Delicious Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

This garlic Parmesan baked shrimp recipe captures the perfect balance of crispy, buttery goodness with tender shrimp at its center. The dish emerged during cooking lessons with my six-year-old, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable meals.

I originally created this recipe while teaching my young daughter kitchen basics. What began as a simple cooking lesson evolved into our family's most requested seafood dish, especially for busy weeknights when we want something that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• One pound uncooked medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Quality matters here look for plump shrimp with a mild fresh ocean scent.
• Quarter cup unsalted butter: Melted. This creates the rich base and helps everything brown beautifully.
• Quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated provides the best flavor and melting properties.
• Two tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity depth that complements the garlic and prevents the butter from burning.
• Four cloves garlic: Minced. The cornerstone flavor that infuses the entire dish.
• Half cup panko bread crumbs: These Japanese bread crumbs stay exceptionally crispy when baked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This high temperature is crucial for developing a golden crust while keeping the cooking time brief enough that the shrimp remains tender. While the oven heats prepare your baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Create the Shrimp Mixture:

In a medium bowl combine the peeled shrimp butter Parmesan cheese olive oil and minced garlic. Gently toss everything together ensuring each shrimp is well coated in the flavorful mixture. The butter and oil will seem abundant but this creates the perfect environment for both flavor infusion and proper cooking.

Arrange and Top:

Transfer the coated shrimp mixture to your prepared baking dish spreading them out in an even layer. For best results avoid overcrowding which can cause the shrimp to steam rather than roast. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top creating a blanket that will become golden and crispy during baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake until the shrimp turn bright pink and the panko topping becomes golden brown approximately 15 to 18 minutes. Watch carefully during the final minutes as the difference between perfectly golden and overly browned is slight. The shrimp should be opaque throughout but still tender.

Pin it

My daughter and I discovered that the secret to this dish is quality Parmesan cheese. We once tried it with the pre-grated variety from a green canister and while still good the difference was noticeable. Now we always grate our Parmesan fresh either on a microplane or the fine side of a box grater. This small step elevates the entire dish from good to memorable.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic Parmesan baked shrimp pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal serve it over linguine or angel hair pasta allowing the buttery garlic sauce to coat the noodles. A simple side of steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli provides the perfect color contrast and nutritional balance. For a lighter option place the shrimp atop a bed of zucchini noodles or alongside a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Pin it

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish shines brightest when served immediately but you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline dinner. Mix the shrimp with butter garlic Parmesan and olive oil up to four hours before cooking and refrigerate. Add the panko just before baking for maximum crispiness. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days though the texture changes slightly. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until just warmed through to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

Perfect Pairings

The buttery garlicky nature of this shrimp calls for wines that complement rather than compete. A crisp unoaked Chardonnay provides just enough body to stand up to the richness while maintaining freshness. Alternatively a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc offers pleasant acidity that cuts through the butter. For non-wine drinkers a light wheat beer or even a sparkling water with lemon complements the meal beautifully without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the shrimp while baking. They are done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 15-18 minutes at 425°F.

→ Can I substitute panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers instead of panko. However, panko provides the best crispy texture.

→ Can frozen shrimp be used for this dish?

Absolutely. Thaw the shrimp fully under cold water or overnight in the fridge before using them in the recipe.

→ What can I serve with baked shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also works well to balance the flavors.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper in the butter mixture before baking.