What is Shrimp Alexander? A Delicious Fine Dining Appetizer

Shrimp Alexander is a delicious gourmet appetizer featuring juicy shrimp in a unique breading served with a flavorful butter sauce This indulgent dish originated at high-end steakhouses and has become a signature appetizer at fine dining restaurants across the country,

In this article, we’ll explore the history of Shrimp Alexander, how it’s made, popular variations, and where you can find it on restaurant menus today. We’ll also provide tips on how to make this restaurant favorite at home.

A Brief History of Shrimp Alexander

While the exact origins of Shrimp Alexander are unknown, it appears to have emerged in American steakhouses sometime in the 1980s or 1990s.

According to sources, one of the first restaurants to put Shrimp Alexander on the map was the upscale steakhouse chain Morton’s. Their version features jumbo shrimp coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and baked in butter until golden brown. The breaded shrimp are served alongside Morton’s signature beurre blanc sauce for dipping.

Following Morton’s lead, other high-end steakhouses like Ruth’s Chris started offering their own takes on Shrimp Alexander. Over the years, it has become a menu staple at fine dining restaurants and steakhouses across the United States.

How Traditional Shrimp Alexander is Made

While recipes can vary slightly, traditional Shrimp Alexander primarily consists of these components:

• Jumbo shrimp – The dish calls for the largest, juiciest shrimp available. Many restaurants use shrimp sizes like 16/20 or larger.

• Seasoned breading – The shrimp are coated in a breadcrumb mixture seasoned with aromatics like shallots, garlic, and fresh parsley. The breading provides a lovely crunch.

• Beurre blanc – This classic French butter sauce infused with shallots and white wine perfectly complements the breaded shrimp. Other restaurants may use similar lemon butter or cream sauces.

To make restaurant-quality Shrimp Alexander, the shrimp are typically prepared as follows:

• The shrimp are peeled, deveined, and butterflied while leaving the tails intact.

• The shrimp are dipped in melted butter and then coated thoroughly and evenly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.

• The coated shrimp are baked in a pan with butter until the breading is crispy and golden brown.

• Finally, the shrimp are served warm alongside ramekins of the hot beurre blanc or similar sauce for dipping.

When done right, the end result is tender shrimp encased in a flavorful, crunchy exterior served with a rich and savory sauce.

Popular Variations of Shrimp Alexander

While the classic preparation is baked, some restaurants opt to deep fry or pan fry the breaded shrimp for extra crunch.

Others forgo the traditional breading and stuff the shrimp with ingredients like cheese or spinach before wrapping in bacon. Cheesy fillings like feta, mozzarella or cheddar pair especially well with the briny shrimp.

Rather than serve Shrimp Alexander as individual appetizers, some restaurants prepare it as a baked shrimp dip. The dish layers the shrimp and sauce components to create a hearty, creamy dip perfect for sharing.

Home cooks have also come up with creative takes, like using panko bread crumbs for added crispness or adding extra spices to the breading for more flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Where to Find Shrimp Alexander on Menus Today

While Shrimp Alexander originated in steakhouses, it has expanded to menus across the fine dining spectrum. Here are some top restaurants currently serving this indulgent appetizer:

• Morton’s The Steakhouse – As one of the early innovators, they offer a classic preparation with jumbo shrimp and beurre blanc.

• Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Their version stuffs the shrimp with cheese and spinach before coating in Japanese breadcrumbs.

• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse – They stuff the shrimp with crabmeat rather than cheese for a luxe seafood twist.

• Eddie Merlot’s – This upscale Midwest chain fries their Shrimp Alexander for extra crunch.

• Mitchell’s Fish Market – They give a nod to the dish with their stuffed bacon-wrapped shrimp appetizer.

• Capital Grille – Their cheese and crab-stuffed shrimp offer a decadent take on the classic.

In addition to steakhouses and seafood restaurants, you may also spot Shrimp Alexander at hotel restaurants, private clubs, or other high-end establishments. It remains a fixture on gourmet menus around the country.

How to Make Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Alexander at Home

Thankfully, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp minced shallots
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 8 oz unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp minced shallots
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Steps:

1. Combine the breadcrumbs, garlic, shallots, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Butterfly the shrimp, leaving tails on. Dip them into the melted butter, then into the breadcrumb mixture pressing to adhere.

3. Arrange breaded shrimp in a baking dish and drizzle with remaining melted butter. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

4. For the sauce, melt butter in a pan. Add shallots and wine, simmering until reduced. Whisk in lemon juice.

5. Serve shrimp warm with the lemony beurre blanc sauce for dipping.

With the right ingredients and techniques, you can impress your dinner guests with this elegant appetizer. Adjust the flavors in the breading and sauce to your tastes.

For added indulgence, stuff the shrimp with cheese or crabmeat before breading. Or turn it into a baked dip by layering the components in a baking dish.

Shrimp Alexander: An Enduring Fine Dining Favorite

From its upscale steakhouse origins to today’s restaurant menus, Shrimp Alexander remains a sign of gourmet sophistication. The juicy shrimp, crispy breading, and rich sauce combine for an unforgettable appetizer experience.

While traditionally served as an appetizer, there are many ways for creative chefs and home cooks to reinvent this classic. It can be adapted into entrees, dips, or other dishes while retaining the core flavors.

Next time you spot Shrimp Alexander on a fine dining menu, take the opportunity to order this long-standing icon of elegance and indulgence. Or better yet, impress your guests by preparing your own version at home.

So pull up a seat, grab a napkin, and get ready to enjoy Shrimp Alexander in all its glory. This crowd-pleasing appetizer never goes out of style.