Shrimp Cargot Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Lori Walker, RD & Recipe Developer published on January 10, 2024

Shrimp cargot is a unique and delicious dish that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. This recipe is a delicious blend of shrimp, cheese, butter, cream, and herbs, all nestled in a warm, crispy, garlic-infused pastry. 

It’s a decadent and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover shrimp you may have. Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s get started!

shrimp cargot recipe

What is Shrimp Cargot?

Shrimp cargot is a classic French dish that is a delicious combination of shrimp, cheese, butter, cream, and herbs, all nestled in a warm, crispy, garlic-infused pastry. The combination of flavors is unique and extremely satisfying. 

The shrimp is cooked in a creamy sauce and then topped with cheese and herbs before being wrapped in a flaky pastry. The dish is baked until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The finished product is a delicious, indulgent meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Cargot?

This shrimp cargot recipe is a great way to impress your dinner guests. The combination of flavors is unique and delicious, and the presentation is beautiful. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make. 

The ingredients are easy to find, and the dish can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving. It’s a great option for a dinner party or a special weekend meal.

You’ll also like the following Appetizer recipes!

The Ingredients

Plump Large Shrimp:

The plump large shrimp, the ocean’s jewels, serve as the star ingredient in Shrimp Cargot. Shrimp brings a delightful seafood flavor, succulent texture, and a touch of elegance to the dish, creating a luxurious and indulgent experience.

Fresh Lemon Juice:

Fresh lemon juice, the zesty elixir, adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the shrimp. The acidity helps balance the richness of the butter, enhancing the overall taste profile and providing a refreshing contrast.

Unsalted Butter:

Wholesome unsalted butter softened to perfection, forms the luscious and creamy base of the dish. It contributes a rich and velvety texture, coating the shrimp with buttery goodness and imparting a decadent flavor.

Fresh Parsley:

Fresh parsley, the herbal confetti, adds a burst of freshness and a hint of earthy flavor to the Shrimp Cargot. It serves as a vibrant garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and providing a complementary herbal note.

Cloves of Garlic:

Cloves of garlic, minced, create the aromatic symphony of the dish. Garlic infuses a bold and savory flavor into the butter sauce, elevating the overall taste and adding depth to the seafood experience.

Baguette or Crusty Bread:

Baguette or crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment for the Shrimp Cargot. It serves as a vehicle for sopping up the delicious buttery sauce, adding a delightful crunch, and complementing the tender shrimp with its texture.

Salt and Pepper:

Salt and pepper, to your culinary palette, are essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors in the dish. They allow you to tailor the seasoning to your taste preferences, ensuring a well-seasoned and enjoyable Shrimp Cargot experience.

shrimp cargot

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp:

Begin by meticulously peeling and deveining each shrimp, ensuring a pristine canvas for flavors to unfold. Thoroughly clean the shrimp, removing any impurities, and delicately pat them dry with absorbent paper towels. 

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp:

Combine the prepared shrimp with freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl, creating a symphony of freshness. Allow the shrimp to marinate for a generous 15-20 minutes, allowing the citrus-infused marinade to penetrate and enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp. 

This brief marination period not only imparts a zesty brightness but also allows the ingredients to harmonize, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven:

Elevate the cooking environment by preheating your oven to a high broil. This carefully calibrated temperature prepares the oven to achieve the ideal balance between searing heat and succulence, ensuring the shrimp are cooked to perfection. 

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture:

Craft a symphony of flavors by combining softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley in a separate bowl. Mix until the ingredients seamlessly blend into a well-balanced garlic-butter mixture.

Step 5: Season the Shrimp:

Elevate the taste by seasoning the marinated shrimp with salt and pepper, tailoring the flavors to your discerning palate. You can change the seasoning type as you like! 

Step 6: Assemble the Shrimp Cargot:

Present the shrimp in their finest form by arranging them in individual escargot dishes or a baking dish, creating a visual feast.

Step 7: Top with Garlic Butter:

Let the garlic butter mixture take the spotlight as you generously spoon it over each shrimp, ensuring a luscious coating that promises a burst of flavor.

Step 8: Broil the Shrimp:

Watch the magic unfold as you place the shrimp under the broiler for 6-8 minutes, transforming them into a spectacle of pink opulence. Keep a watchful eye to prevent any hint of overcooking.

Step 9: Serve Hot:

Bring the curtain down on perfection by removing the shrimp cargot from the oven when they sizzle and emanate irresistible aromas. Serve them immediately while the magic is still hot.

Step 10: Dipping Delight:

Enhance the experience by serving the shrimp cargot with slices of baguette or crusty bread, providing the perfect companions for a delightful dipping adventure in the flavorful garlic butter.

Step 11: Enjoy:

Indulge in the opulence of rich, buttery, and garlicky goodness that defines Shrimp Cargot. Whether as a tantalizing appetizer or a main dish, let each bite be a celebration of culinary mastery.

Notes

– Be sure to use fresh, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
– Use a good-quality, all-butter pastry for the best results.
– If the cargot is getting too dark, cover it with foil during the baking time.
– If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
– The cargot can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
– Leftover cargot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage Tips

Leftover cargot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

shrimp cargot

Nutrition Information

This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

– Calories: 610
– Fat: 14g
– Cholesterol: 75mg
– Sodium: 250mg
– Carbohydrates: 19g
– Protein: 11g

Serving Suggestions

– Serve with a green salad.
– Serve with roasted potatoes.
– Serve with steamed vegetables.
– Serve with a side of rice.
– Serve with crusty bread.
– Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Shrimp Cargot?

Shrimp: If you don’t have shrimp, you can use cooked, diced chicken or turkey instead.

Butter: If you don’t have butter, you can use a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead.

Cheese: If you don’t have cheese, you can use a combination of Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.

Cream: If you don’t have cream, you can use full-fat coconut milk or dairy-free cream.

Herbs: If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use a combination of dried herbs instead.

Pastry: If you don’t have pastry, you can use puff pastry instead.

shrimp cargot

Shrimp Cargot Recipe

Shrimp cargot is a unique and delicious dish that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Keyword: shrimp cargot recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 610kcal

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 Pounds 900g of Plump Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined, the ocean’s jewels
  • 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice the zesty elixir
  • 8 Tablespoons 112g of Wholesome Unsalted Butter, softened to perfection
  • 4 Tablespoons of Fresh Parsley Chopped, the herbal confetti
  • 8 Cloves of Garlic Minced, the aromatic symphony
  • Baguette or Crusty Bread forae delightful dipping experience
  • Salt and Pepper to Your Culinary Palette

Instructions

  • Ensure the shrimp are peeled, deveined, and cleaned thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  • In a bowl, combine the plump shrimp with fresh lemon juice. Allow them to marinate for about 15-20 minutes, enhancing their flavors.
  • Set your oven to a high broil.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, and fresh chopped parsley. Mix until you achieve a well-blended garlic butter mixture.
  • Season the marinated shrimp with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Arrange the seasoned shrimp in individual escargot dishes or a baking dish.
  • Spoon the prepared garlic butter mixture generously over each shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Place the shrimp under the broiler for about 6-8 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
  • Remove the shrimp cargot from the oven when they are sizzling and aromatic. Serve them immediately while hot.
  • Serve the shrimp cargot with slices of baguette or crusty bread for a delightful dipping experience in the flavorful garlic butter.
  • Indulge in the rich, buttery, and garlicky goodness of Shrimp Cargot as a delightful appetizer or main dish.

Notes

  • Be sure to use fresh, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use a good-quality, all-butter pastry for the best results.
  • If the cargot is getting too dark, cover it with foil during the baking time.
  • If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead.
  • The cargot can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
  • Leftover cargot can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Shrimp Cargot healthy?

A1. Yes, shrimp cargot can be a healthy meal. The dish is rich in protein from the shrimp and cheese, and it is low in carbohydrates.

Q2. Can I make shrimp cargot ahead of time?

A2. Yes, you can make the shrimp cargot ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake it, preheat the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Q3. What other proteins can I use in shrimp cargot?

A3. If you don’t have shrimp, you can use cooked, diced chicken or turkey instead.

Q4. What type of cheese should I use in shrimp cargot?

A4. For the best results, use a good-quality cheese such as Parmesan, Gruyere, or cheddar.

Q5. Can I make shrimp cargot without pastry?

A5. Yes, you can make shrimp cargot without pastry. Instead of wrapping the dish in pastry, you can top it with breadcrumbs and bake it until golden brown.

Q6. Can I use canned shrimp in shrimp cargot?

A6. If you don’t have access to fresh shrimp, you can use canned shrimp instead. Just be sure to drain and rinse the shrimp before using.

Q7. Can I freeze shrimp cargot?

A7. Yes, you can freeze shrimp cargot. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Shrimp cargot is a delicious and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of flavors is unique and delicious, and the presentation is beautiful. 

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover shrimp you may have. Ready to make this delicious dish? Give this shrimp cargot recipe a try and impress your dinner guests. 

You’ll also like these latest recipes!

Author Profile

Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more

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