Why You’ll Love this Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, you’ll love this Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce recipe. The moment I first tried it, I was hooked.
The eggplant, perfectly fried to a golden crisp, provides a delightful foundation. Then, the creamy cheese sauce, infused with succulent shrimp, takes it to another level. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and rich, making it hard to resist going back for seconds.
Plus, it’s an impressive dish to serve at gatherings, showcasing your culinary skills. The freshness of cilantro on top adds the perfect finishing touch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce
When it comes to crafting a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, the ingredients for Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce really set the stage. You’ve got the earthy, hearty eggplant that’s about to be transformed into a crispy delight, and then there’s the creamy, dreamy cheese sauce that’s loaded with shrimp. Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s like a cozy hug on a plate.
So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to bring this dish to life.
Ingredients:
- 1 large eggplant, cut into rounds
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (for each round of eggplant)
- 2 1/2 ounces flour (for dredging)
- Olive oil (sufficient to cover the base of your frying pan)
- 8 ounces large cleaned raw shrimp
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 2 ounces butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (for the cheese sauce)
- 1 cup warmed milk
- 1/2 small onion, chopped finely
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 2 1/2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, Manchego cheese, or Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 egg yolk
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Now, a little note about these ingredients: while the recipe calls for specific cheeses, feel free to let your taste buds guide you. If you’re a fan of a certain cheese, go ahead and swap it in. Just remember, the cheese is what gives that sauce its creamy goodness, and we definitely want that.
Also, when it comes to the shrimp, fresh is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp work just fine too. Just be sure to thaw them beforehand. Cooking should be a fun adventure, not a stressful endeavor!
How to Make Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce. First things first, you’ll want to prep your eggplant. Grab that 1 large eggplant and slice it into rounds. It’s important to make them nice and even, about a half-inch thick. Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon of salt on each round, and then place them on a paper towel. Cover them with another paper towel and weigh them down with a dinner plate for about 20 minutes. This step helps draw out the moisture and bitterness from the eggplant, which is a game changer.
While you wait, you can take a breather or even dance around your kitchen; I won’t judge.
After 20 minutes, pat those rounds dry with another paper towel, and then prep for frying by dredging them in 2 1/2 ounces of flour. In a frying pan, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom—this is where the magic happens. Fry the eggplant rounds until they turn golden brown, which should take just a few minutes on each side. Once they’re done, set them aside on a paper towel to soak up any excess oil.
Now, onto that rich and creamy cheese sauce that will make your taste buds sing. In a saucepan, melt 2 ounces of butter over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Slowly add in 1 cup of warmed milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Toss in 1/2 small finely chopped onion, a bay leaf, and a pinch of nutmeg, letting it all simmer for about 20 minutes.
Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before you mix in 2 1/2 ounces of your chosen cheese and 1 egg yolk, stirring until it’s all melted and delicious. If you’re feeling fancy, add a tablespoon of heavy cream for that extra richness.
Now, here comes the fun part: fold in 8 ounces of cleaned raw shrimp, making sure they’re coated in that luscious sauce. Grab a greased cookie sheet, place your fried eggplant rounds on it, and spoon that shrimp and cheese goodness over the top.
Pop it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) until everything is golden brown and bubbly. Once it’s out, sprinkle some fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Voila! You’ve got yourself a dish that not only looks impressive but tastes even better. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to brag a little about your culinary skills.
Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying the rich flavors of Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
One simple swap is using zucchini instead of eggplant for a lighter option. If shrimp’s not your thing, feel free to substitute with cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
For the cheese sauce, try using gouda or cheddar to change the flavor profile. You can also add some diced tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
If you’re in the mood for spice, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.
These substitutions and variations keep the dish fresh and exciting while still delivering that comforting, creamy goodness!
What to Serve with Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
I love serving a fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette; it adds a zesty contrast to the creamy dish. Roasted zucchini and bell peppers also complement the flavors beautifully while providing a colorful presentation.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread is a great choice. It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce.
For a revitalizing drink, a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon can really enhance your meal.
Trust me, these pairings will take your dining experience to the next level!
Additional Tips & Notes
When preparing Eggplant With Shrimp and Cheese Sauce, a few tips can make a big difference in your final dish. First, be sure to properly salt and drain the eggplant. This step really helps reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
I also recommend using a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor; combining Monterey Jack and Parmesan works wonders.
When frying the eggplant, keep the oil hot enough to achieve that perfect golden color without soaking up too much oil.
Finally, don’t skimp on seasoning the cheese sauce. A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth, while fresh ground pepper lifts the dish.
Enjoy garnishing with fresh cilantro right before serving for a burst of color and freshness!