Description
This Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp recipe features tender, juicy shrimp coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, topped with a crispy panko Parmesan crust and baked to golden perfection. It’s a quick and easy appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress with its perfect balance of textures and zesty brightness from fresh lemon juice.
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 ideal temperature for baking the shrimp evenly and producing a crispy topping.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes if using, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to this mixture and toss well until each shrimp is fully coated with the buttery garlic sauce.
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. This mixture will form the crispy and flavorful crust on top of the shrimp.
- Arrange Shrimp on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Lay the shrimp in a single layer on the sheet, then eveny sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture over the shrimp to cover them well.
- Bake Shrimp: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and serve immediately while warm. Offer lemon wedges on the side to add extra freshness and brightness to the dish.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Shrimp cook quickly; overbaking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on the time.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but thawed frozen shrimp also works well.
- Customize spice level by adjusting or omitting red pepper flakes.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
