Craving a fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal? Look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that delivers huge flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or even a fancy-feeling appetizer. We’ll show you how to get perfectly juicy, tender shrimp coated in a savory garlic and parmesan crust, all baked to perfection in under 20 minutes. Forget worrying about rubbery, overcooked shrimp; this recipe is foolproof.
This dish combines the holy trinity of flavor: savory garlic, salty Parmesan cheese, and bright, fresh parsley, all brought together with a touch of rich butter. It’s a classic combination that transforms simple shrimp into something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed for success. For another fantastic seafood dinner, you might also love these Steak and Shrimp Foil Packets.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes! It’s the ideal meal when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of common ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Our method ensures the shrimp are plump, juicy, and never tough. We’ll share the secrets to getting it right every time.
- Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, salads, or crusty bread, making it adaptable for any occasion.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Baked Shrimp
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shrimp: The star of the show. We recommend using large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 or 16-20 count per pound) for the best results. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for a nicer presentation if you like.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish. Melted butter forms the base of our delicious sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Avoid the pre-minced jarred kind if possible.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. It melts better and has a nuttier, more complex taste than pre-shredded varieties.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, clean flavor that cuts through the richness. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Seasoning: A little salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick) are all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Follow these simple steps for flawless Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Coat the Shrimp: Pour the garlic parmesan mixture evenly over the shrimp. Use a spoon or your hands to toss gently until every shrimp is well-coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your shrimp. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook!
Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
To ensure your shrimp are restaurant-quality every time, keep these expert tips in mind.
Choosing the Right Shrimp
The success of this recipe starts with your shrimp. Always opt for raw shrimp, as using pre-cooked shrimp will result in a tough, rubbery texture when baked. Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well. If using frozen, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the sauce stick and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
For even cooking, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast, which can affect the final texture. Use a larger dish or two separate ones if necessary.
How to Know When Shrimp Is Done
The key to juicy shrimp is not overcooking them. Watch for two visual cues: color and shape. The shrimp will turn from translucent grey to opaque pinkish-white. They will also curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they are likely overcooked.
What to Serve With Baked Shrimp
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to turn it into a complete meal:
- Pasta: Toss the baked shrimp and all the delicious pan juices with cooked linguine or angel hair pasta for an instant shrimp scampi-style dish. Looking for another great pasta dish? Try our Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Salad: For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh salad. This Cucumber Mozzarella Salad is a perfect, refreshing side.
- Bread: Don’t let any of that garlic parmesan butter go to waste! Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp right after they come out of the oven for a bright, zesty finish.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or chives.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Be careful not to overheat, as this will make the shrimp tough.
FAQs
While the flavor profile is delicious, chicken requires a much longer cooking time. You would need to use thin, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast and adjust the baking time to ensure it is cooked through to 165°F, which will likely take 15-20 minutes.
Yes, frozen shrimp work great. Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for the best results.
Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when they turn from translucent grey to an opaque pinkish-white and curl into a ‘C’ shape. This typically takes 8-10 minutes in a 400°F oven.
Large or jumbo raw shrimp (16-25 count per pound) are best for baking. Their larger size helps prevent them from overcooking too quickly. Always use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked.
This dish is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or quinoa. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Enjoy Your Perfect Baked Shrimp!
This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe is a true game-changer for quick and delicious meals. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or a lot of time to create something truly spectacular. Give it a try, and we’re confident it will become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
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Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp: The Ultimate 20-Minute Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Pour the garlic parmesan mixture over the shrimp and toss gently to ensure they are all evenly coated.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Don't overcrowd the pan; use a single layer for even roasting.
Serve immediately for the best texture.
