If you love dishes that are bursting with bold flavor yet come together effortlessly, this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. It brings together succulent shrimp coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce topped with a crisp layer of Parmesan and breadcrumbs, delivering a delightful contrast of textures and an irresistible aroma that fills the whole house. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe is an absolute winner that combines simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s flavor and texture. Freshness and balance here are key to turning an ordinary shrimp dinner into something truly special.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp create the tender, juicy base for this dish, cooking quickly and absorbing flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melted butter infuses richness and helps carry the garlic aroma throughout the shrimp.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic provides a vibrant, pungent flavor that is essential for that authentic garlicky taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): This salty, nutty cheese forms the backbone of the crispy topping that contrasts with the tender shrimp.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Light and crunchy, panko ensures a crisp, golden crust that elevates texture to the next level.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a pop of fresh herbaceousness and bright green color, balancing the richness.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle smoky sweetness gives the dish warmth and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick, just enough to enliven the flavors without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges: Served on the side, lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness that perfectly complements the richness of the Parmesan and butter.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This ensures the shrimp bake evenly and the crispy topping doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Arrange and Season the Shrimp
Lay your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper, which enhances the natural flavor while providing balance against the richness that comes next.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic. This step ensures the garlic infuses the butter nicely, creating a sauce that will coat each shrimp with vibrant, savory goodness.
Step 4: Drizzle Garlic Butter Over Shrimp
Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece gets coated. This guarantees that every bite is infused with that addictive garlic flavor and moist, buttery texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping
In another bowl, mix together grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. This mixture will create the golden, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp beneath.
Step 6: Sprinkle Topping and Bake
Evenly distribute the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp. Bake the dish for 12 to 15 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the topping develops a mouthwatering golden brown color.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Lemon Wedges
Once baked, serve the Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over. The citrus adds a bright finishing touch that enhances all the layered flavors.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the perfect simple garnish that adds vibrancy and a fresh herbaceous note to this dish. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper can also heighten the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Light and fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes are comforting choices that soak up all the delicious juices. For a healthier option, toss together a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to provide a fresh, textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of linguine or spaghetti tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic. Alternatively, use the shrimp as a filling for warm crusty bread or atop toasted baguette slices as an elegant appetizer to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe, store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 2 to 3 days, allowing you to savor the flavors of this dish even the next day.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to one month. When freezing, it’s best to freeze before baking for optimal texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness and prevent overcooking. Avoid microwaving, which can make the shrimp rubbery and the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before baking, so they don’t release excess moisture and stay nice and crisp under the Parmesan topping.
Is it possible to omit the red pepper flakes?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional and only add a mild heat. You can leave them out or substitute with a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a different type of spice.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative that offers a similar salty and nutty flavor. Otherwise, a blend of finely grated Asiago or Grana Padano can work too.
Can this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe be made on the grill?
While traditionally baked, you can adapt this recipe for grilling by placing the shrimp in a foil pan with the garlic butter and topping, then grilling over medium heat until cooked through and bubbly.
How do I ensure the topping stays crispy?
Make sure to use panko breadcrumbs for a light and crunchy texture and avoid overcrowding the shrimp in the baking dish. Baking uncovered at the right temperature helps the topping achieve that golden crisp finish.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients for an outstandingly flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a dish that combines ease and elegance beautifully. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every garlicky, cheesy bite!
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Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a golden, crunchy topping and juicy, tender shrimp inside, making it a quick and delicious option perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Shrimp: Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season them evenly with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the minced garlic. Drizzle this fragrant garlic butter mixture evenly over all the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Make Topping: In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp, covering them with the flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping should become golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp, enhancing their bright, savory flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they can become rubbery; watch for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture in the topping.
- If you prefer, substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley, using about 1 teaspoon.
