Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp: A Flavor-Packed Delight

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dish that bursts with flavor, this Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp recipe is the perfect choice. Succulent shrimp baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, make this dish a sure crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds.

Let’s dive into this simple yet gourmet recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp

• Large Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined

Garlic Butter Sauce

• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon

Topping

• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated
• Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (divided into two portions)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the greased baking dish. Ensuring the shrimp are spread out allows for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Stir well to create a fragrant sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure they’re thoroughly coated.

4. Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:

• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Half of the chopped parsley (1 tablespoon).

This mixture will form a delicious golden crust. Sprinkle it evenly over the shrimp.

5. Bake the Shrimp

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until:

• The shrimp are pink and opaque.
• The breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.

Pro Tip: For an extra-crispy topping, broil the shrimp for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Over Pasta: Toss with cooked angel hair or linguine for a complete meal.
• With Rice: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Alongside Crusty Bread: Use the bread to scoop up the flavorful sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for a party-friendly dish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

1. Fresh Shrimp is Key: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Remove from the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
3. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor than pre-packaged options.
4. Experiment with Breadcrumbs: For a more indulgent topping, use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
5. Add Spice: For a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne into the garlic butter sauce.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

1. Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Be sure to thaw them completely, rinse, and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

2. What Breadcrumbs Should I Use?

Both regular and panko breadcrumbs work. Panko breadcrumbs will give you a crispier topping.

3. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

While possible, pre-cooked shrimp may dry out during baking. Adjust the cooking time to just crisp the topping, about 6-8 minutes.

4. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

5. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.

6. What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be used as substitutes, but note that they may alter the flavor slightly.

7. Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?

Yes! Cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini can be added to the baking dish for a more colorful and nutritious meal.

8. Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?

Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if necessary.

9. How Do I Know When Shrimp Are Cooked?

Cooked shrimp are pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid cooking until they form an “O,” as this indicates overcooking.

10. Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Yes, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.

11. Can I Grill Instead of Bake?

Certainly! Arrange the shrimp on a grill-safe tray, add the toppings, and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

12. What’s the Best Lemon to Use?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is ideal for bright, authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.

13. Can I Add Wine to the Sauce?

Adding 2 tablespoons of dry white wine to the garlic butter sauce enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

14. What Other Herbs Can I Use?

Try adding fresh thyme, oregano, or dill for a different herbal twist.

15. Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp recipe is a foolproof way to impress your family or guests. Its combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic butter, and crispy breadcrumb topping makes it an irresistible dish that’s as simple as it is elegant. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table with minimal effort.

Prepare this dish today and let the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter fill your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍤

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