Baked Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and easy version of the classic shrimp scampi, with all the garlic, butter, and lemon flavors you love, but baked to perfection for a hands-off, fuss-free meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, and it’s incredibly simple to make. Here’s how to prepare Baked Shrimp Scampi:
Baked Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off, depending on your preference)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, or you can use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the shrimp:
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine (or broth), crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until the shrimp are well-coated.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a tablespoon of melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the dish:
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the top of the shrimp for that zesty, fresh flavor.
5. Bake:
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. The breadcrumb topping should be golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and serve:
- Once the shrimp are done, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese (if desired).
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Tips for Perfect Baked Shrimp Scampi:
- Shrimp size: You can use any size shrimp, but large or extra-large shrimp work best for this recipe as they stay tender and juicy when baked.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them in the oven. If they’re overcooked, they can become rubbery and dry.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide the perfect crunch, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. You can also add a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Wine alternative: If you don’t have wine, you can replace it with extra chicken broth or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a slightly different flavor.
This Baked Shrimp Scampi is an easy, flavorful dish that’s rich in garlic and butter, with a crispy, cheesy topping that makes each bite even more delicious. It’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Do you plan on serving this with pasta or any side dishes? Let me know if you want more suggestions!
