If you’re searching for a decadent classic that instantly transports you to a grand old hotel dining room, Creamy Shrimp Newburg is your answer. This dish features plump, sweet shrimp swaddled in a velvety, sherry-kissed sauce that’s every bit as luxurious as it sounds. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a dinner party or a festive weekend brunch, dazzling with its rich flavors and elegantly creamy texture. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or craving comfort food with a sophisticated twist, this memorable dish promises both ease and elegance in every luscious bite.

Creamy Shrimp Newburg Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Shrimp Newburg truly special is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the dish’s buttery richness, silkiness, and that all-important pop of seafood flavor.

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined — they become juicy and tender when gently cooked in the sauce.
Butter: Lends richness and depth, forming the base of the sauce.
Shallots: Finely minced for a hint of sweetness and a mild onion note.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that luxurious spoon-coating consistency.
Heavy cream: Provides the luscious, creamy texture essential to Newburg sauce.
Dry sherry: Adds a gentle, sophisticated warmth and quick zing; don’t skip this key flavor booster.
Egg yolks: Emulsify into the sauce, giving it a silken sheen and rich body.
Fresh lemon juice: Wakes up the flavors and balances all that creaminess.
Paprika: For a subtle earthiness and a classic pink tint.
Salt and pepper: Essential to bring out the best in every ingredient.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and scattered on top, giving a fresh finish and color.

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Newburg

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels to help them cook evenly and brown beautifully. If they aren’t already cleaned, peel and devein them, making sure to remove the tails unless you like the drama of serving them tail-on.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt most of the butter until it’s foamy but not browned. Add the shallots and sauté for about one minute, just until fragrant and translucent. This deepens their sweetness and builds a savory base for your Creamy Shrimp Newburg.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan and gently cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until they’re just pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook — you want tender, juicy bites! Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside, covering to keep them warm.

Step 4: Build the Newburg Sauce

Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, stirring well to form a roux with the butter and shallots. Slowly whisk in the sherry, allowing the alcohol to sizzle and reduce, then gradually stream in the heavy cream. Lower the heat and keep stirring until the mixture thickens into a gorgeous, silky sauce worthy of the Creamy Shrimp Newburg name.

Step 5: Finish with Egg Yolks and Shrimp

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and a spoonful of the hot sauce. Gently trickle this mixture back into the skillet, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling. Return the shrimp to the pan, pour in any juices, and add the lemon juice and paprika. Stir just until everything warms through and thickens into an irresistibly creamy blanket.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

Give the sauce a taste, then season with salt and pepper to your liking. Swirl in the final knob of butter for shine, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right before serving. Your Creamy Shrimp Newburg is now ready to wow at the table.

How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Newburg

Garnishes

For an impressive finish, scatter a little more fresh parsley and a pinch of extra paprika over the top. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone brighten their plate as they wish — and a little extra sherry drizzled over just before serving delivers a lovely aromatic top note.

Side Dishes

Creamy Shrimp Newburg craves a neutral, absorbent partner. Toasted brioche, puff pastry shells, classic buttered rice, or even simple steamed asparagus all make ideal sidekicks, soaking up that luxurious sauce while providing delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Creamy Shrimp Newburg in individual ramekins or over vol-au-vent pastry shells for a retro-chic touch. For a dramatic dinner party presentation, use a cast-iron skillet at the center of the table, or spoon the shrimp onto a pile of hot, steamed grits for a playful Southern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Creamy Shrimp Newburg to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to two days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it rests, but it remains delicious for next-day lunches or suppers.

Freezing

Because of the creamy sauce and egg yolks, freezing isn’t recommended. The sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy your Creamy Shrimp Newburg fresh whenever possible.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Creamy Shrimp Newburg in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed, and take care not to boil — this will keep the shrimp tender and the sauce silky-smooth.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but be aware that pre-cooked shrimp can turn rubbery if overcooked. Simply fold them into the sauce at the very end and warm through gently for a few minutes.

What type of sherry works best?

Dry sherry is ideal for Creamy Shrimp Newburg, as it brings complexity without overwhelming sweetness. Avoid cooking sherry; opt for a bottle from the wine section instead of the vinegar aisle.

Can I substitute another seafood?

Absolutely! Lobster, crab, or scallops are all delicious in this sauce. Newburg was originally made with lobster, so feel free to mix and match depending on what’s available or special to you.

Is this recipe gluten free?

As written, it’s not, due to the all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

How do I avoid scrambling the eggs?

Whisk the yolks with a bit of the hot sauce first (temper them), then slowly add back into the pan while stirring constantly over low heat. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth — classic for Creamy Shrimp Newburg!

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with the rich, vintage charm of Creamy Shrimp Newburg. Whether you make it for a cozy night in or to dazzle a dinner guest, the silky sauce and succulent shrimp are sure to win rave reviews. Give it a try soon; this classic truly deserves a spot in your recipe collection!

Creamy Shrimp Newburg Recipe