If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to prepare, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is just what you need. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with lemon, and topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. It’s a delightful blend of textures and tastes that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an effortlessly impressive meal whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable, proving that seafood can be both everyday and extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the best results from your Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe depends on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the tender shrimp providing the star protein to the garlic and lemon juice that inject vibrant flavor, and the breadcrumbs adding that irresistible crunch on top.
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined: High-quality shrimp make all the difference for a tender, juicy texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Butter forms the rich, flavorful base of the sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with its signature pungent, aromatic kick.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle acidity that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh, zesty note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle warmth that complements the garlic and lemon.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds a perfect mild spiciness.
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Creates the irresistible crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb mix.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs provide a burst of color and a touch of herbal brightness as a garnish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A simple and fresh accompaniment that lets everyone add their own zing.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot environment that will bake the shrimp quickly, locking in moisture and flavor. Arrange your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish so they cook evenly and don’t steam each other.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk everything together until well blended—the sauce should be fragrant and ready to soak into your shrimp.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Shrimp
Generously pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp in the baking dish. This step is key for infusing every bite with that classic scampi flavor that makes this recipe so memorable.
Step 4: Add Breadcrumb and Parmesan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp and sauce. This topping will bake into a golden, crispy crust that adds fantastic texture and depth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to see the shrimp turn pink and opaque, while the breadcrumb topping crisps to a beautiful golden brown. For an extra special finish, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes to intensify the crunch and color—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. Serve immediately with lemon wedges to squeeze over the shrimp—this final touch brightens the buttery richness beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges aren’t just for looks; they elevate the dish with brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the butter and cheese. These simple garnishes invite everyone to customize their bite with a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, which is perfect for mopping up any extra buttery sauce. You can also serve it alongside angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil, or a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette, for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve the shrimp scampi in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Alternatively, turn it into a seafood pasta bake by tossing the baked shrimp and topping together with cooked pasta before serving—this creates a comforting, crowd-pleasing twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the baked shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the shrimp’s fresh texture and the topping’s crispness.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftover shrimp scampi in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Keep in mind the breadcrumb topping may lose some crunch after thawing, but reheating gently can help revive it slightly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the shrimp’s juiciness and crisps up the topping without drying out the dish as a microwave might.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking. This prevents excess moisture that could make the breadcrumb topping soggy.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that still provides savory depth and moisture without alcohol.
How can I make the breadcrumb topping extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular seasoned breadcrumbs gives a lighter, crunchier texture. Additionally, broiling the dish for the last 2 minutes intensifies the crispness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional and add just a mild heat. Feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder dish or increase the amount if you enjoy a bit more kick.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two dishes to ensure even cooking. Keep the baking time similar but check for doneness as ovens can vary.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is one of those standout dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s easy, quick, and packed with bold, bright flavors that bring a touch of elegance to any mealtime. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish never fails to delight. Give it a try soon—once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s a beloved classic in my kitchen!
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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: Italian-American
Description
Baked Shrimp Scampi is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, then baked to perfection. This flavorful, easy-to-make seafood dinner combines bright lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes to create a crowd-pleasing entrée perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to bring it to the ideal temperature while you prepare the shrimp.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer inside a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dry white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Coat the Shrimp: Pour the prepared garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, coating them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the topping turns golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Pair with crusty bread or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the shrimp for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
- This dish works well both as a main course entrée and as a party appetizer.
