- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with sides.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels (this helps them roast instead of steam).
2) Season the shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, melted butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Spread shrimp evenly in the baking dish in a single layer.
3) Make the topping
- In a small bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, melted butter, parsley, and a pinch of salt/pepper.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the shrimp.
4) Bake
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, depending on shrimp size.
- Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape.
- For a deeper golden top, broil for 30–60 seconds at the end (watch closely).
5) Finish and serve
- Sprinkle with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Serving and Storage:
Serving
Garlic Parmesan baked shrimp is incredibly versatile. Serve it with pasta (toss with a splash of pasta water), over rice, with mashed potatoes,
or simply with crusty bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce. For a lighter plate, pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp
salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving too long (shrimp can turn rubbery).
- Freezing: Not ideal—shrimp can become tough and the topping loses crispness.
Tips:
- Dry the shrimp: Moisture is the enemy of browning. Pat them dry before seasoning.
- Use large shrimp: Bigger shrimp are more forgiving and stay juicy in the oven.
- Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated.
- Don’t overbake: Shrimp cook fast—pull them as soon as they’re opaque.
- Broil briefly: A quick broil gives you that golden crust without drying the shrimp.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.
- Lemon Herb: Increase lemon zest, add fresh basil or dill, and finish with extra lemon juice.
- Creamy Version: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the baking dish (stir into the butter sauce) for a richer finish.
- Low-Carb: Skip breadcrumbs and use extra Parmesan plus almond flour for a crunchy topping.
- Mediterranean: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a few capers for a briny twist.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 6–8 minutes, topping added halfway through.
Tips:
These extra tips help you nail the texture and make the most of the buttery garlic sauce.
- Single layer matters: Crowding causes steaming. Use a larger pan if needed.
- Better crunch: Toast panko in a skillet with butter for 2–3 minutes before sprinkling on top.
- Make it a meal: Toss with cooked pasta and a handful of baby spinach; the heat wilts the greens perfectly.
- Sauce booster: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to create more spoonable sauce.
- Finish with zest: Lemon zest at the end makes the flavor pop without adding extra acidity.
Conclusion:
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is the ultimate “fast but fancy” dish: quick to prep, quick to bake, and packed with savory,
buttery flavor. The Parmesan topping adds crunch, the garlic butter keeps everything rich, and the lemon brings balance so each bite feels bright,
not heavy.
Keep this recipe in your back pocket for nights when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. Serve it with anything you love, remix it with
herbs and spice, and enjoy a restaurant-style seafood dinner—straight from your oven.
FAQ:
What size shrimp should I use?
Large or extra-large shrimp (16/20 or 21/25 count) work best. Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can become rubbery.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely, then pat very dry before seasoning. Excess water will prevent browning.
How do I know shrimp are overcooked?
Overcooked shrimp curl into a tight “O” shape and feel firm and rubbery. Perfectly cooked shrimp are opaque and curl into a loose “C.”
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the topping and season the shrimp a few hours ahead, but bake right before serving for best texture.
Can I make it without breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. Use extra Parmesan, or mix Parmesan with a little almond flour for a crunchy, low-carb topping.
What should I serve with it?
Pasta, rice, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad all work beautifully. Lemony greens are especially good to balance the richness.
