If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet comes together effortlessly, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine plump, succulent shrimp drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with lemon, and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a heavenly combination of juicy seafood and crunchy topping that’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner at home. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to seafood recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a vital role in making this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe sing with flavor, texture, and color. From the richness of the butter to the zesty brightness of the lemon, every element works together in harmony.
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these juicy morsels are the star of the dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds luscious richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the shrimp tender and infuses a subtle fruity flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that signature fragrant and savory punch.
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and a gentle acidity that lifts the flavors.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates a wonderfully crisp topping that contrasts the tender shrimp.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the crunchy crust with a nutty, salty complexity.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings a fresh and vibrant citrus zing.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant oils.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and a bright herbal note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances and seasons the dish perfectly.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Shrimp
Start by heating your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking. Then, toss the shrimp in a large bowl with the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. This mixture infuses every shrimp with layers of flavorful goodness even before they hit the oven.
Step 2: Arrange the Shrimp
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures even cooking and helps the garlic butter sauce coat each piece beautifully. A tightly packed dish can lead to steaming instead of baking, so give them some space to shine.
Step 3: Prepare and Sprinkle the Topping
Combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This mix is the secret to that irresistible golden crust. Sprinkle it evenly over the shrimp, covering them lightly but thoroughly, so the topping bakes to a perfect crunch that complements the tender shrimp underneath.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping to get beautifully golden brown. The smell that fills your kitchen during this time is pure joy in the making.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. This final touch adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a splash of vibrant green that makes the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a twist of lemon peel works wonders. Fresh parsley not only adds color but a subtle brightness that balances the rich butter sauce. A few chili flakes can add a dash of heat if you want some extra excitement on your plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the buttery, garlicky sauce. Consider serving it over linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic option, or over fluffy rice to keep things light and comforting. Crusty bread is also a fantastic choice, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your baked shrimp scampi in individual ramekins for a charming upscale touch at dinner parties. Or lay the shrimp over a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. For casual meals, heap shrimp atop a salad of baby greens and cherry tomatoes to add a seafood punch to your greens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe tastes just as delightful the next day. Store your shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to keep it fresh and flavorful. Just make sure to keep the topping separate if you want to maintain its crispness when reheating.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this dish, you can freeze the shrimp (without the breadcrumb topping) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently. Avoid freezing with the crispy topping, as it loses texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and to gently crisp the topping. Microwave reheating is possible but may cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the topping to lose its crunch, so the oven is your best bet.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and baking. This helps avoid excess moisture that can make the topping soggy.
What can I substitute for white wine in the recipe?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth is a wonderful substitute that still adds depth without changing the flavor profile dramatically.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the regular panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, or skip the breadcrumb topping entirely and rely on the garlic butter sauce for flavor and moisture.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to around 6 to 8 minutes since pre-cooked shrimp only need to be warmed through to prevent toughness.
How spicy is this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
The recipe is mild by default, but the optional crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or leave it out for a totally mild dish.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a dazzling way to bring the fresh flavors of the sea to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Its bright lemon notes, luscious garlic butter, and crunchy topping create a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. I can’t wait for you to cozy up with this recipe and enjoy every flavorful bite.
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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-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Baked Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring large shrimp baked in a garlic butter sauce with lemon, white wine, and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with the convenience of oven baking.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the shrimp evenly and achieving a golden topping.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, white wine or chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all the shrimp with the flavorful marinade.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Spread the shrimp mixture in a single layer inside a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution for consistent cooking.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over the shrimp, creating a crispy, cheesy crust.
- Bake Shrimp: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the breadcrumbs altogether.
- If using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the baking time to 6–8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
