Shrimp Rockefeller (All the Flavor — None of the Shells)
Chef Whiskers’ elegant shortcut. If you love Oysters Rockefeller but don’t love shucking, shell shards, or the mess — this is your new go-to. Big butterflied shrimp get stuffed with a savory spinach-herb “Rockefeller” topping, finished with buttery crumbs, then baked and broiled until golden.
Fancy enough for guests. Simple enough for a weeknight.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled & deveined
- Salt & white pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups spinach, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or a pinch dried)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Optional (classic flair): a tiny splash of absinthe, Pernod, or Herbsaint
- 1/2 cup panko or fine breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for the crumbs)
- Optional: 1–2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan (very light)
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Preheat oven to 400°F. Butterfly shrimp by slicing deep along the back (do not cut through). Arrange on a lightly buttered baking dish and season lightly with salt and white pepper.
- Make the Rockefeller topping: Melt butter over medium-low heat. Sauté shallot until soft. Add garlic and cook about 30 seconds.
- Add the greens: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted and most moisture evaporates.
- Season: Add parsley, thyme, Worcestershire, lemon zest, and optional absinthe/Pernod. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Stuff the shrimp: Spoon the spinach mixture into each shrimp pocket.
- Add crunch: Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter (and optional Parmesan). Sprinkle lightly over the shrimp.
- Bake: Bake 8–10 minutes, just until shrimp turn opaque.
- Broil: Broil 1–2 minutes until golden. Watch closely.
- Serve: Finish with lemon wedges and serve hot.
💡 Tips
- Rockefeller should be savory and herb-forward, not cheesy.
- Cook the spinach dry — excess moisture kills the crunch.
- Shrimp cook fast. Pull them the moment they turn opaque.
- Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or elegant no-stress entertaining.
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