GARLIC SOY SHRIMP MAC & CHEESE
There’s nothing quite like the creamy, comforting allure of mac and cheese. But what if you could take this timeless classic and give it an unexpected, flavorful twist? Enter Garlic Soy Shrimp Mac & Cheese—a fusion of the rich, cheesy goodness you love with the savory depth of seafood, garlic and soy sauce, inspired by Asian flavors. The addition of large shrimp brings a delightful seafood flavor that melds beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding both texture and a briny depth to every bite. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers craving a unique twist on a classic, and it's sure to be a hit at any gathering or cozy night in.
Key Ingredients
To make this Garlic Soy Shrimp Mac & Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Macaroni pasta: The base of any great mac and cheese. You can use classic elbow macaroni or switch it up with any short pasta you prefer.
- Large shrimp (8 oz): Adds a delicious seafood twist to the dish. Reminder: Save the shrimp tails to simmer in the cheese sauce for added depth and flavor.
- Cheese blend: A combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey jack and mozzarella gives this mac and cheese a creamy yet flavorful profile. Feel free to adjust the cheese blend to your liking, depending on your flavor preferences.
- Soy sauce: This ingredient adds a bold, umami-rich flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess of the cheese. You can use regular or low-sodium soy sauce based on your preference.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic sautéed in butter infuses the dish with an aromatic, savory punch.
- Milk: Provides the creamy base for the sauce, adding richness and thickness.
- Butter: For sautéing the garlic and creating that indulgent creamy texture.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional): To add a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese.
- Old bay seasoning: A unique addition that brings a subtle blend of herbs and spices, giving the mac and cheese a hint of warmth and depth. This seasoning adds a slight coastal flavor, making it more distinct and flavorful.
Substitutions
- Seafood alternatives: Swap out shrimp for crabmeat or lobster if you’d like a different seafood twist.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-free: Swap the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream.
- Soy sauce alternatives: If you prefer a gluten-free or soy-free version, try tamari or coconut aminos, both of which provide a similar umami flavor without the soy.
- Cheese variations: For a stronger flavor, experiment with gruyère, parmesan, or gouda in place of cheddar. If you enjoy spice, a bit of pepper jack can add a nice kick.
- Vegan option: For a plant-based twist, use nutritional yeast in place of cheese and a vegan butter substitute for the sauce.
Additional Notes
- Be careful when adding soy sauce as it can be salty. If you're using regular soy sauce, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe or use low-sodium soy sauce to balance the flavors.
- For extra depth, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sliced green onions before serving.
- For an extra kick, toss the shrimp with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes before cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra cream or milk to keep it creamy.
Conclusion
This Garlic Soy Shrimp Mac & Cheese is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings together creamy cheese, savory soy, and the delicate seafood flavor of shrimp. The addition of shrimp not only elevates the dish but also infuses the cheese sauce with a rich, ocean-inspired depth. By simmering the shrimp tails, you enhance the sauce with a subtle seafood essence that perfectly balances the creaminess of the cheese and the umami of the soy sauce. This twist on classic mac and cheese is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of indulgent flavor to their comfort food rotation.
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Enter Garlic Soy Shrimp Mac & Cheese—a fusion of the rich, cheesy goodness you love with the savory depth of seafood, garlic and soy sauce, inspired by Asian flavors.
- 8 oz macaroni pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning (can use salt instead)
- 1/2 tsp parsley (dried or fresh)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz large shrimp, deveined with tail on (colossal shrimp is preferred)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 4 skewer sticks (optional)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni until slightly al dente, cooking 1-2 min less than the instructed time on package. Drain and set aside.
- De-tail the large shrimp keeping the tails in a small bowl to use for the cheese sauce.
In a small saucepan, add butter and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic infuses into the butter.
Pour in heavy cream and milk and stir to combine. Then add in the shrimp tails and allow to simmer in low medium heat for around 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, remove the tails with a strainer then add in the shredded cheeses in a few sections stirring each time.
I add in about a handful of cheese each time. Make sure to save a handful to top the mac & cheese with.Once the cheese is completely melted, season the sauce with old bay seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, adobo seasoning, and parsley. Stir gently and take off heat.
Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix to combine. Then pour the mac & cheese into a baking dish.
Level the mac & cheese making sure that it is spread out evenly. Top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy exterior.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until the breadcrumbs have browned.
While the mac & cheese is in the oven, mix together soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl to make the sauce for the shrimp.
Skewer 3 shrimp onto a skewer stick.
this is optional.Heat a pan in high heat with olive oil, then place the shrimp onto the pan. Once the shrimp becomes pink, pour in the sauce. Mix to combine and allow the sauce to thicken before cutting off the fire. This should take about 7-8 minutes in total.
If the shrimp is skewered, brush the sauce on each side of the stick. Repeat until the sauce thickens onto the shrimp.Place the shrimp on top of the completed mac and cheese. Garnish with green onions.
- Be careful when adding soy sauce as it can be salty. If you're using regular soy sauce, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe or use low-sodium soy sauce to balance the flavors.
- For extra depth, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sliced green onions before serving.
- For an extra kick, toss the shrimp with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes before cooking.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra cream or milk to keep it creamy.
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