Shrimp Newburg is a classic dish that originated in the United States. It is named after a wealthy businessman, Ben Wenberg, who frequented Delmonico's restaurant in New York City in the late 1800s. The dish is traditionally made with shrimp, butter, cream, and sherry, and is often served over toast or puff pastry. The spelling of "Newburg" is pronounced /njuːˈbɜːrɡ/, with the stress on the first syllable, and the "u" is pronounced like the "oo" in "book."
Shrimp Newburg is a classic seafood dish that originated in the United States. It is typically made by sautéing shrimp in a rich and creamy sauce, seasoned with various spices, and served over toast points or rice.
The term "Newburg" refers to a method of cooking that involves preparing a rich sauce using cream, butter, and egg yolks. This sauce is often flavored with sherry or brandy, and seasoning such as nutmeg, paprika, or cayenne pepper may be added to enhance the taste.
The star ingredient of Shrimp Newburg is the shrimp itself. Shrimp are small, edible crustaceans that are widely consumed worldwide. They have a delicate and sweet taste, making them a popular choice for seafood dishes. Shrimp are typically peeled and deveined before cooking to remove the outer shell and digestive tract. In Shrimp Newburg, the shrimp are cooked until they turn pink and tender, then added to the creamy sauce to absorb the flavors.
Shrimp Newburg is often served as a main course or as an appetizer at special occasions or upscale restaurants. The dish is known for its rich and indulgent flavors, creamy texture, and the combination of spices, which elevate the taste of the seafood. It is often garnished with parsley or chives for added freshness and visual appeal. Shrimp Newburg continues to be cherished by seafood lovers for its timeless and elegant preparation, making it a classic in American cuisine.
The word "Newburg" in "Shrimp Newburg" refers to the city of Newburgh, located in the state of New York, United States. The dish is said to have been created and popularized in the late 19th century by a sea captain named Ben Wenberg.
Legend has it that on a voyage, Captain Wenberg accidentally spilled some seafood into a pot of boiling cream sauce while experiencing rough seas. Instead of wasting the ingredients, he decided to cook them together, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce. When he arrived in Newburgh, he served this eponymous dish to his fellow diners, who loved it and gave it the name "Wenberg".
Over time, the dish was colloquially mispronounced as "Newburg", and it stuck. Eventually, it became commonly known as "Shrimp Newburg", referring specifically to the variation with shrimp as the main ingredient.