Shrimp DeJonghe is a classic Chicago-style dish known for its rich and buttery flavors. This comforting casserole features tender shrimp baked in a garlicky breadcrumb topping infused with herbs like parsley and thyme. A touch of sherry or white wine adds depth, while the golden crust provides a delightful crunch.
What is Shrimp DeJonghe?
Shrimp DeJonghe is a baked shrimp casserole, featuring large shrimp in a rich, buttery garlic breadcrumb sauce. This classic dish originated in the DeJonghe Hotel in Chicago, thanks to Belgian immigrants and restaurateurs, the DeJonghe brothers, who introduced it to their guests in the 1920s.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp DeJonghe
- Use fresh breadcrumbs: If you have leftover bread, make your own fresh breadcrumbs by pulsing bread in a food processor. This gives the dish a more rustic texture compared to store-bought breadcrumbs.
- Toast the breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before combining them with the garlic butter mixture. This step ensures an even crunch and deepens the breadcrumb’s flavor.
- Add more herbs: Fresh thyme or tarragon can be added to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Don’t skimp on the garlic: The garlic is essential to Shrimp DeJonghe, and this dish really benefits from bold garlic flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your taste.
Recipe Variations
While the traditional Shrimp DeJonghe recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, here are a few ways you can customize it:
Gluten-Free Shrimp DeJonghe: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing the crunch.
Spicy Shrimp DeJonghe: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Shrimp DeJonghe: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy, golden topping.
Lobster DeJonghe: Swap the shrimp for lobster tail meat for a luxurious variation on the dish.
How to Serve Shrimp DeJonghe
Shrimp DeJonghe can be served as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a seafood feast. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Appetizer: Serve in individual ramekins for a beautiful starter that will impress your guests.
- Main Course: Pair Shrimp DeJonghe with a side of creamy risotto, buttered pasta, or roasted vegetables.
- Seafood Feast: Include this dish in a spread with crab cakes, lobster bisque, and a simple salad for an elegant dinner party.
For a complete meal, serve Shrimp DeJonghe with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
How to Store Shrimp DeJonghe
- In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the shrimp.
- In the freezer: You can freeze Shrimp DeJonghe before baking it. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Large shrimp or jumbo shrimp work best for Shrimp DeJonghe. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you go with frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking. Always peel and devein the shrimp before using them.
Can I make Shrimp DeJonghe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and breadcrumb mixture a few hours ahead, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. Keep the unbaked dish tightly covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to cook.
Can I make Shrimp DeJonghe without wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth. The wine adds depth, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. To avoid this, make sure to bake the dish only until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Using larger shrimp also helps since they take a bit longer to cook through without becoming tough.
Shrimp DeJonghe
Shrimp DeJonghe is a classic Chicago-style dish known for its rich and buttery flavors. This comforting casserole features tender shrimp baked in a garlicky breadcrumb topping infused with herbs like parsley and thyme.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds cooked shrimp
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- ⅔ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of dried tarragon (to taste)
- A pinch of dried marjoram (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, sherry, melted butter, garlic, salt, tarragon, and marjoram until well combined.
- Arrange the shrimp in a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 232Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 260mgSodium 1416mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 27g
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.
Conclusion
Shrimp DeJonghe is a classic dish with rich history and even richer flavor. Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just looking to try something new, this garlicky, buttery shrimp recipe is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of ways to customize it, Shrimp DeJonghe is the perfect dish to impress your family or guests. Enjoy it as a comforting meal or a show-stopping appetizer—either way, it’s a recipe worth savoring!
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