Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer. With minimal prep and a short bake time, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Crispy and Flavorful: The buttery breadcrumb topping adds a perfect crunch.
- Versatile: Serve as a main dish, appetizer, or over pasta or rice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the Shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
- Drizzle the Sauce: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp.
Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Topping
- Mix the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
- Bake the Shrimp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the topping is golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately as a standalone dish or with sides like rice, pasta, or salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for more heat.
- Herb Blend: Incorporate fresh thyme or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano or Gruyère instead of Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave gently until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain shrimp’s tenderness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) are ideal for this recipe.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the shrimp and topping in advance, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake just before serving.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with rice, pasta, a fresh green salad, or crusty bread.
5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s not recommended, as pre-cooked shrimp may become overcooked and rubbery.
6. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape.
7. Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs provide more crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute.
8. What’s the best way to melt butter for this recipe?
Microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring in between, or melt gently on the stovetop.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish to avoid overcrowding, and adjust the topping amounts accordingly.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the red pepper flakes if serving to those who prefer mild flavors.
Conclusion
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is a delightful, no-fuss recipe that combines tender shrimp with a buttery, crunchy topping. Whether served as a main course or an elegant appetizer, this dish is sure to impress with its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintGarlic Herb Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is the perfect balance of tender, juicy shrimp and a golden, crunchy topping. Made with garlic butter, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon, this quick and easy recipe is bursting with flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or as an impressive appetizer for guests. Simple, delicious, and unforgettable!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed) for the best results.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the red pepper flakes.
- Try mixing in a teaspoon of paprika or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
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