If you love the zesty, garlicky flavors of traditional shrimp scampi but want a fuss-free way to enjoy it at home, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful balance of tender, juicy shrimp baked under a crispy, Parmesan breadcrumb topping that brings together buttery richness, a kick of garlic, and fresh lemon brightness all in one glorious dish. Quick to prepare and impossibly flavorful, it feels like a restaurant-quality meal without the complicated steps or long wait.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the signature taste and texture of the dish. From the plump shrimp to the golden breadcrumb topping, everything comes together simply but beautifully to make this baked delight irresistible.
- Large shrimp (1 ½ pounds): Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for easy eating and a perfect cook time, with tails on or off based on your preference.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Adds luscious creaminess and helps carry those vibrant garlic tones.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides a fruity, smooth base that enhances richness without overpowering the shrimp.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): The heart of the flavor, bringing that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle, pleasant heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (½ cup): Adds depth and moisture, lifting all the flavors beautifully during baking.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (½ cup): Creates a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Infuses a nutty, savory touch that browns wonderfully under heat.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Injects bright acidity to balance butter and garlic with refreshing citrus zest.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Finishing herb for color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and rounds out all flavors.
- Lemon wedges: For serving and an extra splash of citrus goodness.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Shrimp
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready to create that perfect bake environment. While it heats, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a spacious bowl with the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, white wine or chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This marinade coats each shrimp in flavor and keeps them juicy while baking.
Step 2: Arrange Shrimp in the Baking Dish
Lay the shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish. This arrangement is crucial because it allows every piece to cook evenly and prevents overcrowding, which can turn your shrimp rubbery. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference when we’re aiming for tender perfection.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This combo will form a golden, crispy crust that provides delightful texture and intensifies the savory notes. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the shrimp, ensuring a generous layer that will bake into a beautiful crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that shrimp to turn a lovely pink and become opaque, while the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crunchy jewel on top. Keep an eye on it toward the end as ovens vary, but don’t skip this step — the contrast of textures is what makes this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe so addictive!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add a squeeze of brightness just before enjoying.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that lifts the entire dish with its herbaceous freshness and vibrant green hues. Don’t be shy with lemon wedges either; their tangy juice perfectly complements the buttery, garlicky shrimp and rounds out every bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic garlic butter pasta or angel hair noodles make a perfect base that soaks up the extra buttery sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances richness nicely. If you want to get a bit heartier, fluffy rice or even crusty bread to mop up those delicious pan juices are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your baked shrimp scampi on a large platter surrounded by lemon slices and sprigs of parsley for an inviting, family-style feel. Another fun idea is layering it over a bed of spaghetti or zoodles right on the baking dish, making it a one-pan meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the shrimp tender and the topping crispy. Before refrigerating, try toSeparate any crumb topping from the shrimp if possible, to maintain some crispness.
Freezing
Freezing baked shrimp isn’t usually recommended as shrimp can become rubbery once thawed and reheated. However, if you must, place shrimp and topping separately in freezer-safe containers and consume within a month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your baked shrimp scampi back to life, reheat gently in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore some crispness to the breadcrumb topping and warms the shrimp without drying them out. Avoid microwaves if you can for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before tossing with the marinade to avoid excess moisture that can steam, rather than bake, the shrimp.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
Chicken broth is a perfect non-alcoholic substitute, offering similar depth and moisture without altering the overall flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?
While breadcrumbs add a wonderful crunchy texture, you can omit them for a lower-carb version or replace them with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly twist.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Cooked shrimp turn pink, become opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly and can be rubbery, so timing around 12-15 minutes is key.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bolder kick that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the rich, garlicky goodness of this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It combines effortless cooking with outstanding flavor that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight supper or a special occasion, this dish delivers joyful satisfaction with every bite — give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
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Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy juicy shrimp smothered in a garlicky butter sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, it combines the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and lemon with the tender texture of baked shrimp. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking of the shrimp.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in this mixture until they are evenly coated, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp to create a flavorful, crispy crust after baking.
- Bake: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and optional sides like crusty bread or pasta.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed pork rinds.
- If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture during baking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
