If you’re looking for a dish that’s both wildly easy and totally dinner party–worthy, Baked Shrimp Scampi is about to become your go-to favorite. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp tossed in garlicky lemon-butter sauce, then topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and baked to bubbly perfection. This modern twist on a classic seafood supper delivers restaurant feel without any fuss, making it just as perfect for a casual weeknight or an elegant get-together. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just testing the waters, this is one of those universally appealing dishes that always earns rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Baked Shrimp Scampi such a staple is how a handful of everyday ingredients build bold, craveable flavor. Each one plays its part, from rich butter for depth to zesty lemon that brightens the whole dish—nothing is wasted, and nothing’s complicated.
- Shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, large, peeled/deveined, tails on): Fresh or thawed shrimp are tender and meaty, acting as the star for this show-stopping entrée.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Butter adds that classic richness and melds beautifully with the garlic and lemon.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Adds flavor and ensures a silky-smooth, not greasy, sauce that coats each shrimp.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The unmistakable aroma of garlic perfumes the scampi and turns it into a feast for the senses.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): This kicks in a subtle warmth, making the flavors dance but not overpowering the dish.
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Wine gives lovely complexity, but broth is a great non-alcoholic swap and still keeps things vibrant.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed lemon cuts through the richness and brightens up every bite.
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): The zest adds even more lemony punch and offers a hint of color.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup): These crisp up into the irresistible, golden topping that makes this scampi memorable.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Parsley adds a finishing pop of green and a fresh, herby note.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and keeps the seasoning spot-on.
- Lemon Wedges (for serving): A squeeze right at the end gives an aromatic lift and extra burst of citrus.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Grab a shallow baking dish that’ll let the shrimp lay, more or less, in a single layer—this way, they cook evenly and soak up all that fabulous sauce.
Step 2: Whip Up the Scampi Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, combine your melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, the gentle heat from red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, lemon zest, and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper. Give it a quick whisk so everything mingles into a gorgeously fragrant marinade.
Step 3: Toss in the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl and toss until each one is completely coated in the luscious sauce. This step ensures that every shrimp picks up the maximum flavor, from garlicky undertones to tangy citrus.
Step 4: Arrange and Top
Pour the shrimp and all the juicy marinade into your prepared baking dish, spreading them out into a single cozy layer. In a separate small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt—this gets them golden and crunchy. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure you get every nook and cranny.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s time when the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the breadcrumbs get that signature golden crisp. Take it out and shower the whole dish with plenty of fresh parsley. Serve immediately, while the Baked Shrimp Scampi is bubbling and aromatic.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving does wonders, both visually and in taste. And don’t forget lemon wedges—the extra squeeze of citrus takes Baked Shrimp Scampi from delicious to showstopping, balancing the richness with just a touch of tang.
Side Dishes
The best thing about Baked Shrimp Scampi is that it’s endlessly versatile. Serve it generously over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta to catch all the zesty sauce, spoon it atop fluffy rice, or pair it with warm, crusty bread for mopping up every savory drop. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans make a light, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, spoon the scampi onto small crostini for passed appetizers, or tuck individual servings into ramekins for a personal touch. You can even toss it with spiralized zucchini (“zoodles”) for a lighter, gluten-free meal. However you present it, Baked Shrimp Scampi never fails to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a rare event in my house!), transfer the shrimp and sauce to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors often become even more pronounced after resting overnight.
Freezing
While you can freeze Baked Shrimp Scampi, keep in mind that shrimp can become a bit rubbery when reheated from frozen. If you do want to freeze, pack the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and use within one month for best quality. For the crispiest results, add a fresh sprinkling of panko before reheating.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until steaming hot, about 8–10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the bread topping won’t stay crisp—so try to use the oven or a toaster oven if possible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Shrimp Scampi?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before starting. This helps achieve that perfect texture and lets the flavors shine through.
Is there a substitute for wine in the recipe?
Yes! Chicken broth is a wonderful alcohol-free substitute that keeps the sauce flavorful and savory, without losing any depth or balance.
Can I make Baked Shrimp Scampi dairy-free?
You sure can—just swap the butter with a plant-based alternative or a bit more olive oil. The results are still rich and satisfying.
What type Main Course
Panko is my favorite for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs do the job if that’s what you have on hand. For a cheesy upgrade, try mixing in a bit of grated Parmesan.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook quickly—look for them to turn opaque and pink with slightly curled tails. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep an eye on the oven during those last few minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that are impressive yet blissfully simple, Baked Shrimp Scampi is sure to become a new favorite at your table. Give it a try and let it dazzle your family and friends—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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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: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of this baked shrimp scampi recipe. Succulent shrimp coated in a garlic butter sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Butter Mixture:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 3 tablespoons olive oil, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, salt and black pepper to taste
Breadcrumb Topping:
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For Serving:
Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the shrimp mixture to a baking dish in an even layer.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and salt. Sprinkle over the shrimp.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are cooked and breadcrumbs are golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Add grated Parmesan to breadcrumbs for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
