Description
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring large shrimp coated with a garlicky, smoky spice blend, topped with a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Baked to golden perfection, this dish delivers a delightful crispy texture and juicy shrimp, perfect for a main course served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Crispy Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking and allow for even cooking of the shrimp.
- Toss Shrimp with Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated with the marinade and spices.
- Arrange Shrimp in Dish: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish or skillet, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Crispy Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon zest until fully combined, forming a flavorful crunchy topping.
- Top the Shrimp: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the arranged shrimp, covering them with a generous layer that will crisp up during baking.
- Bake Until Crisp and Cooked: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through, while the topping becomes golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and serve immediately, optionally garnishing with lemon wedges for added brightness. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- This dish works wonderfully served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- For added freshness and flavor variation, try mixing in chopped fresh basil or dill into the breadcrumb topping.
- If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture and ensure crispiness.
