Golden Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Crunchy Ocean Delight

Golden, juicy shrimp dancing in a crispy baked shrimp scampi recipe never disappoints hungry seafood lovers.

Succulent prawns glisten with a buttery, garlicky coating that promises pure culinary delight.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each perfectly seasoned bite, creating an irresistible dish that feels restaurant-worthy.

Tender shrimp emerge from the oven with a delightful crisp exterior that seals in every ounce of flavor.

This simple yet elegant meal comes together effortlessly, making weeknight dinners feel special and luxurious.

The aroma of garlic, lemon, and herbs will draw everyone to the table, eager to savor each delectable morsel.

You’ll want to serve this crowd-pleasing recipe with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.

How to Bake Crispy Shrimp Scampi

• Ocean Temperature Preparation

Set your oven to a sizzling hot zone that will transform seafood into a crispy delight.

• Shrimp Seasoning Blend

Mix tender shrimp with bright citrus, delicate shallots, and rich melted butter to create a flavor foundation that sings with coastal freshness.

• Crunchy Topping Magic

Create a golden crown of Panko crumbs, nutty Parmesan, zesty garlic, and a whisper of red pepper that will make taste buds dance.

• Baking Transformation

Shower the shrimp with the crunchy mixture and slide into the heated oven, allowing magic to happen for about 12 minutes until the seafood turns pearly white and the topping becomes temptingly crisp.

• Final Flourish

Switch the oven to broil for a quick minute, developing a stunning golden crust that crackles with each bite. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a splash of lemon to awaken all the flavors.

Tips to Nail Crispy Shrimp Scampi

• Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and easiest eating experience. Wild-caught shrimp offer more robust flavor compared to farm-raised varieties.
• Swap Panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for different crunch levels. Add Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence to enhance the breadcrumb mixture's flavor profile.
• Prepare the shrimp and breadcrumb mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Cover and keep unbaked to maintain maximum freshness before cooking.
• Pair this dish with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious buttery sauce. Transform the recipe into an appetizer by using smaller shrimp and serving in individual ramekins for elegant party bites.
• Replace shrimp with scallops or white fish for an equally delicious seafood alternative. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the protein's thickness to ensure perfect doneness.

Best Ways to Serve Shrimp Scampi

• Pasta Partner: Serve this shrimp scampi over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the delicious buttery sauce and create a complete meal.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the zesty lemon and garlic flavors of the dish.
• Fresh Side Kick: Add a light green salad or roasted asparagus on the side to balance the richness of the shrimp and provide a fresh, nutritious accompaniment.
• Bread Buddy: Serve with toasted crusty bread or garlic bread to help guests mop up the flavorful sauce and enjoy every last drop of the scampi's delightful juices.

How to Store Baked Shrimp Scampi

• Quick Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for maximum 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm gently in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out, ensuring crispy breadcrumbs remain intact and shrimp stay tender.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, staying good for up to 1 month with minimal flavor loss.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare shrimp mixture one day ahead, storing uncooked components separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor intensity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined jumbo shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're plump and have a sweet ocean-fresh aroma.

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes shrimp and adds zesty tang to the dish.
• Shallot: Delicate onion-like ingredient that provides a subtle, sophisticated aromatic base.
• Garlic: Robust, pungent flavor that infuses the entire dish with depth and warmth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle, warming heat that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Butter: Provides rich, golden flavor and helps create a luxurious, crispy topping.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Ultra-light, crunchy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that deliver exceptional texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds a delightful golden crust and umami complexity.

• Parsley: Fresh, bright herb that adds a clean, green finishing touch to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the shrimp's natural sweetness.

Tools for Baked Shrimp Scampi

• Large Skillet or Baking Dish: Essential for mixing and baking shrimp with seasonings.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for combining breadcrumb mixture ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning butter, salt, and seasonings.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for mincing shallots, garlic, and chopping parsley.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Broiler-Safe Pan: Allows for achieving that golden, crispy topping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Serving Plate: Ideal for presenting the finished shrimp scampi.

Golden Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp scampi delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with golden crispy edges. Fragrant herbs and zesty lemon complement succulent shrimp that eager gourmets will savor completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds (907 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) butter, melted, divided
• ⅓ cup (30 g) Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 brown shallot, minced
• 2 tbsps lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsps Parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley leaves, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed (or more to taste)
• 1 pinch salt, to taste
• 1 pinch pepper, to taste
• 3 lemon wedges, to serve

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 425ºF, positioning a spacious baking dish for the culinary endeavor.
2. Seasoning: Lavish the shrimp with lemon zest, minced shallots, molten butter, and delicate seasonings, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Arrangement: Choreograph the marinated shrimp in a sunburst configuration, positioning pieces from the outer perimeter toward the dish’s core.
4. Crisp Topping: Forge a golden crust by amalgamating Panko crumbs, garlic, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and parsley into a harmonious blend.
5. Coating: Cascade the seasoned breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp, creating an alluring, uniform layer.
6. Baking: Transfer the dish to the blazing oven, roasting for 12-13 minutes until shrimp transition from translucent to pearlescent and edges begin to bubble.
7. Finishing: Activate the broiler for a swift minute, vigilantly monitoring to achieve a bronzed, crisp exterior without scorching.
8. Serving: Liberate from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, splash with citrus, and present alongside vibrant lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Shrimp Selection Strategy: Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and optimal texture throughout the dish.
• Temperature Control Trick: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure shrimp reach 145°F internal temperature without overcooking, preventing rubbery texture.
• Crumb Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture gently onto shrimp to create a uniform, crispy layer that adheres during baking and delivers maximum flavor crunch.
• Citrus Enhancement Hack: Zest lemon before juicing to maximize flavor complexity and add bright, aromatic notes to the final presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg