Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish with this incredibly easy Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a sophisticated appetizer. We’ll elevate everyday ingredients with a touch of creamy garlic, sharp parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to achieve.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of savory garlic, salty parmesan, and the delicate sweetness of shrimp. The baking method ensures perfectly cooked, tender shrimp without the mess of frying. It’s incredibly accessible, using common pantry staples and readily available fresh ingredients. Best of all, it impresses guests without requiring hours in the kitchen – minimal effort, maximum flavor!
Key Ingredients
🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
🧈 2 tablespoons butter, melted
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Garlic Butter Magic: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to create a fragrant garlic-Parmesan butter sauce.
3️⃣ Shrimp Toss: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the garlic-Parmesan butter sauce. Gently toss to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the edges are slightly browned. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. The shrimp are delicious on their own, or you can serve them over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Handy Tips
- Shrimp Size: Using large shrimp ensures they cook evenly and don’t become rubbery.
- Garlic Lovers: Feel free to add more garlic for an extra garlicky punch!
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
Heat Control
Oven temperature is crucial. 400°F (200°C) ensures the shrimp bake through without overcooking. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout and are no longer translucent. Overbaked shrimp will be tough and dry.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe doesn’t focus on a crunchy texture, the slight browning of the edges of the shrimp during baking adds a pleasant textural contrast to the tender interior.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Mince the garlic and chop the parsley earlier in the day to save time.
- Double the Batch: Easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings.
- Flavor Boost: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds brightness and acidity.
Storage Tips
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. Avoid over-reheating, as this can make the shrimp tough.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t traditionally a gift, but if you’re gifting it as part of a larger meal, present it in a small, elegant dish. A simple garnish of fresh parsley adds a touch of elegance.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the garlic-Parmesan butter sauce.
🌟 Spicy Chipotle: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
🌟 Garlic Scapes: Substitute minced garlic scapes for a more intense garlic flavor.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the mix.
Troubleshooting
- Overcooked Shrimp: If the shrimp are tough, you’ve likely overcooked them. Reduce baking time next time.
- Undercooked Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp are opaque throughout before removing them from the oven.
- Ingredient Swaps: While shrimp are ideal, you could potentially use other firm, white fish. Adjust baking time accordingly.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this? It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp for later use.
- How do I scale this recipe? Simply multiply the ingredient quantities to suit your needs.
- Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I make it dairy-free? You can substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is a true weeknight winner! Its simplicity, delicious flavor, and impressive presentation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. We encourage you to try it, experiment with the flavor variations, and share your culinary creations with friends and family. Enjoy!
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Bake: A Weeknight Winner
A delicious and easy shrimp bake topped with garlic and parmesan, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375u00b0F (190u00b0C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, olive oil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- For a crispy topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.