Spicy Shrimp and Jack Cheese Lasagna: A Flavorful One-Dish Delight
Indulging in a delightful culinary experience often begins with a masterful creation, and Chef David Burke’s Spicy Shrimp and Jack Cheese Lasagna, initially crafted at the renowned Park Avenue Cafe in New York City, is a testament to that notion. This lasagna, a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, pairs the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the creamy richness of Monterey Jack cheese, all enveloped in perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. The accompanying tomato vinaigrette, vibrant and tangy, adds a refreshing contrast that elevates the dish to extraordinary heights. While the vinaigrette is best made fresh, it seamlessly complements the lasagna as it bakes, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas.
Cooking and Preparation Times
| Total Time | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 35 minutes |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 543 |
| Total Fat | 39.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 340.8 mg |
| Sodium | 728 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 2.9 g |
| Protein | 38.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | medium shrimp |
| 2 | eggs |
| 1/4 | cup barbecue sauce |
| 2 | lemons (zested) |
| 3/4 | cup Monterey Jack cheese |
| 4 | tablespoons tarragon vinegar |
| 1 | cup tomato sauce |
| 1/2 | cup fresh tarragon (chopped) |
| 3/4 | cup olive oil (divided) |
| 1 | pound medium shrimp (for garnish) |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin your culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures that your lasagna will bake evenly and thoroughly.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly oil an 8 x 12-inch baking dish, allowing for a non-stick surface that will facilitate the easy removal of the lasagna once it’s fully baked.
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Boil the Water: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. This is essential for cooking the lasagna noodles to the perfect al dente texture.
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Chop the Shrimp: Using a food processor, coarsely chop the medium shrimp until they reach a texture that is not overly smooth. The goal is to retain some bite, which will provide delightful bursts of flavor in the lasagna.
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Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, eggs, barbecue sauce, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons of pepper. Process the mixture until it’s almost smooth, which should take about 30 seconds. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich, savory filling that encapsulates the essence of the dish.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Gently fold the Monterey Jack cheese into the shrimp mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating a creamy layer within the lasagna.
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Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Carefully place the lasagna noodles into the boiling water and cook just until al dente, approximately 2 minutes. Be cautious not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
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Drain and Cool the Noodles: Drain the noodles in a colander without rinsing them, which allows the starch to help bind the layers of the lasagna. Let the noodles cool slightly, making them easier to handle.
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Assemble the Lasagna: In the prepared baking dish, arrange half of the lasagna noodles at the bottom. Spread the shrimp mixture evenly on top of the noodles, creating a generous layer. Next, cover with the remaining pasta, pressing down gently to ensure the layers adhere together.
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Optional Freezing: At this point, the assembled lasagna can be covered and frozen for up to one month, or it can be refrigerated for up to one day. If freezing, remember to store the shrimp shells separately to use in the vinaigrette.
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Return to Room Temperature: If you’ve refrigerated or frozen the lasagna, allow it to return to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
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Prepare the Tomato Vinaigrette: In a small, nonreactive saucepan, combine the shrimp shells and tarragon vinegar, bringing the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer until reduced by half, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Strain the Stock: Carefully strain the stock into a bowl, discarding the shrimp shells. Wipe out the saucepan to remove any remnants, then return the strained stock to the pan.
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Whisk in Tomato Sauce: Add the tomato sauce and fresh tarragon to the stock, cooking over low heat until the mixture is heated through. This flavorful vinaigrette will bring a lovely brightness to the dish.
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Incorporate Olive Oil: Gradually whisk in the olive oil, keeping the vinaigrette warm until you are ready to serve.
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Bake the Lasagna: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This step helps to retain moisture and ensure the lasagna heats evenly.
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Add Vinaigrette and Finish Baking: After 25 minutes, spread the prepared tomato vinaigrette over the top of the lasagna. Remove the foil and return it to the oven, baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and lightly glazed on top.
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Sauté the Shrimp for Garnish: In a medium nonstick skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Season the pound of medium shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp, turning once, until they are opaque throughout, which should take about 1 ½ minutes. This step adds an elegant touch to your lasagna.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the lasagna has finished baking, garnish it with the sautéed shrimp. Serve with the remaining tomato vinaigrette on the side, allowing your guests to add as much or as little as they desire.
Chef David Burke’s Spicy Shrimp and Jack Cheese Lasagna offers a vibrant and satisfying dish that is perfect for any gathering. The harmonious blend of shrimp and cheese, paired with the tangy vinaigrette, ensures that every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this lasagna promises to be a memorable centerpiece for your meal. Enjoy the culinary journey that this dish provides, and let it warm your heart and home.
