This baked shrimp scampi is a delicious dish that’s easy to love! Juicy shrimp are mixed with garlic, lemon, and topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for a tasty finish.
I love serving this dish with pasta or garlic bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. It always impresses friends, and the best part? It’s a breeze to make! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the star here. You can use frozen shrimp; just thaw them overnight in the fridge. If shrimp aren’t available, scallops or even cooked chicken can work well too!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a great crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will do in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are another option for a similar crunch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows for better control of salt levels. If you need a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds delicious flavor. You can substitute with garlic powder in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon for each clove), but fresh is always best!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. For a vegetarian option, use Pecorino Romano. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free substitute that adds cheesy flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Not Overcooked?
Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery quickly, so keep an eye on them! Here are some tips to avoid that:
- Choose large shrimp, as they’re less likely to overcook compared to smaller sizes.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 12-15 minutes at 375°F.
- Check them a minute or two early; if they look done, take them out! They’ll continue cooking a bit after you remove them from the oven.
With these tips, your shrimp will come out tender and juicy every time!
Baked Shrimp Scampi With Breadcrumbs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked shrimp scampi takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, so you can get it on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready to bake your shrimp perfectly. Lightly grease a baking dish or an ovenproof skillet with a little butter or oil so that the shrimp don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’d like some heat), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the garlic butter mixture. Toss them around so they are well-coated and set aside for a moment. This lets the flavors soak in a little!
4. Mix the Breadcrumb Topping:
In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. This mix will create that delicious crunchy topping!
5. Assemble the Dish:
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish or skillet. Make sure they are not crowded, so they cook evenly. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp. Press lightly to make sure it sticks.
6. Bake:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden and crispy.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of fresh citrus flavor. Enjoy immediately with some pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Now, dig in and savor the deliciousness of your homemade baked shrimp scampi with crispy breadcrumbs!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of lemon juice or a little butter to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter and coat the shrimp a few hours ahead. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, though they won’t have quite the same crunchy texture. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for similar results!