re soft and translucent. This usually takes about five minutes and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Reduce the Wine
Pour in the dry white wine with the softened onions and garlic. Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wine reduces by half—around three minutes. This step concentrates the flavor and infuses the onions and garlic with a subtle brightness that sets Classic Shrimp de Jonghe apart.
Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if you’re using it. Pour in the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter and stir until the mixture looks evenly crumbly. This is your secret to the crispy, flavor-packed top!
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Arrange the shrimp in your buttered baking dish in a single layer for even cooking. Gently spoon the warm onion and wine mixture over the shrimp, spreading it out so every piece is kissed by flavor. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly to completely cover the shrimp—don’t be shy, this is what makes Classic Shrimp de Jonghe so glorious.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and juicy, while the breadcrumb topping transforms into a crunchy, golden crown. Keep an eye toward the end to avoid overbaking—shrimp cook quickly!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, shower the bubbling dish with extra parsley for a fresh pop. Serve hot—ideally with crusty bread to mop up every last drop of buttery flavor!
How to Serve Classic Shrimp de Jonghe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of vibrant, freshly chopped parsley on top not only awakens the senses with its color but also brightens up the final dish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a little lemon zest or a couple of thin lemon wedges for a beautiful, refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
Classic Shrimp de Jonghe is pure heaven alongside crusty French or Italian bread, which soaks up all the luscious buttery sauce. For a sit-down dinner, serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus, both of which balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For something truly memorable, spoon Classic Shrimp de Jonghe into individual ramekins for an elegant appetizer. Or, serve over creamy polenta or delicate angel hair pasta, transforming it into a show-stopping main course that turns heads and sparks conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Classic Shrimp de Jonghe left, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it nearly impossible not to sneak a spoonful before reheating!
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze Classic Shrimp de Jonghe if needed. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to one month, and always thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to help preserve the texture of the shrimp and topping.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the chilled Classic Shrimp de Jonghe, uncovered, until heated through—about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the breadcrumb topping crisp and the shrimp tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw, rinse, and pat the shrimp dry before starting. This step prevents extra moisture from watering down the flavor and helps maintain that dreamy, buttery sauce.
What’s the best type Appetizer, Main Course
Freshly made breadcrumbs from a hearty, crusty bread create the best texture and rich, toasty flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, opt for your favorite gluten-free loaf—just pulse it in a food processor until fluffy.
How spicy does the dish get with cayenne?
The cayenne pepper adds only a gentle warmth, so don’t worry about it overpowering the dish. If you’re very sensitive to heat, start with a pinch or skip it entirely. Spice fans can double it for a more pronounced kick!
Can I make Classic Shrimp de Jonghe ahead for a dinner party?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance (without baking), cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, remove from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake just before sitting down—so easy and impressive.
Is there a good wine pairing for this recipe?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay stands up beautifully to the buttery richness of Classic Shrimp de Jonghe, echoing its brightness without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Classic Shrimp de Jonghe is one of those timeless recipes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Whether you’re pulling together a cozy weeknight dinner or celebrating with friends, it delivers every time. Give it a try and let the comforting flavors of this beloved classic sweep you off your feet!
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Classic Shrimp de Jonghe Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Classic Shrimp de Jonghe, a beloved seafood dish originating from St. Louis. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a savory buttery wine sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, and baked to perfection. This recipe is sure to impress as an appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter Mixture:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish or ramekins.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add wine, reduce by half, and remove from heat.
- Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper, cayenne, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Assemble & Bake: Place shrimp in dish, pour wine mixture over them, top with breadcrumb mix, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and shrimp are cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired spice level.
- This dish is a St. Louis classic but can delight seafood enthusiasts everywhere.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Midwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
