If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet incredibly simple to prepare, this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is absolutely the answer. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp baked under a golden, garlicky Parmesan crust with just the right touch of spice and freshness. It’s an effortless meal that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch combined with the rich, buttery aroma of garlic and cheese, making it a definite favorite worth keeping in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced dish. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the fresh parsley adding a pop of color and brightness, or the panko breadcrumbs contributing that unbeatable crispy topping.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Butter brings richness and helps meld the garlic and spices evenly over the shrimp.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that vibrant, aromatic punch.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives a light, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with tender shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a lovely green hue to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a subtle smoky warmth and enhances color.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice and complexity.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): A fresh squeeze brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish or sheet. This ensures your shrimp won’t stick and the cooking process will be even. Arranging the shrimp in a single layer is key so that each one cooks perfectly and the topping crisps up nicely.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. This mixture is where flavor meets moisture, making sure the shrimp stay juicy and infused with that irresistible garlic essence.
Step 3: Dress the Shrimp
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Be generous to make sure every shrimp is coated with that rich garlicky goodness. This step sets the foundation for flavor layering.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Panko Topping
In another bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp. These ingredients form the crispy, cheesy crust that is the hallmark of the Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the shrimp for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, and the topping is beautifully golden. For an extra touch of crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—just a quick broil deepens the flavors and texture wonderfully.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lemon wedges are more than just decorative here—they add an invigorating citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the garlic Parmesan. Sprinkling a few extra chopped parsley leaves on top right before serving gives a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe pairs fantastically with a light salad or steamed vegetables to keep things fresh and balanced. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic buttered pasta soak up every bit of the dish’s flavorful juices. Even simple crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next gathering, serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy quinoa or cauliflower rice to add texture and keep the meal light. You can also skewer the shrimp after baking for a stunning appetizer platter, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 days and maintain most of their flavor. Just be mindful that the crispy topping may soften over time.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to one month. To preserve the best texture, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. This helps maintain the crust’s crispness better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry the shrimp before using them. This helps the garlic butter and topping stick properly and ensures even cooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but feel free to increase the amount or add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a spicier kick.
Can I substitute Parmesan cheese with another cheese?
While Parmesan is ideal for its sharp, nutty flavor, Asiago or Pecorino Romano can work as alternatives if you prefer a slightly different taste profile.
What can I serve with this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe for a full meal?
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a simple pasta to create a balanced and satisfying dinner that highlights the shrimp.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is low-carb-friendly, especially if you choose low-carb sides like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy seafood that never feels complicated. It’s bursting with flavor, effortless to make, and always impressive on the table. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy dinner or sharing with friends, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from your plate!
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Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe offers a deliciously easy and flavorful seafood dish featuring large shrimp coated with a garlic butter mixture, topped with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, the dish pairs beautifully with lemon wedges for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Butter and Garlic Mixture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
Topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet to prevent the shrimp from sticking during cooking.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Spread the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and the optional red pepper flakes. This flavorful sauce will coat the shrimp, infusing them with rich garlic and spice.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well coated to maximize flavor.
- Prepare the Parmesan Topping: In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and chopped fresh parsley. This mixture will create a crispy and savory crust.
- Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly distribute the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture over the butter-coated shrimp for a golden, crunchy finish once baked.
- Bake the Shrimp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping becomes golden brown.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crunchy topping, switch your oven to broil and cook the shrimp for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over the shrimp for a bright, citrusy zip.
Notes
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, although panko provides a lighter, crispier texture.
- For enhanced flavor, add a splash of white wine to the baking dish before placing it in the oven.
- If you prefer milder spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
