Ah, Shrimp Francese! Just the mention of this dish brings back delicious memories of summer evenings spent with friends and family. There’s something so comforting about the simplicity of shrimp, lemon, and a touch of cheese that makes my taste buds do a happy dance. I remember the first time I tried making it; I was hosting a little dinner party, and honestly, I was a bundle of nerves. But once I brought this scrumptious dish to the table, I was met with oohs and aahs! It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary meal into something special, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
What I love about Shrimp Francese is how incredibly quick it is to whip up while still feeling like a fancy restaurant dish. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but the bright, zesty flavors make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
What’s in Shrimp Francese?
Let’s take a quick look at the star-studded cast of ingredients!
Large Shrimp: The hero of our dish! Fresh, peeled and deveined shrimp are perfect for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp work just fine too — just make sure to thaw them properly!
All-Purpose Flour: This will be your dredging base, giving the shrimp that perfect golden crust. It’s essential for a nice texture.
Large Eggs: They’ll get whisked with Parmesan to create a lovely, rich coating for the shrimp.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a wonderful, nutty flavor and a touch of creaminess that elevates the dish!
Chicken Broth: It brings moisture and flavor to our sauce. I like using low-sodium broth so I can control the salt levels.
Lemon: Juiced and sliced, it adds that bright, zesty punch that pairs perfectly with shrimp. You can never go wrong with lemon in seafood dishes!
Fresh Parsley: This is for garnishing (and for flavor!). It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, toss these in! They’re completely optional but do add a nice kick.
Olive Oil or Unsalted Butter: For cooking. There’s a rich flavor difference between the two, but you can’t go wrong with either one.
Is Shrimp Francese Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health!
Shrimp: They’re low in calories and high in protein, making them an excellent choice for a light meal. Plus, they’re rich in nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium.
Eggs: A powerhouse of nutrition! They provide high-quality protein and healthy fats while also being packed with essential vitamins.
Parmesan Cheese: While cheese can be high in sodium and fat, using just a little bit in this recipe adds flavor without being overwhelming.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium options helps keep the dish heart-healthy. It adds tremendous flavor without all the extra salt!
Of course, if you have any shellfish allergies, this dish is definitely not for you. Always listen to your body!
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 lemon (juiced and sliced)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (for cooking)
Serves: 4
How to Make Shrimp Francese?
Alright, let’s get to the fun part — cooking! Here are the steps to make Shrimp Francese that will have your taste buds thanking you!
1. Start by setting up a dredging station: in one bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
2. Dip each shrimp first into the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring each shrimp is coated thoroughly.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re pink and cooked through. Once done, set them aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits that might be left over in the pan (this adds tons of flavor!). Bring it to a simmer for a minute.
5. Return the shrimp to the skillet, and toss in the lemon slices and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy!). Just let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes until it’s warmed through.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for that fresh finish!
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices and parsley if desired. I highly recommend pairing this with a side of pasta or some crusty bread to soak up that glorious sauce!
A Little Extra Love for Your Shrimp Francese
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, Shrimp Francese is just as tasty the next day! Just gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Feel free to play with the flavors! If you love butter, go full-on with it instead of olive oil. Or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra kick! The sky’s the limit with Shrimp Francese.
So there you have it! I hope you give this delightful dish a try — and if you do, please let me know how it turns out! I love hearing about your cooking adventures. Bon appétit!
