Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick, and irresistible dish, Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is your new go-to recipe. This combination of tender shrimp coated in a crispy, cheesy garlic-parmesan crust delivers a perfect balance of savory and fresh tastes that can elevate any meal, whether a weeknight dinner or an easy appetizer for guests. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare at home, making it a delicious option you’ll want to keep in your cooking rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy Preparation: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Flavor Explosion: The garlic and parmesan blend creates a rich, savory taste that shrimp lovers adore.
• Healthful Protein: Shrimp is a lean protein source packed with nutrients, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
• Versatility: Ideal as a main course, appetizer, or salad topping—perfect for any occasion.
• Minimal Cleanup: Baked in a single dish, reducing mess and effort in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp stand out. Each component plays a role—from creating that crispy, golden topping to providing the subtle zest and mouthwatering flavor that makes this recipe a standout.

• Raw shrimp: Use peeled, deveined medium or large shrimp for the best texture and ease of eating.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides the aromatic punch that defines the dish’s flavor profile.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds the cheesy, nutty crust that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
• Breadcrumbs: A light coating of breadcrumbs gives the shrimp a satisfying crunch when baked.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the parmesan topping brown beautifully in the oven.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, green note and brightens the plate visually.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all other flavors without overpowering.

Variations for Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to mix and match ingredients or add your personal twist to make it uniquely yours.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty heat.
• Herb medley: Mix in fresh thyme or basil along with parsley for an aromatic twist.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed almonds or gluten-free panko for a gluten-free option.
• Creamy Version: Drizzle a little melted butter mixed with garlic and parmesan sauce before baking for extra richness.
• Vegetable boost: Add cherry tomatoes or spinach underneath the shrimp for a colorful, nutritious addition.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture to help it blend and crisp up during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring the topping sticks better. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Evenly distribute the garlic parmesan breadcrumb mixture on top of each shrimp, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake the shrimp in the oven for about 8 to 12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking, as shrimp cook quickly.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Serve

Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for a bright contrast to the rich parmesan topping. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, then serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp yield the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t skip drying: Patting the shrimp dry ensures the breadcrumb coating sticks and crisps beautifully.
• Even layering: Arrange shrimp in a single layer to ensure every piece cooks evenly.
• Customize breadcrumbs: For added flavor, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before mixing with garlic and parmesan.
• Watch the bake time: Shrimp overcook and become rubbery quickly, so check them starting at 8 minutes.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Garnishes

Bright green parsley, zest of fresh lemon, or a sprinkle of chili flakes make beautiful garnishes that add both flavor and eye appeal to your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic butter pasta, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy risotto or tuck them inside warm pita bread with crisp greens for a fun and portable option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the shrimp, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to restore crispness without drying out the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to ensure the coating sticks well.

What kind of Parmesan cheese works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated options, which sometimes have additives.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor.

How spicy can I make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp?

Feel free to add red pepper flakes or cayenne to your breadcrumb mix to your desired spice level—it’s very adaptable.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp stores well for a few days in the fridge and can be quickly reheated for a fast meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is one of those dishes that brings comfort and excitement to the table all at once. Its brilliant blend of garlicky, cheesy goodness combined with tender shrimp makes it a favorite for home cooks of all skill levels. Easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, this recipe is definitely worth trying tonight or adding to your weekly menu plan! Enjoy every bite.

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