Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp – Easy Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Wonder

Looking for a quick dinner that’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night? Let me introduce you to Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp. Imagine juicy shrimp baked in rich garlic butter, topped with a crispy, cheesy crust — it’s like restaurant-quality seafood, but straight from your oven!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Recipe

This dish checks all the boxes. It’s fast, flavorful, and totally fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself, this shrimp recipe is ready in under 25 minutes and tastes like you slaved in the kitchen all day (even though you didn’t — we won’t tell!).

Ingredients Overview

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

Let’s break down why each of these ingredients is essential for flavor, texture, and ultimate satisfaction.

Shrimp – The Star of the Show

Use large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can leave the tails on for presentation or off for easy eating.

Garlic – The Flavor Powerhouse

Fresh garlic adds bold, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skimp on it!

Parmesan & Breadcrumbs – The Crunchy Crown

Grated Parmesan and seasoned breadcrumbs combine for a crisp, savory topping with just the right crunch.

Butter & Lemon – The Flavor Boosters

Melted butter adds richness, while lemon juice adds brightness to balance it all out.

Spices & Herbs – Seasoning to Perfection

Paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring everything together in harmony.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Baking dish or sheet pan

• Garlic press (optional, but helpful)

• Pastry brush or spoon for butter coating

• Broiler (optional for final crisp)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Shrimp

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish. Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry to help the seasoning stick.

Making the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir — it should smell amazing already.

Coating and Layering the Shrimp

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your dish. Pour the garlic butter evenly over them and toss to coat.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Mix your Parmesan and breadcrumbs in another bowl. Sprinkle this mix generously over the shrimp. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the topping is golden.

Optional Broiling for Extra Crisp

For a crispy, golden finish, broil the shrimp for 1–2 extra minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

Best Sides to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Steamed asparagus

• Angel hair pasta

• Crusty French bread to soak up the butter

Pairing With Wine or Beverages

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly. Not into wine? Try a lemon-infused sparkling water or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days.

Best Way to Reheat Without Losing Texture

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave — it makes the shrimp rubbery.

Tips for the Best Baked Shrimp

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Opt for wild-caught large shrimp if possible. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work great.

Adjusting the Flavor to Your Liking

Want it tangier? Add more lemon. Craving spice? Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Making it Spicy or Keto-Friendly

• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.

• Keto: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Nutritional Information Breakdown

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fat: 22g

• Fiber: 1g

• Servings: 4

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking shrimp — they get tough fast.

• Using pre-shredded Parmesan (it doesn’t melt as well).

• Skipping the lemon — it makes a huge flavor difference!

Variations of Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Shrimp Skewers

Thread shrimp onto skewers and bake as directed — perfect for parties or BBQs!

Over Pasta or Rice

Serve the shrimp over linguine or garlic butter rice for a hearty meal.

As an Appetizer with Dips

Serve with a side of garlic aioli or marinara for dipping at your next gathering.

Why This Recipe is a Crowd Favorite

It’s everything people love about shrimp: juicy, buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and fast. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down and customize to your liking. What’s not to love?

Conclusion

There you have it — a dish that’s got the wow factor and the weeknight ease. This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe is a guaranteed winner whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving something seriously tasty. It’s crispy, juicy, buttery, and bright all at once — basically, a flavor explosion in every bite.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

2. What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

Try crushed crackers, almond flour (for low-carb), or panko for extra crunch.

3. How do I make this dairy-free?

Use vegan butter and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The results are still delicious!

4. Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.

5. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

They’ll turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Overcooked shrimp look tight and rubbery.

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