If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dish, you’ve found it: Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. This savory meal bursts with flavor and takes only minutes to prepare. With shrimp, butter, garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs, you’ll enjoy every bite. Plus, you can customize the recipe to fit your taste! Ready to dive into this simple, scrumptious recipe? Let’s turn up the heat and get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
The main ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp create a tasty dish. Focus on the quality of your shrimp. Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen can work too. Be sure to thaw frozen shrimp fully.
Butter adds rich flavor. Use unsalted for better control over salt. Garlic gives a strong aroma and taste. Mince the garlic finely to spread it well. Panko breadcrumbs create a nice crunch. They are lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty taste. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh touch. Lemon juice brightens the dish. Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but they are optional.
Optional Ingredients
– Additional seasonings
– Alternative breadcrumbs or cheeses
You can customize this dish using optional ingredients. Try adding extra herbs like thyme or oregano for more flavor. If you prefer, swap panko with traditional breadcrumbs. You can also use different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. These changes can make the dish your own.
Equipment Needed
– Baking dish
– Mixing bowls
– Skillet
For this recipe, you need a few tools. A baking dish will hold the shrimp while it cooks. Mixing bowls are vital for combining the ingredients. A skillet helps melt the butter and cook the garlic. Keep these items ready to make your cooking process smooth.
Now, you are all set to make a delicious Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on each step.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
Cooking Instructions
– In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
– Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
– Be careful not to let the garlic brown. Burnt garlic makes the dish bitter.
– In a medium bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, and optional red pepper flakes.
– Pour in half of the melted garlic butter and stir until the breadcrumbs are coated.
– Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
– Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
– Drizzle the remaining melted garlic butter over the shrimp, letting it soak in for flavor.
– Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp.
– Use a spoon to gently press down so it sticks well.
Baking Process
– Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes.
– The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through when done.
– Look for a golden and crispy topping.
– Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
– If you like, garnish with more fresh parsley for color.
This dish is simple yet packed with flavor. For the full recipe, check out the provided link.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To prevent shrimp from overcooking, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which takes about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them. If you leave them too long, they can become rubbery.
For a crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. Mix them with melted butter and cheese for extra crunch. Press the mixture firmly onto the shrimp. This helps it stick well while baking.
Flavor Enhancement
You can add more flavor by using herbs like thyme or oregano. Fresh basil also works great. Try mixing in some paprika or cayenne for a kick. Different types of cheese can change the taste too. Mozzarella adds a stretch, while feta gives a tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp with a side of rice or pasta. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well too. For wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc works best. Its acidity balances the richness of the dish. Explore these ideas to make your meal more complete.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap some ingredients for different diets. Here are a few ideas:
– Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of panko. This keeps the crunch without gluten.
– Dairy-free alternatives: Substitute Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. It still gives a nice flavor.
Different Cooking Methods
You can change how you cook the shrimp for a new twist.
– Grilling shrimp: Toss the shrimp with the garlic butter mix. Skewer the shrimp and grill them over medium heat. This adds a smoky flavor that is delicious.
– Air frying variations: Place the shrimp in an air fryer instead of the oven. Cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. This method makes the shrimp extra crispy.
Regional Flavor Twists
Add a bit of your favorite spices to make this dish unique.
– Adding various international spices: Try mixing in some cumin or paprika for a different taste. You can even add curry powder for a bold flavor.
– Integrating local ingredients: Use fresh herbs from your garden or local market. Basil or cilantro can change the flavor profile and make the dish special.
Storage Info
Proper Cooling & Storing
After baking, let your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp cool for about 15 minutes. This step helps prevent condensation in the storage container. Use airtight containers to keep your leftovers fresh. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are also fine.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your shrimp, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking tray and cover with foil. Bake for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the topping crispy. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Don’t overcook, or the shrimp will become tough.
Shelf Life
Your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, wrap the shrimp tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this dish. Make sure to thaw them first. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you need them quickly, submerge the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess water. This step helps the shrimp absorb the flavors well.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Perfectly cooked shrimp should be opaque and pink. They should curl up slightly, but not too tightly. If you see a “C” shape, they are just right. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough, so watch them closely. The baking time for this recipe is about 12-15 minutes, but it may vary based on your oven.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Pre-assemble the shrimp and breadcrumb mixture, then cover and store in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge. This makes it easy to serve a tasty meal without much fuss.
This blog post covered everything you need for Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. You learned about main and optional ingredients, essential equipment, and detailed cooking steps. I shared tips to enhance flavor and prevent overcooking. You also discovered fun variations and proper storage techniques.
With these steps, you can create a delicious dish that’s easy to customize. Enjoy your cooking journey!
