Description
This Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp recipe delivers deliciously tender shrimp coated in a buttery garlic mixture and topped with a crunchy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfectly baked to golden brown, these shrimp make a quick and impressive appetizer or main dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the shrimp evenly and crisping the topping.
- Prepare Shrimp Marinade: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes if using, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in this mixture until they are fully coated, infusing them with flavor.
- Make Topping Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. This mixture will provide a crispy, cheesy crust for the shrimp.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture generously over the shrimp, ensuring each piece gets a good coating for maximum crunch.
- Bake: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the shrimp warm. Optionally, provide lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the shrimp for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, use similarly sized shrimp.
- For spicier shrimp, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh parsley to enhance the flavor and freshness of the topping.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the topping may soften if left to sit.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Can be served as an appetizer or over a bed of greens or pasta for a light main course.
