Shrimp Francese is a delightful Italian-American dish that brings a fresh twist to traditional chicken Francese. This recipe features tender shrimp coated in a light, crispy egg batter, then simmered in a tangy lemon-butter sauce that perfectly balances richness and acidity.
What is Shrimp Francese?
Shrimp Francese (also sometimes referred to as “Shrimp Française”) is a variation of the traditional Italian dish “Chicken Francese,” which means “French-style” in Italian. The dish features shrimp instead of chicken, making it lighter while maintaining the classic flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter. The dish is particularly popular in Italian-American cuisine and is often served at Italian restaurants.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights; you can prepare Shrimp Francese in under 30 minutes.
Restaurant Quality: Brings a touch of elegance to your table without the restaurant price tag.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Francese
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in the flavor profile. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook them just until opaque and golden, and let the sauce finish the job.
- Deglaze with White Wine: While optional, adding white wine deepens the sauce’s flavor and brings a lovely acidity to the dish. Choose a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp francaise is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating can affect the texture of the shrimp.
Variations of Shrimp Francaise
Add Capers: For a briny punch, toss in a tablespoon of capers along with the lemon juice.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Spicy Shrimp Francese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Shrimp and Chicken Francese Combo: Can’t decide between shrimp and chicken? Combine both for a protein-rich, flavorful meal.
How to Serve Shrimp Francese
Shrimp Francaise is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or linguine for a classic pairing that absorbs the flavorful lemon-butter sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or risotto creates a perfect base to soak up the sauce.
- Crusty Bread: For a more casual meal, serve with slices of crusty Italian bread to mop up every drop of the lemony sauce.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted green beans make a refreshing accompaniment.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Francese
Storage: Allow the shrimp to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Shrimp Francaise is best reheated on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to the pan to keep the sauce from thickening too much. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Shrimp Francese ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare Shrimp Francaise fresh, as reheating can affect the shrimp’s texture. However, you can prep the ingredients in advance and cook when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before coating and cooking.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Large shrimp, preferably 16-20 per pound, work best for Shrimp Francese. They cook quickly but still hold up well in the sauce.
What’s the difference between Shrimp Francese and Shrimp Piccata?
While both dishes are similar, Shrimp Piccata typically includes capers and sometimes omits the egg batter. Piccata also tends to have a more pronounced lemon flavor, whereas Francese is slightly milder with a creamy, buttery texture.
Shrimp Francese
Shrimp Francese is a delightful Italian-American dish that brings a fresh twist to traditional chicken Francese. This recipe features tender shrimp coated in a light, crispy egg batter, then simmered in a tangy lemon-butter sauce that perfectly balances richness and acidity.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs colossal shrimp, cleaned, deveined & butterflied
- 8 tbsp butter, divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large lemon, sliced
- 3/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley, minced (divided)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Have your shrimp, a bowl of flour, and a bowl of beaten eggs (mixed with half of the parsley) ready.
- Heat a nonstick pan on medium with 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg wash, and fry for 1-2 minutes per side in batches.
- Drain on paper towels or on a rack.
- Wipe the pan, add 3 tbsp butter and garlic, and cook until fragrant (about 60 seconds). Stir in 3 tbsp of the reserved flour, whisking over medium heat until smooth (30 seconds).
- Pour in white wine, bring to a boil while whisking for 1 minute, then add chicken stock and lemon juice. Boil again briefly, then reduce heat to medium-low. Season to taste.
- Add shrimp back to the pan with lemon slices, spooning sauce over the top. Let everything simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Stir in remaining parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 783Total Fat 46gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 652mgSodium 2171mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 52g
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 Francese is a beautiful, simple dish that combines a few quality ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will impress. The crisp coating, lemon-butter sauce, and succulent shrimp are sure to make Shrimp Francese a staple in your kitchen. Try it with one of the suggested variations, or serve it with your favorite sides to make it uniquely yours!
Check my other shrimp recipes:
