Creamy Shrimp Newburg

Introduction

What if a seemingly simple shrimp dish could transport you straight to a cozy seaside dinner? That’s exactly what this creamy shrimp newburg recipe aims to do. With its rich, buttery sauce and delicate shrimp, this dish challenges the notion that quick seafood meals can’t be decadent. The focus keyword creamy shrimp newburg appears naturally here because it captures both the texture and the star ingredient in one phrase. In this post, we’ll break down each step, share tips, and explore flavor variations—so you can make an unforgettable shrimp Newburg at home.

Ingredients List

Below is a neatly organized table of ingredients—along with substitution ideas and sensory descriptions to guide you toward the best result:

 As the butter melts and you whisk in flour, you’ll catch a nutty aroma. When you subsequently add milk, cream, and sherry, the mixture becomes silky, fragrant, and inviting—perfect for coating plump, pink shrimp.

Timing

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes (cleaning shrimp, measuring)

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: ~25 minutes

This is about 30–40% faster than many classic seafood dishes that require long marinades or stewing, making this creamy shrimp newburg a surprisingly quick yet elegant choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the sauce adhere better and prevents weakening of the roux.

Step 2: Melt Butter & Make Roux

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add the flour, paprika, salt, and white pepper. Whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes until a smooth, paste-like roux forms (no raw flour smell).

Step 3: Add Milk, Cream & Sherry

Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture becomes slightly thick, drizzle in the sherry wine and continue whisking until fully incorporated. Lower heat to simmer.

Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp

In a separate skillet, melt the remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Add the shrimp and cook 1 minute per side, just until they turn pink and curl. Do not overcook—shrimp become rubbery if left too long.

Step 5: Combine & Finish

Gently fold the cooked shrimp into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and clings to the shrimp nicely. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Spoon your shrimp Newburg over a base of your choice (see Serving Suggestions), and garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of extra paprika if desired.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving (assuming 3 servings):

• Calories: ~320 kcal

• Protein: ~28 g

• Fat: ~18 g

• Saturated Fat: ~9 g

• Carbohydrates: ~8 g

• Fiber: ~0.5 g

• Sugar: ~4 g

• Sodium: ~350 mg

Because the dish is rich and contains cream, it provides substantial calories and fat—but delivers good protein from the shrimp. Choosing lighter milk or reducing butter can moderately drop the total fat.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use half heavy cream, half low-fat milk to reduce saturated fat content.

• Replace butter with olive oil or a butter/olive oil blend.

• Use shellfish substitutes (e.g., scallops or firm white fish) to vary flavor while keeping protein high.

• Swap sherry with low-sodium white wine or chicken broth + lemon for lower alcohol and lighter taste.

• Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of starch-heavy bases to reduce carbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic base: Steamed white rice or buttered noodles soak up the sauce beautifully.

• Shell presentation: Serve inside puff pastry shells or scallop shells for elegant presentation.

• Vegetable pairings: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or garlic green beans complement the richness.

• Bread accompaniment: Crusty baguette or garlic toast helps you mop up every drop of creamy goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the whisking step: If you don’t whisk constantly while adding milk and cream, lumps may form.

2. Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp should be just cooked through—not pumped and rubbery.

3. Adding cold liquids too fast: Pouring in cold milk or cream can shock the roux and lead to separation.

4. Using sweet sherry: Use dry cooking sherry or a dry white wine. Sweet varieties make the sauce cloying.

5. Letting sauce sit too long: The sauce may thicken excessively or separate as it cools—serve right away.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp Newburg in an airtight container up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently on low heat, stirring and adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing: Not recommended—cream sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed.

If you want to prep in advance, you can make the sauce ahead (without shrimp) and refrigerate. Sauté shrimp right before serving and fold into warmed sauce for freshness.

Conclusion

This creamy shrimp newburg recipe delivers a luxurious, elegant seafood dish in under 30 minutes. Rich, silky sauce coats tender shrimp, offering restaurant-level sophistication with home-cook ease. Serve over rice, pasta, or in puff pastry shells for a memorable meal. Give it a try tonight, then leave your thoughts or tweaks in the comments below—and subscribe for more seafood recipes and creamy sauces that dazzle.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes — just warm them briefly in the sauce. Avoid overcooking since they’re already done.

Q2: What if I don’t have sherry?
Use a dry white wine or dry vermouth. Adjust acidity with a splash of lemon juice if needed.

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes — replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (rice flour or GF all-purpose) and check labels on any wine/butter products.

Q4: How thick should the sauce be?
It should coat the back of a spoon lightly. If too thin, simmer gently to reduce; if too thick, stir in a little milk.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, or diced bell pepper can be folded in for extra flavor and color.

Creamy Shrimp Newburg

Experience the indulgent flavors of this creamy shrimp Newburg — a classic seafood dish made elegant and approachable. Featuring tender shrimp enveloped in a velvety sherry cream sauce, this recipe brings restaurant-quality luxury to your home kitchen in under 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Seafood

Servings 3 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Medium Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Paper towels
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 large Shrimp, peeled & deveined Use wild-caught or fresh if possible; frozen (thawed, patted dry) works too
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted butter, divided Use clarified butter to reduce splatter
• 2 Tbsp All-purpose flour Whole-wheat pastry flour or gluten-free blend may be used
• 1 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika adds warmth and color
• 1/2 tsp Salt Adjust to taste depending on shrimp’s natural saltiness
• 1/2 tsp White pepper Black pepper is fine if you don’t have white
• 1/2 cup Whole milk 2% milk may be used for lighter result
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream Substitute half-and-half for a less heavy version
• 1/4 cup Sherry wine Dry vermouth or dry white wine may work in a pinch

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prep and Dry the Shrimp
  Pat shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce cling and prevents excess moisture from thinning the roux.
• Step 2: Melt Butter & Make Roux
  In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add flour, paprika, salt, and white pepper. Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until a smooth roux forms with no raw flour smell.
• Step 3: Add Milk, Cream & Sherry
  Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Once slightly thickened, add sherry wine and simmer gently until silky and fragrant.
• Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
  In a separate skillet, melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter. Add shrimp and cook 1 minute per side, until pink and just curled. Do not overcook.
• Step 5: Combine & Finish
  Gently fold shrimp into the creamy sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats shrimp evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Step 6: Serve Immediately
  Spoon over rice, pasta, puff pastry shells, or toast. Garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a finishing touch.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Pair with buttered noodles, rice pilaf, or inside puff pastry shells for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Chef’s Tip: Avoid boiling after adding shrimp; gentle heat preserves tenderness.

Keyword creamy shrimp newburg, seafood dinner, shrimp newburg recipe