Elegant Shrimp Newburg in Puff Pastry Shells Recipe

Quick & Elegant Shrimp Newburg in Puff Pastry Shells Recipe

My weekend culinary adventures recently discovered an elegant shrimp newburg that sparkles with sophisticated charm.

Delicate seafood nestles inside flaky golden pastry, creating a moment of pure indulgence.

Coastal flavors mingle with rich cream sauce, promising something extraordinary for special occasions.

Weekend entertaining calls for dishes that impress without overwhelming complex palates.

Unexpected texture combinations make this recipe feel like a gourmet secret waiting to be shared.

Chefs appreciate how minimal ingredients create maximum impact in these delightful shells.

Prepare to savor every luxurious bite and transport your dining experience to new heights.

Elegant Shrimp Newburg – Seafood Sophistication in Puff Pastry

  • Wow-Worthy Fancy Presentation: Elevate your dinner game with elegant puff pastry shells that transform a classic shrimp dish into a restaurant-worthy centerpiece.
  • Quick Gourmet Magic: Prepare this impressive meal in under 45 minutes, combining simple techniques to create a luxurious dining experience that looks professionally crafted.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for intimate dinner parties, romantic evenings, or special celebrations where you want to wow guests with minimal complex cooking skills required.
  • Flavor Explosion Technique: Blend rich ingredients like sherry, heavy cream, and perfectly seasoned shrimp to create a sophisticated sauce that delivers incredible depth and complexity in every delicious bite.

Inside the Shells of Shrimp Newburg

Pastry Components:
  • Puff Pastry: Classic base for elegant shell-shaped containers, delicate and flaky texture essential for presentation.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for even baking and easy shell removal.
Filling Vegetables:
  • Green Onions, Bell Pepper: Aromatic base that provides fresh, mild vegetable flavor and subtle crunch.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient adding depth and texture to the filling.
  • Pimientos: Sweet, mild pepper that introduces subtle color and gentle flavor.
Protein Component:
  • Shrimp: Primary protein source, delicate seafood that creates luxurious main ingredient.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich foundation for creating smooth sauce and sautéing vegetables.
  • Flour: Thickening agent for creating velvety sauce consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base with rich mouthfeel.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Dry Sherry: Adds sophisticated, complex flavor undertone to sauce.
  • Dry Mustard: Provides gentle heat and tangy background note.
  • Nutmeg: Warm, subtle spice that complements seafood.
  • Cayenne: Introduces mild heat and depth.
  • Salt: Essential flavor enhancer for entire dish.

Puff Pastry Filling for Elegant Shrimp Newburg

Step 1: Craft Gorgeous Pastry Bases

Warm your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab your puff pastry and slice it into 8 delicate seashell-shaped pieces.

Place these beauties on a parchment-covered baking sheet.

Using a sharp knife, gently trace a shell-like pattern on top without slicing completely through.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake until they transform into golden, puffy perfection – about 20 minutes.

Once done, carefully split each shell in half.

Step 2: Sauté Vibrant Vegetable Medley

Heat a saucepan and melt butter, creating a silky base.

Toss in:
  • Green onions
  • Bell peppers

Sauté until they become wonderfully tender.

Add mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes.

Stir in pimientos and dry sherry, letting the flavors dance together briefly.

Transfer this colorful mixture to a separate bowl.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Return to the same saucepan and melt more butter.

Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth foundation.

Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking until the sauce becomes thick and bubbly.

Fold in the vegetable mixture along with:
  • Dry mustard
  • Nutmeg
  • Cayenne
  • Salt

Simmer until everything melds beautifully.

Step 4: Introduce Succulent Shrimp

Gently stir chopped shrimp into the sauce, warming them through.

Taste and adjust seasonings as you desire.

To serve, place the bottom pastry shell on a plate, generously spoon the shrimp Newburg mixture overtop, then crown with the remaining pastry half.

Shrimp Newburg Tips For Fancy Nights

  • Score the puff pastry shells gently to create a beautiful shell pattern without cutting through the delicate layers.
  • Cook green onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms just until tender to maintain their fresh flavor and prevent overcooking.
  • Whisk flour and butter slowly to create a roux without lumps, ensuring a silky, creamy sauce base.
  • Heat shrimp briefly to prevent toughening, removing from heat as soon as they're warm and opaque.
  • Add a splash of dry sherry and pinch of cayenne to elevate the dish's depth and give a subtle kick.

Tips to Save and Warm Shrimp Newburg Without Drying Out

  • Store leftover shrimp Newburg in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator, separating the puff pastry shells to prevent sogginess.
  • Warm the filling in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until heated through and creamy.
  • Crisp up the puff pastry shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their flaky texture.
  • Best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture, as seafood and cream-based dishes can deteriorate rapidly.

Elegant Matches For Shrimp Dish

  • Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine with balanced acidity like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy shrimp Newburg sauce.
  • Elegant Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or dill over the dish to add brightness and a subtle herbal note that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
  • Zesty Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the decadent flavors of the puff pastry and shrimp, providing a refreshing contrast on the plate.
  • Sophisticated Champagne Match: Consider serving a dry sparkling wine or champagne that will enhance the elegance of the dish and cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy shrimp Newburg.

Shrimp Newburg Style Suggestions

  • Gluten-Free Shellfish Delight: Replace puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour pastry shells for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Seafood Option: Swap pastry shells with roasted portobello mushroom caps or crisp lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly alternative.
  • Vegetarian Protein Transformation: Substitute shrimp with sautéed king oyster mushrooms or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the creamy sauce's rich flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine for lactose-intolerant guests.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of Shrimp Newburg?

The dish originated in New York City in the late 19th century, created at Delmonico’s Restaurant by a sea captain named Ben Wenberg, who first demonstrated the recipe with lobster.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before cooking to maintain the best texture and flavor.

  • Is dry sherry essential in this recipe?

Dry sherry adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but if unavailable, you can substitute with white wine or dry vermouth for a similar flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent my puff pastry from becoming soggy?

Bake the pastry shells fully before filling, and add the sauce just before serving to keep the shells crisp and prevent them from becoming soft.

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Elegant Shrimp Newburg in Puff Pastry Shells Recipe

Elegant Shrimp Newburg in Puff Pastry Shells Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent shrimp newburg nestled in golden puff pastry shells brings classic French coastal elegance to your dining experience. Rich, creamy sauce and delicate seafood promise a luxurious culinary journey you’ll savor with every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 oz chopped boiled shrimp (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (17.3 oz) package frozen puff pastry, thawed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (white and green parts)
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
  • 2 oz jar chopped pimientos, drained (about 2 tablespoons)

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup dry sherry
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Craft delicate puff pastry shells by heating the oven to 400°F, then artfully cut pastry into eight shell-like shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Delicately score the top with a sharp knife to create an elegant shell pattern without piercing through the dough completely.
  2. Bake the pastry shells for approximately 20 minutes until they rise magnificently and turn a rich golden brown. Once removed from the oven, carefully slice each shell horizontally to create a top and bottom.
  3. In a saucepan, transform butter into a silky base, gently sautéing green onions and bell peppers until they soften and release their aromatic essence. Introduce mushrooms and continue cooking until they release their delicate moisture.
  4. Incorporate pimientos and dry sherry, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their flavors. Transfer this vibrant vegetable mixture to a separate bowl, preserving its warmth and complexity.
  5. Utilize the same saucepan to create a luxurious sauce, melting additional butter and whisking in flour until a smooth roux develops. Gradually introduce heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy, bubbling texture.
  6. Blend the reserved vegetable mixture into the cream sauce, enhancing it with dry mustard, a whisper of nutmeg, a hint of cayenne, and a touch of salt. Allow the flavors to harmonize and warm through completely.
  7. Gently fold the chopped shrimp into the sauce, heating them just until they become opaque and tender. Taste and adjust seasonings to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
  8. Assemble the dish by placing the bottom pastry shell on a plate, lavishly spooning the shrimp Newburg mixture over it, then crowning with the top shell half to create an elegant, impressive presentation.

Notes

  • Plan ahead by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother sauce preparation and better blending.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most delicate and succulent flavor profile in the dish.
  • Consider using whole wheat puff pastry for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
  • Keep pastry shells crisp by filling them just before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain their elegant presentation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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