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This garlicky, buttery shrimp dish has been my go-to dinner solution for years when I need something impressive with minimal effort. The combination of tender shrimp, crispy parmesan topping, and rich garlic butter creates a restaurant-worthy meal that always leaves guests asking for the recipe.
I first created this recipe when hosting an impromptu dinner party with friends. I had some frozen shrimp and basic ingredients on hand, and this dish was born out of necessity. Now it's requested at nearly every gathering I host.
- Uncooked medium shrimp The star of the show. Look for plump, firm shrimp with translucent shells. Wild-caught offers the best flavor, but good quality farm-raised works well too.
- Unsalted butter Creates a rich base for the sauce. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness since the Parmesan adds plenty of salt.
- Grated Parmesan cheese Opt for freshly grated rather than pre-packaged for superior melting and flavor. The nutty, salty quality enhances the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Olive oil Combines with the butter for a balanced flavor profile. Choose a good quality extra virgin for best results.
- Garlic Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic depth. Look for firm bulbs with tight skin for the most potent flavor.
- Panko bread crumbs Creates that irresistible crispy topping. These Japanese-style bread crumbs stay crunchier than regular bread crumbs when baked.
How To Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp
- Prepare the oven
- Set your oven to preheat at 425 degrees F. This high temperature ensures the shrimp cook quickly while developing a perfect golden crust on top. While waiting, you can prepare a baking dish by giving it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create the garlic butter mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well incorporated. The warm butter helps the garlic release its aromatic compounds, infusing the entire mixture with flavor. The oil prevents the butter from burning at high heat.
- Coat the shrimp
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the garlic butter mixture, gently tossing until each piece is thoroughly coated. Make sure every shrimp gets an even covering of the mixture for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
- Arrange and top
- Transfer the shrimp mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in a single layer so each shrimp cooks evenly. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs uniformly over the top, creating a light covering that will brown beautifully in the oven.
- Bake to perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the shrimp turn bright pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping becomes golden brown. This typically takes about 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become rubbery.
The quality of your Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in this recipe. I once splurged on a block of aged Parmigiano Reggiano for a special anniversary dinner, and the depth of flavor was incredible. The nutty, complex notes of good Parmesan create a beautiful harmony with the sweet shrimp and aromatic garlic.
Quick Prep Tips
For the best results, thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a quick-thaw method. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding to the butter mixture to ensure the coating adheres properly. The extra few minutes of preparation make a noticeable difference in the final texture.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve over buttery angel hair pasta or alongside roasted asparagus. A simple lemon risotto makes an elegant accompaniment for special occasions. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory shrimp.
Make Ahead Options
You can prepare the shrimp in the garlic butter mixture up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bring the mixture to room temperature for about 15 minutes before topping with panko and baking. This makes the dish perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute preparation.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to personalize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a splash of white wine for complexity, or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. For a Mediterranean twist, include a few tablespoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta cheese instead of some of the Parmesan.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before mixing with the other ingredients. This prevents excess moisture that could make the topping soggy.
- → What can I serve with garlic Parmesan shrimp?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, creamy risotto, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare all the components ahead of time. Mix the shrimp with the butter, garlic, Parmesan and olive oil, then refrigerate. Add the panko topping just before baking to maintain its crispness.
- → How do I know when the shrimp are done baking?
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn opaque and pink, typically in 15-18 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
- → Can I substitute the panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed corn flakes as alternatives. Panko provides the best crunch, but other options will still give a delicious texture contrast to the tender shrimp.
- → How spicy is this dish?
This dish isn't spicy at all. It features savory flavors from the garlic and Parmesan. If you'd like to add heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.