If you’re looking to impress your family or simply treat yourself, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp absolutely delivers. This dish has everything you love: plump, juicy shrimp baked to tender perfection, a golden, melty Parmesan-panko crust with just a hint of heat, and a kick of fresh parsley and lemon to brighten every bite. Whether you need a speedy weeknight meal or a company-worthy centerpiece, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is your new go-to for delicious, hassle-free seafood with unbeatable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is how each simple ingredient brings something wonderful to the table. Quality shrimp, punchy garlic, and Parmesan create the dreamiest combination, while panko and herbs add flavorful crunch and color. Here’s what you need to gather before you get started:
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on make for a perfect, juicy bite and a pretty presentation.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness, helping all the flavors coat the shrimp beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in just a bit for a touch of gentle heat—totally customizable.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into a savory, lightly crisp topping you’ll want on everything.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These provide that golden, crunchy texture that makes every bite satisfying.
- Italian seasoning: Blends familiar herbs to tie the crust together with an herby sparkle.
- Salt: A little seasoning that pulls all the flavors to the forefront.
- Black pepper: Adds mild warmth and lifts the other seasonings.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Finishes everything with freshness and vibrant color—don’t skip this.
- Lemon wedges: A final squeeze brings out the best in every single shrimp.
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can grease your baking dish with a little spray or brush it with olive oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This helps the shrimp cook evenly without sticking, so you get perfect results with almost no fuss.
Step 2: Toss the Shrimp with Flavor
In a large bowl, combine your peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil, minced garlic, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Get in there and toss everything together until the shrimp are glistening and the garlic is evenly distributed—this step ensures each bite is loaded with garlicky goodness.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Lay the seasoned shrimp in a single, even layer in your prepared baking dish. Make sure none are overlapping—this way, every shrimp gets its fair share of the glorious topping and cooks at the same speed.
Step 4: Mix and Sprinkle the Crust
In a separate small bowl, mix up the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning. Once combined, sprinkle this mixture generously over the shrimp, covering them evenly so every bite gets that irresistible cheesy crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your dish for 10 to 12 minutes. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque, and the topping should be golden and toasty. If you like things extra crispy (and who doesn’t?), pop the dish under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes. Just keep an eye on it—the topping can go from perfect to overdone quickly!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by showering the hot Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with a flurry of chopped parsley and serve right away with lemon wedges for everyone to squeeze over their plate. The freshness and zing balance out the rich Parmesan crust and take the dish to another level.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Garnishes
A simple scatter of chopped fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon are musts—these little finishing touches add color and a bright, zesty counterpoint to the rich, savory topping. A little extra Parmesan on the table never hurts either!
Side Dishes
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a perfect centerpiece for so many sides. Toss it over a twirl of buttery pasta, pile it on fluffy white rice, or spoon it atop a crisp green salad for an elegant, low-carb meal. It also shines next to roasted veggies or crusty bread that’s perfect for sopping up all those garlicky juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party twist, skewer individual shrimp before assembling and baking to make irresistible finger food. Or, serve the shrimp in small bowls as tapas, paired with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chili flakes. For date night, arrange them artfully on a bed of arugula with toasted pine nuts for a restaurant-worthy plate that feels effortlessly fancy.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp will keep happily in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the shrimp cool to room temperature before sealing; this helps keep the topping from going soggy. Reheat gently for the best results!
Freezing
While freshly baked is best, you can freeze cooked Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp if you have extras. Arrange cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Enjoy within a month for the tastiest results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes, just until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the topping may lose its crispness. A quick broil at the end can help bring back that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain your frozen shrimp thoroughly, then pat them dry before tossing with the seasoning. This ensures they bake up tender and not watery.
What makes Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp different from other shrimp recipes?
It’s all about the irresistible combination of garlicky shrimp and that crispy Parmesan-panko topping. The oven baking method makes prep super easy and hands-off, while still delivering maximum flavor and texture in each bite.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply grab your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crispy rice topping, or increase the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly to act as the crust. This swap makes Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp just as delicious and accessible for everyone at the table.
Can I prepare Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp ahead of time?
You can prep the shrimp and assemble the dish up to a day ahead; just cover tightly and keep chilled in the fridge. Pop it in the oven right before you’re ready to serve for that fresh-from-the-oven taste and perfect crunch.
What’s the best way to tell when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and curl into a gentle “C” shape. If they go fully tight into an “O,” they may be overdone. The topping should be golden and crisp, not burnt, so keep an eye on them in the final minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that wow without taking over your whole evening, you’ll adore Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight or special weekend and see how quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing homemade seafood can be!
Print
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of tender shrimp baked to perfection with a garlicky Parmesan breadcrumb topping. This easy-to-make dish is a sure crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Toss Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning; sprinkle over shrimp.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until shrimp is cooked and topping is golden.
- Broil: Optional – broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or salad.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them and increase Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
