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ralph and kacoo's shrimp au gratin recipe

Ralph & Kacoo's Shrimp Au Gratin Recipe

Shrimp au gratin is a Louisiana-style baked dish of tender shrimp in a creamy, sharp cheese sauce with onion, bell pepper, and a little cayenne heat, finished with a golden, bubbly top. This home version is inspired by the Ralph & Kacoo's classic. It takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and serves four.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Japanese
Servings: 4
Author: Rebecca Novak

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, 21-25 count peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cup whole milk warmed in the microwave for 60 seconds
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or use all milk for a lighter sauce
  • 6 oz sharp cheddar, freshly shredded, about 1 1/2 cups
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack, freshly shredded, about 1 cup or Colby Jack
  • 1 tsp Creole seasoning choose a low-salt blend if you can
  • 1/2 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika adds color and gentle sweetness
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper reduce to a pinch for mild
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste at the end
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp sliced green onions the green parts only
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for the topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Oven

  • Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter a 2-quart baking dish. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp of the Creole seasoning. Melt 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for about 1 minute per side, until just pink at the edges but still translucent in the center. Move them to a plate, since they will finish cooking in the oven.
    ralph and kacoo's shrimp au gratin recipe step 1

Step 2: Build the Vegetable Base and Roux

  • In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Cook the onion and bell pepper for 4 to 5 minutes, until soft and translucent but not browned. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the paste smells nutty and looks pale blond.
    ralph and kacoo's shrimp au gratin recipe step 2

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  • Pour in the warm milk about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition so no lumps form. Add the cream and simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in all the Monterey Jack and 1 cup of the cheddar, then add the remaining Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, Worcestershire, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the salt.
    ralph and kacoo's shrimp au gratin recipe step 3

Step 4: Assemble the Gratin

  • Fold the shrimp and any juices from the plate into the sauce, along with the green onions. Scrape everything into the baking dish and spread it level. Toss the panko, Parmesan, remaining 1/2 cup cheddar, and melted butter in a bowl. Scatter this evenly over the top.
    ralph and kacoo's shrimp au gratin recipe step 4

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sauce bubbles at the edges and the shrimp are opaque and curled into a loose "C." If the top needs more color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely. Rest the dish for 5 minutes. The sauce thickens as it cools slightly, so it spoons neatly instead of running.
    ralph and kacoo's shrimp au gratin recipe step 5
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!