If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet unbelievably simple to prepare, you’ve landed in the right place. This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is a total game-changer—juicy shrimp bathed in buttery garlic, crowned with a crunchy, cheesy topping that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings together classic ingredients in a way that feels both elegant and cozy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your permanent rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a powerful punch. Each one adds to the dish’s irresistible combination of rich, savory, and satisfying textures—making this shrimp experience unforgettable.
- Large shrimp, 1 pound: Peeled and deveined shrimp ensure quick cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons: Melted butter soaks the shrimp with a luscious, rich flavor and helps carry the garlic aroma.
- Garlic cloves, 3: Minced fresh garlic is the star spice that infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup: This adds a salty, nutty layer that beautifully crisps up in the oven.
- Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup: For that golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with tender shrimp.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons: Chopped parsley lends a burst of color and freshness to brighten the dish.
- Paprika, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle smoky hint and gorgeous color to the topping.
- Red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon (optional): Just a little kick to elevate the flavors if you like a bit of heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing over to add a zestful citrus finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for perfectly cooked shrimp and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Arrange and Season the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. You want them nicely spaced so they cook evenly. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the shrimp to season them well, letting the natural sweetness really shine through.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Drizzle
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with the minced garlic. This mix will coat the shrimp in a rich garlicky goodness that elevates their flavor. Drizzle this evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece gets a taste of this luscious sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping
In another bowl, stir together the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. This mixture will create a crunchy, cheesy crust that is simply irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top of the shrimp. Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it—the bubbling, golden crunch signals it’s ready!
Step 6: Serve with a Squeeze of Lemon
Immediately after baking, serve your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe with fresh lemon wedges. A bright squeeze of lemon juice takes the bold, buttery flavors to an even tastier place, adding that perfect pop of acidity.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top instantly lifts this dish with its vibrant green color and fresh flavor. For an extra touch, a little lemon zest adds a sparkling citrus note that complements the garlic parmesan beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even garlic butter pasta to soak up all the buttery sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed rice also make fantastic companions to this flavorful shrimp dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the shrimp on a bed of creamy polenta or nestled inside a warm, crusty baguette for a casual shrimp sandwich twist. You can also serve the shrimp skewered as a party appetizer with a dipping sauce on the side for an elegant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay fresh for up to 2 days, preserving the buttery garlic flavor and crisp topping as best as possible.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the cooked shrimp by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. For optimal texture, consume within one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes to maintain the crispy topping and tender shrimp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make shrimp rubbery and soggy the topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and baking to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Simply increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture to give your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe an extra kick.
What can I substitute if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute, though panko provides the best crunch and lightness to the topping.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
The entire process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic quick yet impressive meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the butter for olive oil and try a non-dairy Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe—it’s a flavorful, fuss-free way to enjoy shrimp any night of the week. The combination of garlicky butter and a crunchy Parmesan topping is pure comfort on a plate, perfect for impressing yourself or guests with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp topped with a buttery garlic sauce and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Baked to perfection, this recipe offers a deliciously easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange and Season Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season the shrimp evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic. Drizzle this fragrant garlic butter mixture evenly over the arranged shrimp to infuse them with rich flavor.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In another bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp to create a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- Bake Shrimp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over each portion adds a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted in a pinch.
- Adjust baking time depending on shrimp size to avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp rubbery.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds.
