Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Get ready for a dish that will steal hearts at your dinner table: Baked Shrimp Scampi is weeknight-easy yet seriously impressive, marrying plump shrimp with a buttery, garlicky, and lemony sauce crowned with a golden crust of panko and Parmesan. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for the family or dazzling guests, this recipe checks all the boxes—bright, briny, and satisfyingly crunchy, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. If you love flavor and fuss-free elegance, Baked Shrimp Scampi will become your go-to comfort seafood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons Baked Shrimp Scampi is such a standout is its simplicity—you only need a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients, and each one brings something magical to the party. From the zing of fresh lemon to the savory bite of garlic and Parmesan, every component contributes its own hero moment in each bite.

  • Large Shrimp (1 1/2 pounds): Go for peeled and deveined shrimp for less prep; their size means juicier bites and faster, more even baking.
  • Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Butter is the base of the luxurious topping, creating rich flavor and helping the breadcrumbs turn irresistibly golden.
  • Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Melds with shrimp to bring moisture and highlights the Mediterranean sparkle of the dish.
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced): No Baked Shrimp Scampi is complete without the backbone of garlic—it perfumes the whole dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Just a touch adds gentle heat; include if you like a subtle kick.
  • Lemon (zest and juice of 1): Lemon brightens the sweetness of shrimp and adds an unmistakable freshness.
  • Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth (1/3 cup): Wine deepens the flavors; use broth for an alcohol-free twist—both make the sauce truly craveworthy.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Crispy breadcrumbs give each bite the perfect contrast, soaking up all those delicious juices.
  • Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a nutty depth and melts into the breadcrumb topping, making it extra savory.
  • Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A burst of color and herbal brightness rounds everything out.
  • Salt and Pepper: A pinch of each sharpens and balances the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. The high heat is crucial for quickly cooking the shrimp to tender perfection while crisping up that cheesy breadcrumb topping. Having your oven ready means the process will be smooth and your shrimp will bake evenly.

Step 2: Toss the Shrimp

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if desired), lemon zest, lemon juice, wine or chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough toss so the shrimp are evenly coated—this is where they soak up all the punchy flavors.

Step 3: Arrange in Baking Dish

Next, spread the marinated shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Arranging them this way ensures every shrimp cooks at the same rate and soaks up the melty, garlicky sauce pooling underneath.

Step 4: Prep the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley. This golden crumble will transform into a crispy, savory crust, so be sure each breadcrumb is given a glossy coat of butter and cheese.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp. Slide the baking dish into your hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and opaque and the topping lightly browned and irresistible. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and serve your Baked Shrimp Scampi immediately, garnished with extra parsley and lemon wedges on the side. Dig in while it’s hot and bubbly for the ultimate texture and flavor experience.

How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley and a scattering of lemon wedges not only boosts color but also brings a pop of brightness that’s perfect against the richness of the scampi. A little extra sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts, either—just for that extra Italian flair!

Side Dishes

Baked Shrimp Scampi loves to be served over a twirl of angel hair pasta or a fluffy heap of rice to soak up every drop of the luscious garlic-butter sauce. For a lighter touch, go with roasted asparagus or a sharp, simple arugula salad. And of course, a crusty baguette is an absolute must for mopping up!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the sizzling shrimp and crunchy topping into individual ramekins for an appetizer-sized starter. Or, for a family-style meal, bring the whole bake straight to the dinner table for everyone to dig in together. For parties, pile Baked Shrimp Scampi onto toasted crostini for a stunning seafood bruschetta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a little extra Baked Shrimp Scampi (lucky you!), store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp will keep their supple texture if they aren’t overcooked during baking, so be sure to check for doneness initially.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as cooked shrimp can lose their delicate texture and become rubbery after being reheated from frozen. Breadcrumb toppings may also get soggy. If you must freeze, do so before baking, tightly wrapped, but bake straight from frozen and add extra time.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the Baked Shrimp Scampi in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make shrimp tough. Add a quick squeeze of lemon before serving to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Shrimp Scampi?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps prevent extra moisture from watering down your delicious sauce and topping.

What’s the best type Main Course

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds lovely acidity and fruitiness, balancing the richness of butter and cheese. If you’re avoiding alcohol, chicken broth is a wonderful substitute.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook quickly—they’re ready once they’ve turned pink and opaque, which usually takes 12 to 15 minutes. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye out!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in gluten-free panko or seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping and follow the recipe as normal. Your Baked Shrimp Scampi will be just as crispy and delicious.

Is it possible to use smaller shrimp?

Definitely—just shorten the baking time by a few minutes to avoid overcooking. The crumbly, cheesy topping and zesty flavors will work perfectly with any size shrimp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a feel-good dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable, give Baked Shrimp Scampi a spot in your kitchen lineup. With its vibrant flavors, juicy shrimp, and crave-worthy golden topping, this recipe makes every meal a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to taste just how delightful homemade can be!

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Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy succulent shrimp with a crispy, flavorful topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp:

  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Garlic Butter Mixture:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, wine or broth, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
  4. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
  5. Add topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp.
  6. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque and topping is golden brown.
  7. Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
  • Substitute wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Use smaller shrimp if preferred—reduce baking time slightly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg

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