Okay, friends, let me tell you about Shrimp Newburg. It’s one of those dishes that just *feels* special, you know? It’s luxurious, creamy, and bursting with flavor – kinda like a grown-up mac and cheese, but with the elegance turned all the way up. My grandmother used to make this for every holiday, and the smell alone would bring the whole family running. It’s become a total comfort food classic in our house, and the best part? It’s way easier to make than you’d think. So if you’re looking for a dish that’s impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight, this Shrimp Newburg recipe is your answer.

What is Shrimp Newburg?

Shrimp Newburg is essentially a creamy, sherry-infused seafood dish. Think of it as a sophisticated twist on creamed seafood, but with a beautiful sauce made from butter, cream, egg yolks, sherry, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. It’s traditionally served over toast points, but honestly, it’s amazing on everything from pasta to rice. The name “Newburg” comes from the New York City hotel where it was supposedly invented back in the late 1800s. It has that old-school, elegant feeling, yet it doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. It’s just pure comfort in a bowl!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons to adore this Shrimp Newburg recipe. First off, the flavor is just incredible. The richness of the cream, the subtle sweetness of the sherry, and the tender, perfectly cooked shrimp create a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. It’s seriously addicting! But what I love most about this recipe is how surprisingly easy it is to make. Don’t let the fancy name fool you – it comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s relatively cost-effective. Shrimp is usually the most expensive ingredient, but you can often find it on sale or use frozen shrimp (just make sure to thaw it properly). Finally, it’s super versatile. I’ve served it over toast, pasta, rice, even Puff Pastry! It’s a great way to impress guests, but it’s also perfect for a cozy night in. It really beats other shrimp dishes like scampi or shrimp boil because this one is fancy.

How to Make Shrimp Newburg

Quick Overview

Making Shrimp Newburg is simpler than you might imagine. You’ll start by sautéing the shrimp in butter, then creating a rich, creamy sauce with sherry and egg yolks. The key is to whisk constantly to prevent the sauce from curdling and keep it smooth. I always use a whisk for a smooth consistency. Once the sauce is ready, you’ll gently fold in the shrimp and serve it over your favorite base. The whole process is quick and easy, and the results are restaurant-worthy!

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor. * 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted. Use a good quality butter for richer flavor. * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Newburg Sauce:
* 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This helps thicken the sauce.
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream. Don’t skimp on the cream; it’s what makes the sauce so decadent!
* 1/2 cup dry sherry. Sherry adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute with dry white wine if needed.
* 3 large egg yolks. These help create the creamy texture of the sauce.
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Just a pinch for a little kick!
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. A secret ingredient that adds warmth and complexity.
* A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

What is step by step

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Set aside. Add the shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. If you overcook a shrimp, be careful not to burn it. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is the best way to cook this) What is called a roux? Cooking the roux removes the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remember to constantly whisk.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sherry. Slowly drizzle a few tablespoons of the hot cream sauce into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This process is called tempering, and it prevents the egg yolks from scrambling when added to the hot sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture into the skillet with the cream sauce, whisking to combine. Stir in the cayenne pepper, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and Worcester cheese. Simmer for 1-2 minutes more, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Do not boil the sauce, or the egg yolks will curdle.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp

Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Shrimp Newburg immediately over toast points, rice, pasta, or puff pastry. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. My kids love it on toasted baguette slices.

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best recipes for Shrimp Newburg?

For an Elegant Dinner Party:I love serving it over individual puff pastry shells with a side of asparagus and crisp greens. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect pairing.

What is a good cozy brunch?Spoon it over toasted English muffins and top with a poached egg. What are some festive ways to serve a Bloody Mary?

What is a simple weeknight meal?Serve it over cooked white rice or linguine pasta. What are some good side dishes to serve with broccoli or Green Beans? Can you serve it over mashed potatoes?

Don’t overthink it. What is the beauty of Shrimp Newburg?

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Shrimp Newburg

Okay, so I’ve made this recipe *a lot* over the years, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. I want you to have the most success with this shrimp newburg recipe!

Don’t overcook the shrimp!What is the biggest mistake I see people make when cooking shrimp. Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and tough. Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque. Is it better to undercook it slightly, as it will continue to cook in the sauce?

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, the quality really matters. Use good-quality butter, heavy cream, and sherry for the best flavor. And don’t skimp on the fresh nutmeg – it makes a huge difference!

Whisk Constantly:When making sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce. When adding egg yolks, this is especially important. If you get clumps in your sauce, you can use an immersion blender to smooth it out.

Taste and adjust Seasoning:Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Why do I need more Worcestershire sauce?

Don’t Boil the Sauce After Adding the Egg Yolks:If you boil the sauce after adding the egg yolks will cause them to curdle, resulting in a grainy texture. Simmer the sauce gently to thicken it.

Make it Ahead (Sort Of): What is theCan you prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours? Gently reheat the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly, before adding the shrimp.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Shrimp Newburg in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools.

Reheating: Gently reheat the Shrimp Newburg in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to thin the sauce out. Do not boil.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing Shrimp Newburg, as the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Quality Indicators: Always check for any off smells or textures before consuming leftovers. When in doubt, throw it out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my family’s beloved Shrimp Newburg recipe! It’s a dish that’s always guaranteed to impress, whether you’re serving it to guests or just treating yourself to a cozy night in. The creamy, flavorful sauce and tender shrimp are a match made in heaven. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other creamy seafood dishes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think – and don’t forget to rate the recipe!