Gratinated Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb Cleaned fresh shrimp (Peeled and cleaned, preferably deveined)
• 2 tbsp Butter (For sautéing)
• 0.5 cup Onion (Finely chopped)
• 0.5 cup Sweet pepper (Finely chopped)
• 3 Garlic (Finely chopped cloves)
• 1 tsp Paprika (Or to taste)
• Black pepper (To taste)
• Salt (To taste)
• 0.25 cup White wine (A splash; may be omitted if preferred)
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream (Add together with the white wine)
• 2 cup Mozzarella cheese (Grated; use a generous amount to cover)
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (Grated, to complement the topping)
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (Finely chopped)
• 4 Tostones or patacones (For serving as a side dish; optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Have an oven-safe baking dish ready and, if desired, prepare the tostones or patacones to serve at the end.

2. 2

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Wait until it is melted and hot, without letting it burn.

3. 3

   Add the chopped onion, sweet pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Season with paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste, and stir to coat well.

5. 5

   Add the white wine and heavy cream. Stir well to combine the liquids with the aromatics and seasonings.

6. 6

   Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the sauce is hot. Avoid overcooking them so they do not become rubbery.

7. 7

   Transfer the shrimp and sauce to the oven-safe baking dish and spread them into an even layer.

8. 8

   Cover the entire surface with the grated mozzarella and sprinkle the Parmesan on top. Finish with the chopped fresh parsley.

9. 9

   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbling. If necessary, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

10. 10

    Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve the gratinated shrimp piping hot with crispy tostones or patacones.

Notes

The original publication does not specify exact quantities for most ingredients; the measurements were estimated for 4 servings. The gratinating time depends on the oven: the ideal point is when the cheese is golden and bubbling. Consume the shrimp immediately and refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent them from drying out.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• seafood
• shrimp
• gratin
• Latin American cuisine
• for sharing
• special occasion