Description
This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake offers a creamy, garlicky, and savory dish featuring tender shrimp, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and fragrant herbs. It is quick to prepare, protein-packed, and customizable, making it an ideal comforting and elegant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Meat
- 1 lb fresh or thawed deveined shrimp
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded (mozzarella or gouda recommended)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp and Turkey Bacon: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp thoroughly. Chop the turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces, then cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, quickly sauté the shrimp until just pink and opaque to ensure tender results, then set aside.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the plant-based heavy cream, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and finely chopped fresh parsley and thyme. Add the natural gelling agent and mix thoroughly until all flavors are evenly blended and the texture is balanced between creamy and firm.
- Assemble the Bake: Butter a baking dish lightly, then evenly layer the cooked turkey bacon and shrimp inside. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the shrimp and bacon, ensuring every piece is well coated. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded plant-based cheese evenly on top for a golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and golden around the edges. The natural gelling agent helps the sauce set to a perfect spoonable consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest on top for brightness and an appealing finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose fresh shrimp for the best texture and taste; if using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; remove from heat as soon as it turns pink to prevent rubbery texture.
- Adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more plant-based cream or a splash of grape juice for tanginess if desired.
- Distribute the plant-based cheese evenly to achieve a perfect melt and crust.
- Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes after baking to enhance serving ease and flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake, creamy shrimp bake, plant-based cheese shrimp dish, turkey bacon shrimp bake, gluten free shrimp bake
