Shrimp Cargot Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

1 Jun, 2023

Delicious Shrimp Cargot Recipe: A Savory and Elegant French-Inspired Dish

Shrimp Cargot

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: French
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 600 calories

About this recipe

Shrimp cargot is a delicious and flavorful dish that draws inspiration from the classic French escargot. Instead of using snails, it features succulent shrimp as the star ingredient. It's a wonderful option for seafood lovers or those looking to try a new twist on a traditional favorite.

To prepare shrimp cargot, you start by peeling and deveining large shrimp, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking. The shrimp are then arranged in a baking dish or individual escargot dishes, creating a beautiful presentation.

Next comes the flavorful garlic butter mixture. In a bowl, softened butter is combined with minced garlic, fresh parsley, a splash of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This mixture is then generously spooned over each shrimp, ensuring that they are well-coated with the savory goodness.

Once the shrimp are prepared, they are placed in a preheated oven and baked until they are cooked through and have turned a lovely opaque color. This process takes around 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the shrimp to become tender and infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic, butter, and herbs.

While the shrimp are baking, you can slice a crusty baguette or bread into thin slices, which will serve as the perfect vehicle for savoring the shrimp cargot. You can choose to toast the bread slices lightly, enhancing their crunch and texture.

When the shrimp cargot is ready, you remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. The hot and fragrant dish is then served with the toasted bread slices, allowing you to scoop up the shrimp and savor every bite.

Shrimp cargot is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or even as a main course. Its French-inspired flavors make it an elegant option for a dinner party or a special occasion. The combination of tender shrimp, garlic butter, and fresh herbs creates a delightful taste experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Recipe origin and background

Shrimp cargot is a creative twist on the classic French dish known as escargot. Escargot, which means "snail" in French, traditionally consists of cooked land snails served in their shells with a garlic and herb butter sauce.

The origin of escargot as a culinary delicacy can be traced back to ancient times when snails were foraged and consumed in various cultures. However, it was during the Roman Empire that escargot became popularized and eventually became a staple in French cuisine.

The concept of shrimp cargot emerged as a seafood variation of escargot, offering an alternative for those who may not prefer or have access to snails. Shrimp, being a widely enjoyed and readily available seafood, became a suitable substitute for snails in this adaptation.

By replacing the snails with shrimp, the dish takes on a lighter and more approachable flavor profile while still capturing the essence of the original escargot. The shrimp are typically cooked in a similar manner, being bathed in a garlic and herb-infused butter before being baked to perfection.

While the exact origins of the shrimp cargot recipe are not widely documented, it likely emerged as a creative variation within the culinary world, catering to the preferences and availability of ingredients in different regions. It showcases the adaptability and creativity of chefs and home cooks in reimagining classic dishes to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Today, shrimp cargot has gained popularity as a delicious and elegant appetizer or main course in many restaurants and homes around the world, offering a seafood twist on a beloved French classic.

Why try this Shrimp Cargot recipe?

Delicious flavor: Shrimp cargot offers a delectable combination of tender shrimp, garlic butter, and fresh herbs. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory taste experience that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Versatility: Shrimp cargot can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, making it a versatile dish for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a special seafood dish to enjoy, shrimp cargot fits the bill.
Easy to make: The recipe for shrimp cargot is relatively simple and straightforward. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. It's a great recipe for both experienced cooks and beginners alike.
French-inspired elegance: Shrimp cargot draws inspiration from the classic French escargot, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication to your dining experience. It's a wonderful way to add a French flair to your meal and impress your guests with a unique twist on a beloved dish.
Accessibility of ingredients: Unlike traditional escargot, which requires sourcing and preparing snails, shrimp is readily available in most grocery stores or seafood markets. It's a more accessible option for those who may not have access to snails or prefer seafood.
Enjoyment for seafood lovers: If you're a fan of seafood, shrimp cargot provides a delicious way to indulge in the flavors of the ocean. The succulent shrimp paired with the garlic butter sauce creates a combination that seafood enthusiasts will find truly satisfying.

Overall, trying the shrimp cargot recipe allows you to explore new flavors, enjoy a taste of French cuisine, and impress your guests with a unique and delicious seafood dish. It's a recipe worth giving a try for anyone who appreciates the pleasures of seafood and wants to elevate their culinary repertoire.

What does Shrimp Cargot taste like?

Shrimp cargot offers a delightful and flavorful taste experience. The combination of tender shrimp, garlic butter, and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory profile that is sure to please seafood lovers.

The shrimp itself is succulent and mildly sweet, with a delicate texture that is enhanced through the cooking process. As the shrimp bakes in the oven, it absorbs the flavors of the garlic, butter, and herbs, infusing each bite with their aromatic essence. The garlic brings a robust and savory note, while the butter adds richness and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

The fresh herbs, typically parsley in this recipe, contribute a touch of freshness and a subtle earthy undertone. The parsley's vibrant flavor complements the shrimp and buttery elements, adding a hint of brightness to the overall taste profile.

Combined, the flavors of the shrimp, garlic, butter, and herbs mingle harmoniously, creating a luscious and indulgent experience for the palate. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors, with the sweetness of the shrimp harmonizing with the savory, garlic-infused butter.

When enjoyed with the accompanying toasted bread slices, the taste experience is elevated even further. The crusty bread provides a delightful contrast in texture, offering a satisfying crunch that complements the tender shrimp cargot.

Shrimp cargot delivers a delicious and satisfying combination of flavors. It is a dish that manages to be both elegant and comforting, making it a favorite for seafood enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of French-inspired cuisine.

What is in Shrimp Cargot?

Shrimp: You'll need 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp for this recipe. Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g) of unsalted butter, softened. The butter adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic brings a robust and savory taste to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Parsley: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. Parsley adds freshness and a subtle herbaceous note to the shrimp cargot.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the butter and enhancing the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings enhance the overall taste profile and help bring out the flavors of the shrimp and other ingredients.
Baguette or crusty bread: You'll need a baguette or crusty bread for serving. It provides a delicious vehicle for enjoying the shrimp cargot and soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Equipment required for this recipe

Baking dish or individual escargot dishes: You'll need a baking dish or individual escargot dishes to arrange the shrimp for baking. The dish should be oven-safe and large enough to accommodate the shrimp in a single layer. Individual escargot dishes add an elegant touch and allow for individual servings.
Mixing bowl: A small mixing bowl is needed to combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This allows you to create the flavorful garlic butter mixture that will be spooned over the shrimp.
Baking sheet (optional): If using individual escargot dishes, you can place them on a baking sheet for easy handling and to catch any drips during baking. This helps to keep your oven clean.
Oven: Shrimp cargot is baked in a preheated oven to cook the shrimp and allow the flavors to meld together. Ensure your oven is preheated to the appropriate temperature mentioned in the recipe instructions.
Knife and cutting board: You'll need a knife and cutting board to mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley.
Spoon or brush: A spoon or brush can be used to evenly spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.
Oven mitts or kitchen towels: Oven mitts or kitchen towels are essential for handling the hot baking dish or escargot dishes when removing them from the oven.

How to make Shrimp Cargot

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our shrimp cargot recipe. This French-inspired dish features succulent shrimp in a savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a delightful gourmet treat.

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Baguette or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Take a baking dish or individual escargot dishes and arrange the shrimp in a single layer. If using individual dishes, place one shrimp in each dish.
Spoon a small amount of the garlic butter mixture over each shrimp, making sure to cover them evenly.
Place the baking dish(es) in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and opaque.
While the shrimp are baking, slice the baguette or crusty bread into thin slices. You can lightly toast the slices if desired.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve the shrimp cargot hot with the toasted bread slices. Optionally, you can garnish with additional chopped parsley.

How to serve Shrimp Cargot

Once the shrimp cargot is baked and cooked to perfection, remove the baking dish or individual escargot dishes from the oven using oven mitts or kitchen towels. Be careful as they will be hot.
If you used a single baking dish, place it on a heat-safe surface or trivet to protect your tabletop or serving area. If you used individual escargot dishes, you can arrange them on a serving platter or individual plates.
Optionally, you can garnish the shrimp cargot with some additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This step is not necessary but adds a nice touch.
To serve, place a few slices of toasted baguette or crusty bread alongside the shrimp cargot. The bread acts as a delicious accompaniment and allows you to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
You can either allow guests to serve themselves or plate individual servings. If using individual escargot dishes, each person can be served their own dish.
Encourage everyone to take a piece of the toasted bread, scoop up a shrimp along with some of the garlic butter sauce, and enjoy it together. The combination of the tender shrimp, buttery sauce, and crusty bread creates a delightful taste experience.
As you and your guests enjoy the shrimp cargot, you can provide additional bread slices as needed to continue savoring the dish.

Remember to exercise caution when serving, as the shrimp and the dish itself will be hot. It's always a good idea to provide small plates or napkins for guests to place the used shells or any remnants of the shrimp.

Enjoy the delicious shrimp cargot with your guests and savor the flavors of this French-inspired dish!

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 603 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Shrimp Cargot, Shrimp Cargot Recipe, Recipe, Escargots, Top rated

What to serve Shrimp Cargot with

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a crisp and fresh contrast to the richness of the shrimp cargot. The salad can include a mix of lettuce, spinach, arugula, or any other leafy greens you prefer.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini, can complement the shrimp cargot nicely. The caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables add a delicious contrast to the dish.
Rice or Pasta: Serving shrimp cargot with a side of cooked rice or pasta, such as angel hair or linguine, can help create a more substantial meal. The rice or pasta can be plain or lightly seasoned to allow the flavors of the shrimp cargot to shine.
Garlic Bread: Adding some garlic bread to the table is always a crowd-pleaser. The garlic-infused bread pairs well with the garlic butter flavors of the shrimp cargot and can be used to mop up any remaining sauce.
Grilled or Steamed Vegetables: Grilled or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, provide a healthy and colorful side dish option. They can be seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper or a drizzle of lemon juice for added flavor.
Crusty Bread or Baguette: Besides using crusty bread to scoop up the shrimp cargot, you can also serve additional slices of bread for your guests to enjoy on their own. It's a versatile accompaniment that complements the dish perfectly.
White Wine: Consider serving a chilled bottle of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, alongside the shrimp cargot. The crisp and fruity notes of the wine can enhance the flavors of the dish.

Ultimately, the choice of side dishes will depend on your personal preferences and the occasion. The goal is to have complementary flavors and textures that enhance the overall dining experience. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or explore other side dish options based on your preferences and the preferences of your guests.

My recommendations and tips

Use high-quality shrimp: Since shrimp is the star of the dish, using fresh, high-quality shrimp will greatly enhance the overall taste. Look for shrimp that is firm, plump, and has a mild, sweet aroma.
Adjust the seasoning to taste: The recipe provides a general guideline for seasoning the shrimp cargot, but feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your personal preferences. Taste the garlic butter mixture before spooning it over the shrimp to ensure it's seasoned to your liking.
Don't overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can result in a rubbery texture. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn opaque and are cooked through. This will ensure they remain tender and juicy.
Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to the specified temperature mentioned in the recipe. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly and prevents them from becoming dry.
Serve immediately: Shrimp cargot is best enjoyed immediately after baking when the shrimp are still hot and the flavors are at their peak. Serve it promptly to fully savor the buttery, garlicky goodness.
Toast the bread lightly: If serving with toasted bread, lightly toast the slices before serving to give them a nice crunch. This provides a pleasant contrast to the tender shrimp and helps the bread hold up well when scooping up the shrimp and sauce.
Get creative with presentation: While traditionally served in a baking dish or individual escargot dishes, you can also get creative with the presentation. Consider using decorative serving platters, adding fresh herbs for garnish, or arranging the shrimp cargot in a visually appealing manner to elevate the dish's visual appeal.
Enjoy with good company: Shrimp cargot is a delightful dish to share and enjoy with family and friends. The flavors and aromas are best appreciated in good company, so invite your loved ones to savor the dish together.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Shrimp: If you prefer a different type of seafood or cannot consume shrimp, you can try substituting it with scallops, crab meat, or even diced lobster meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may require different cooking times.
Butter: Butter adds richness to the dish, but if you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with a dairy-free margarine or a neutral-flavored oil like olive oil or grapeseed oil. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different with the substitution.
Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste as a substitute. Use approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. However, keep in mind that fresh herbs generally provide a more vibrant flavor. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried parsley called for in the recipe.
Lemon juice: If you don't have fresh lemons or lemon juice, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. They will provide a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper can be adjusted to your taste preference. If you prefer to reduce sodium intake, you can use a low-sodium or salt-free seasoning blend as a substitute for salt, or omit it altogether. Use other herbs or spices to add flavor if desired.

Additional note

Shrimp size: The recipe assumes the use of large shrimp, but you can adjust the size based on your preference or what is available. Smaller shrimp may require less baking time, while larger shrimp may need a bit more time to cook through.
Storage and leftovers: Shrimp cargot is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume the leftovers within 2-3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Variations: While the traditional shrimp cargot recipe involves a garlic butter sauce, you can experiment with variations to suit your taste. For example, you can add a splash of white wine, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or even incorporate some diced tomatoes or cooked spinach for added flavor and texture.
Serving size and scaling the recipe: The recipe provided assumes a serving size based on the specified number of servings. If you need to scale the recipe up or down to accommodate more or fewer people, adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly while maintaining the proper ratios.
Dietary considerations: Shrimp cargot can be a versatile dish that can accommodate various dietary preferences. For example, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or omitting the bread entirely and serving with gluten-free alternatives like rice or gluten-free pasta. Adjust ingredients to accommodate any specific dietary needs or restrictions.
Recipe customization: Don't be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking! Feel free to add additional herbs, spices, or seasonings that you enjoy. You can also experiment with different types of bread or serving suggestions to make the dish your own.

Final Remark

Impress your guests with our tantalizing shrimp cargot recipe. With its flavorful garlic butter sauce and tender shrimp, it's a surefire way to elevate your dining experience. Don't miss out on this exquisite dish that combines elegance and taste. Try it today and savor the culinary delight!