Shrimp Newburg is a rich and elegant dish featuring tender shrimp enveloped in a creamy, sherry-infused sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and a hint of paprika. Typically served over toast points, rice, or puff pastry.
What is Shrimp Newburg?
Shrimp Newburg is a variation of the classic dish Lobster Newburg, which was first introduced in the late 19th century at New York’s famous Delmonico’s restaurant. Traditionally made with lobster, the Newburg sauce was so popular that home cooks and chefs started adapting it for other seafood, with shrimp being one of the most beloved alternatives.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Newburg
- Control the Heat: The sauce thickens through the gentle cooking of egg yolks, so keep the heat low to prevent curdling. Stir continuously for a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Cook Shrimp Separately: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them rubbery. By sautéing them first and adding them back at the end, you ensure they remain perfectly tender.
- Don’t Skip the Sherry: Sherry adds a signature depth to Shrimp Newburg. If possible, opt for a good-quality dry sherry to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Use Puff Pastry for Extra Elegance: While toast points or rice are traditional, serving Shrimp Newburg in baked puff pastry shells makes for an elegant presentation perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Variations of Shrimp Newburg
Vegetarian “Newburg”: Replace the shrimp with a medley of sautéed mushrooms or even artichoke hearts for a satisfying vegetarian take on the classic sauce.
Seafood Newburg: Swap out half of the shrimp for other types of seafood, like scallops, crab, or even lobster, to create a delightful Seafood Newburg.
Spicy Shrimp Newburg: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Lighter Version: For a lighter take, substitute half of the cream with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a healthier yet still creamy version.
How to Serve Shrimp Newburg
Shrimp Newburg is traditionally served over toast points (triangles of toasted bread), which soak up the rich sauce beautifully. However, you have other serving options:
- Puff Pastry: Serve Shrimp Newburg in baked puff pastry shells for a more elegant, flaky pairing.
- Rice: For a more casual meal, serve it over rice, which will absorb the sauce and provide a nice contrast to the creamy shrimp.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a comfort food twist, a bed of buttery mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with Shrimp Newburg.
No matter how you choose to serve it, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives will brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Store Shrimp Newburg
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Freeze: If you want to make Shrimp Newburg ahead, you can freeze the sauce (without the shrimp) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove and add freshly cooked shrimp before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Newburg in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the Newburg sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stove and add the shrimp just before serving to avoid overcooking.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Large shrimp (21-25 count) are ideal for this dish because they stay juicy and succulent when cooked. Be sure to use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have sherry or brandy?
If you’re out of sherry or brandy, dry white wine is a suitable alternative. The alcohol adds a slightly sweet, tangy depth to the sauce, but if you’d prefer to skip alcohol altogether, use a splash of chicken or seafood stock for added richness.
Shrimp Newburg
Shrimp Newburg is a rich and elegant dish featuring tender shrimp enveloped in a creamy, sherry-infused sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and a hint of paprika. Typically served over toast points, rice, or puff pastry.
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (*see note below)
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sherry wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the tails, heads, and veins, then set them aside.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s golden, whisk in the flour, paprika, salt, and white pepper until smooth and thick.
- Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Slowly whisk in the sherry wine until fully blended. Keep whisking until the sauce becomes thick and bubbly. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the shrimp for about 1 minute per side, just until they turn slightly pink.
- Add the shrimp (and any remaining butter) to the sauce and stir gently. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked through.
- Plate the Shrimp Newburg over toast points, rice, or puff pastry, and enjoy this creamy, indulgent dish!
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 530Total Fat 47gSaturated Fat 29gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 204mgSodium 1070mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 13g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Newburg is a timeless dish that combines rich flavors with luxurious textures, perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent weeknight dinner. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can easily bring this elegant seafood classic into your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over rice for a family dinner or presenting it in puff pastry shells for a special celebration, Shrimp Newburg is sure to impress. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to seafood recipes!
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