Calvados Cream Shrimp with Apple & White Chocolate

Impress your guests with my Calvados cream shrimp recipe! Apple & white chocolate add a unique twist to this creamy French dish. Easy gourmet shrimp dinner recipe inside! ... Shellfish Dishes
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered what to cook for a fancy night in? then you'll love my calvados cream shrimp recipe . honestly, it's so good, it's a showstopper.
You know? it's got that je ne sais quoi.
An Elegant Seafood Dish with French Flair
This french shrimp recipe is inspired by normandy. it's where they make amazing apple brandy, apple brandy shrimp . this recipe isn't a quick one, but totally worth it! plus, this dish takes about 45 minutes to make, yields 4 servings.
Why This Creamy Shrimp Recipe Rocks
One word: flavour. this calvados cream sauce recipe is rich. the shrimp with apple and white chocolate is a fantastic contrast of savoury and sweet.
It's also protein packed, making it a relatively healthy treat for your fancy occasion or your seafood dinner party ideas .
I mean, what's not to love?
Let's Talk Ingredients . I honestly was just minding my own business when this came to me, I can't wait to share more!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this Calvados cream shrimp recipe ! It's easier than you think, honestly. Just grab your ingredients and let's get started.
Calvados Cream Shrimp with Apple & White Chocolate Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the shopping list, angels:
- 1 lb (454g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Go for fresh, plump shrimp. They should smell briny, not fishy, you know?
- 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter. Proper butter, not that spreadable stuff.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) safflower oil (or other neutral oil). It's just to stop the butter from burning.
- 1 cup (120g) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced. Tart apples are the best.
- 3 oz (85g) cremini mushrooms, sliced. Chestnut mushrooms are a grand shout too.
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour. Plain flour, nothing fancy.
- 1 cup (240ml) light cream (single cream). Double cream would be too thick, yeah?
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Calvados (apple brandy). This makes it a French shrimp recipe . If you can't find it, apple juice works.
- 3 oz (85g) good quality white chocolate, grated. Think Lindt or Ghirardelli.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Obvs.
- Fresh parsley to garnish. Makes it look all fancy.
Seasoning Notes
The secret weapon for any good dish is the seasoning. Essential spice combinations make the dish. I'm going to give you my go to.
Salt and pepper is the start, but don't be shy with the seasoning. flavor enhancers and aromatics work so well.
Nutmeg or cinnamon adds a warming touch to this creamy shrimp recipe . i sometimes add a pinch. if you don't have calvados, apple juice is your quick substitution options .
A splash of apple cider vinegar also adds a bit of tang.
Equipment Needed
Right, let's talk tools. For a truly elegant seafood dish , you will need:
- A large skillet or sauté pan. Non-stick is your friend.
- A small, sharp knife. Gotta chop those apples properly.
- A cutting board. Obvs.
- An oven-safe dish. Just to keep the shrimp warm while you make the sauce.
- A whisk. No one likes lumpy sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons. You know the drill.
That's pretty much it! if you don't have a fancy skillet, any old pan will do. the secret is in the ingredients, not the kit.
I mean, think about it, what's more valuable, your £300 saucepan or a recipe that will feed you and your partner a gourmet shrimp recipes meal in half-an-hour, which can serve as great seafood dinner party ideas ?

Cooking Method: Sautéing Shrimp for Calvados Cream Shrimp Recipe
Honestly, who doesn't love a good, creamy shrimp recipe ? today, we're diving into how to perfectly sauté the shrimp for my totally banging calvados cream shrimp recipe .
Sautéing might seem simple, but a few tricks can make all the difference between rubbery prawns and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. we want this french shrimp recipe to knock everyone's socks off!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Shrimp Ready
Essential mise en place is key. have everything prepped before you even think about turning on the hob. this includes having your shrimp peeled, deveined and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
It also means having your diced apples and sliced mushrooms at the ready. honestly, do not skip this step.
Time-saving tip? Butterfly the shrimp. It is a shallow cut down their backs. It helps them cook evenly and look fancy.
Sautéing Shrimp: Step-by-Step
- Heat 3 tablespoons (45g) butter and 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This is important
- Make sure the pan is hot! You want the butter shimmering, not burning.
- Sauté the shrimp in the hot fat. Do this in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for only 2- 3 minutes per side , until pink. That is all.
- Remove the shrimp and keep warm in a 200° F ( 93° C) oven while you make the sauce.
Visual cue for doneness? Opaque and slightly curled. Don’t overcook them or you’ll get rubbery shrimp! This is the most common error while trying to create this creamy seafood with fruit .
Pro Tips for Posh Gourmet Shrimp Recipes
- Don't overcrowd the pan! Overcrowding lowers the temperature, leading to steamed, not sautéed, shrimp. And let's be real, no one wants that. This is what will ruin your fancy Apple brandy shrimp dinner plans.
- Good quality shrimp makes a huge difference. Fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch. Thaw them properly before cooking.
- For a truly elegant seafood dish , try using clarified butter. It has a higher smoke point, preventing it from burning and giving a richer flavor. Seriously, you can easily adapt this for your seafood dinner party ideas .
- If you're making the Calvados cream sauce recipe ahead of time, just wait to add the shrimp until right before serving. You don't want them to dry out. It will become an easy shrimp dinner .
So, there you have it! perfectly sautéed shrimp for your calvados cream shrimp recipe . honestly, following these simple steps will elevate your dish from good to bloody amazing .
Give it a go and let me know how you get on! good luck.
Recipe Notes for Calvados Cream Shrimp Recipe Success
Right then, you're ready to tackle this calvados cream shrimp recipe ! before you get your apron on, let's chat through a few bits to make sure it's a smashing success.
Honestly, cooking creamy shrimp recipe is easier than you think, so no need to stress!
Serving Suggestions: Show It Off!
Presentation is key, innit? for plating this elegant seafood dish , i'd suggest a shallow bowl. spoon the sauce generously over the shrimp with apple and white chocolate , making sure each shrimp is well coated.
Sprinkle with a bit of parsley for a pop of green.
As for sides, creamy seafood with fruit loves a good mash. fluffy mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta will mop up all that gorgeous sauce.
For drinks, a crisp pinot grigio would be spot on. thinking about seafood dinner party ideas ? start here.
Storage Tips: Save Some for Later (If You Can!)
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (doubtful!), refrigerate the calvados cream sauce recipe and shrimp with apple and white chocolate in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
It'll keep for up to 3 days .
Freezing isn't ideal for this french shrimp recipe , as the cream sauce can separate and the texture of the shrimp might change.
But hey, if you must, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month . reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.
Variations: Make It Your Own, Mate!
Want to mix things up? if you're avoiding dairy, try using coconut cream for a dairy-free version. it'll add a slightly different flavour profile, but still be delicious! for a seasonal twist, swap the granny smith apples for pears in the autumn.
The apple brandy shrimp is adaptable.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This dish is a great source of protein from the shrimp. it also offers some healthy fats from the cream.
Granny smith apples provide fiber. the calvados cream shrimp recipe contains approximately 450-500 calories per serving, with 35g protein, 25g fat, and 20g carbohydrates.
Remember, nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients. it's also a chance to use a gourmet shrimp recipes and an easy shrimp dinner idea.
And there you have it! With these tips in mind, your Calvados cream shrimp recipe will be an absolute triumph. Now go on, get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite! You know?

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to avoid rubbery shrimp in this Calvados cream shrimp recipe?
Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is not to overcook them. Sauté them quickly in the hot butter and oil, just until they turn pink and are cooked through – usually only 2-3 minutes per side. Keep them warm in a very low oven (around 200°F/93°C) while you prepare the rest of the dish, but don't leave them in there for too long, or they'll toughen up like an old boot!
Can I make this Calvados cream shrimp dish ahead of time?
While the sauce can be prepared a couple of hours in advance, the shrimp are best cooked fresh. You could sauté the apples and mushrooms and prepare the sauce up to the point of adding the white chocolate, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently, add the white chocolate, cook the shrimp, and combine. Just remember fresh is always best, innit?
I'm not a big fan of white chocolate. Can I leave it out of the Calvados cream shrimp recipe?
You can indeed, but the white chocolate really adds a unique richness and sweetness that balances the savory flavors and the Calvados brandy. If you're hesitant, start with half the amount called for and taste as you go. Alternatively, you could try substituting it with a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture, though it will lack the sweetness.
What can I use if I don't have Calvados for this Calvados cream shrimp recipe?
Calvados is apple brandy from the Normandy region of France. If you don't have any handy, you could use another type of apple brandy or even a good quality Cognac or Armagnac. In a pinch, you could substitute with apple cider or apple juice, but be sure to reduce the liquid slightly during cooking to concentrate the flavour.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to the cream in this Calvados cream shrimp?
Yes, you can absolutely make this dish dairy-free. Substitute the light cream with full-fat coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce for richness. Be aware that coconut cream will impart a slight coconut flavor, which may alter the overall taste of the dish. A good quality cashew cream will be more neutral.
How should I store leftovers of this Calvados cream shrimp recipe?
Store any leftover Calvados cream shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the sauce may thicken upon refrigeration. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if necessary to loosen the sauce. Note that the shrimp may become slightly more rubbery upon reheating.