This Baked Shrimp Scampi is a tasty dish full of juicy shrimp and garlic butter, all topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s like a party for your taste buds!
I love how simple it is to make—just mix, bake, and serve! Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. Plus, it smells amazing while cooking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for this recipe due to their tender texture. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute with bay scallops or even cooked chicken for a different take.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use olive oil instead. It adds a nice flavor too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder will work, but fresh is always best! You can also use roasted garlic for a sweeter taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light and crispy texture. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will do, but the crunchy texture won’t be as pronounced. You might also try crushed crackers or even cornflakes!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is preferred for maximum flavor. If you want to make it dairy-free, try nutritional yeast as a substitute!
How Do You Get the Breadcrumb Top to be Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy topping is key! Here’s how you can achieve this delicious texture:
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs—they keep their crunch better.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter to ensure they brown evenly while baking.
- Broil the dish for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the crumbs hold their texture longer.
With these tips, your shrimp scampi will be both flavorful and perfectly crispy! Enjoy your cooking!
Baked Shrimp Scampi With Breadcrumbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then around 10-12 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a baking dish and lightly grease it so that the shrimp don’t stick. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will be the delicious sauce for your shrimp!
3. Arrange the Shrimp:
Put the shrimp in the greased baking dish, spreading them out in a single, even layer. This helps them cook evenly, so don’t stack them on top of each other!
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure each shrimp is nicely coated in that flavorful garlic goodness.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
In another bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. This mix will create the crunchy topping that you’ll sprinkle over the shrimp.
6. Top the Shrimp:
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the coated shrimp. Make sure to cover them well so every bite has that crispy topping!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take it out of the oven and add some extra chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing!
This delightful baked shrimp scampi is a flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw shrimp quickly by submerging them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
If you like a bit of a kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes! You can also add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter mixture for an extra spicy flavor profile. Adjust to your heat preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the shrimp and garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the dish and bake it fresh. This helps keep the breadcrumbs crispy!
What Should I Do with Leftover Shrimp Scampi?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.