Shrimp Eggplant Casserole
A comforting and savory baked dish from the heart of Louisiana. Tender eggplant and succulent shrimp are cooked with the classic Holy Trinity and Cajun spices, then topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a perfect one-pan meal for a cozy dinner.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast the Eggplant
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- c.On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the eggplant cubes with olive oil, 1 tsp of the kosher salt, and the black pepper until evenly coated.
- d.Spread the eggplant in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Holy Trinity
- b.While the eggplant roasts, melt 2 tbsp of butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Casserole Base
- b.Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Stir to combine.
- c.Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of the panko breadcrumbs and the chopped fresh parsley.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Add Shrimp
- b.Gently fold the roasted eggplant into the skillet mixture.
- c.Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, stirring gently to incorporate. The residual heat will begin to cook them slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble and Bake
- b.Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- c.In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add the remaining 0.5 cup of panko breadcrumbs and toss until they are evenly coated.
- d.Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- e.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.
- c.Garnish with additional fresh parsley and sliced green onions before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To reduce potential bitterness, you can salt the eggplant cubes and let them sit in a colander for 30 minutes before roasting. Rinse and pat them thoroughly dry before tossing with oil.
- 2Don't worry if the shrimp aren't fully cooked in the skillet; they will finish cooking perfectly in the oven. The goal is to just turn them pink.
- 3For a make-ahead meal, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking and increase the bake time by 10-15 minutes.
- 4Serve this casserole hot with a side of fluffy white rice, creamy grits, or a piece of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the shrimp with 1 lb of cooked, shredded chicken or 1 lb of sliced andouille sausage (browned with the vegetables) for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the shrimp and Worcestershire sauce (use a vegetarian version or soy sauce). Add a 15-oz can of cannellini beans (rinsed and drained) or 8 oz of sliced mushrooms (sautéed with the trinity) for a hearty vegetarian version.
Add Some CheeseAdd Some Cheese
For a richer casserole, mix 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese into the breadcrumb topping before sprinkling it over the casserole.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Incorporate other vegetables like chopped zucchini or yellow squash. Add them to the pan along with the Holy Trinity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
High in Fiber
With eggplant and the 'Holy Trinity' of vegetables, this dish provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Source of Antioxidants
Ingredients like tomatoes (rich in lycopene), garlic (containing allicin), and bell peppers are packed with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Provides Essential Nutrients
This casserole offers a range of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from bell peppers, manganese from eggplant, and selenium and Vitamin B12 from shrimp.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this casserole contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the exact size of the vegetables and type of breadcrumbs used. It's a well-balanced main course.