Transform your weeknight dinners with this crispy baked shrimp scampi. This delightful dish combines succulent shrimp, zesty lemon flavors, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, creating an unforgettable meal that's both easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Photos of Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
If you're heading to the supermarket, keep an eye out for brown shallots, which might not be a staple in every kitchen. These small, mild-flavored onions add a subtle sweetness to the dish. Additionally, panko breadcrumbs provide the ideal crispy texture and can usually be found in the baking aisle.
Ingredients For Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp: These are the star of the dish, offering a tender and juicy texture when cooked.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
White wine: Enhances the overall flavor with a slight acidity and depth.
Brown shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that blends well with the shrimp.
Butter: Melted, it provides richness and helps in creating a luscious sauce.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.
Panko breadcrumbs: Create a crispy topping that contrasts nicely with the tender shrimp.
Garlic: Provides a distinctive, pungent flavor that enhances the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory element to the breadcrumb topping.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a bit of heat and complexity to the dish.
Parsley leaves: Fresh and chopped, they add a burst of color and a slight herbal note.
Lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing over the finished dish, adding extra brightness.
One reader, Amelina Stroud says:
This crispy baked shrimp scampi is a game-changer! The shrimp are perfectly cooked, and the breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch. The flavors of garlic, lemon, and parmesan blend beautifully. A must-try for seafood lovers!
Techniques for Perfecting Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi
How to peel and devein shrimp: To peel shrimp, start by removing the head if it's still attached. Then, peel off the shell, starting from the legs and working your way around. To devein, use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein with the tip of the knife or a toothpick.
How to chop shallots: Peel the outer skin of the shallot. Slice it in half lengthwise, then make horizontal and vertical cuts to dice it finely.
How to chop garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. Use the flat side of a knife to crush the cloves slightly, then chop them finely.
How to chop parsley: Wash the parsley thoroughly. Remove the leaves from the stems and chop them finely with a knife.
How to melt butter: Place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and microwave in short intervals (10-15 seconds) until fully melted, or melt it in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove.
How to use the broil setting on an oven: Switch your oven to the broil setting, which uses the top heating element to cook food quickly at high temperatures. Keep a close eye on the food to prevent burning.
How To Make Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi
Roll your shrimps in panko breadcrumbs and turn it into a crispy and flavorful shrimp scampi dish perfect for any meal. It will turn any meal time fancy.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsshrimp
- 2tbspfreshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2tbspwhite wine,optional
- 1brown shallot,minced
- ⅓cupmelted butter,divided
- salt and pepper,to taste
- ⅓cupPanko breadcrumbs
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 2tbspgrated parmesan cheese
- ½tspcrushed red pepper flakes,to taste
- ¼cupfresh chopped parsley leaves
- lemon wedges,to serve
Instructions
-
Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Combine shrimp, lemon juice, white wine, shallots, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper in a skillet or baking dish. Mix well to coat shrimp.
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In a small bowl, combine the remaining melted butter, bread crumbs, garlic, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons of the chopped parsley and mix well.
-
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp and bake for 12 minutes, or until hot and bubbling, and the shrimp are ‘just’ cooked through. Change oven settings to broil or grill for a further minute or so, until the top is crispy and golden.
-
Garnish with remaining parsley, squeeze over a drizzle of lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges.
Recipe Notes
- Substitute white wine with additional lemon juice
- OPTIONAL: Starting from the outer edge of your skillet or dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer towards the centre of the pan. Set aside.
Nutrition
- Calories: 241.45kcal
- Fat: 12.76g
- Saturated Fat: 7.40g
- Trans Fat: 0.44g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.17g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.87g
- Carbohydrates: 7.85g
- Fiber: 0.93g
- Sugar: 1.34g
- Protein: 22.73g
- Cholesterol: 219.73mg
- Sodium: 908.10mg
- Calcium: 143.71mg
- Potassium: 259.12mg
- Iron: 0.81mg
- Vitamin A: 185.93µg
- Vitamin C: 10.43mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Crispy Perfection
To ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and not rubbery, make sure to keep an eye on them during the baking process. Shrimp cook very quickly, so as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can happen in a matter of seconds, so it's better to check them a minute or two before the recommended baking time.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the shallots, garlic, and parsley in advance to save time when cooking.
Use pre-cleaned shrimp: Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to cut down on prep time.
Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave instead of on the stove.
Combine dry ingredients early: Mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes beforehand.
Preheat oven: Start preheating the oven while you prep to ensure it’s ready when you are.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for shrimp in this dish.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, which can brighten up the dish in the same way as lemon juice.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds a savory depth of flavor without the alcohol, making it a suitable replacement for white wine.
brown shallot - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a similar sweetness and can be used in place of shallots, though they are slightly stronger in flavor.
melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich, healthy fat alternative to butter, maintaining the dish's moisture and flavor.
salt and pepper - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crispy texture and can be used as a gluten-free alternative to panko breadcrumbs.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, though they won't have the same pungency.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar hard texture and salty flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan cheese.
crushed red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar heat level, though it is slightly more intense, so use sparingly.
fresh chopped parsley leaves - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can add a bright, fresh flavor similar to parsley, though it has a more distinct taste.
lemon wedges - Substitute with lime wedges: Lime wedges offer a similar tangy citrus flavor, making them a good alternative for lemon wedges.
Presentation Tips for Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi
Use a large white plate: The simplicity of a large white plate will allow the vibrant colors of the shrimp and parsley to stand out, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Arrange shrimp in a circular pattern: Place the shrimp in a neat circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other, to create a sense of abundance and elegance.
Drizzle with remaining melted butter: Before adding the breadcrumb mixture, drizzle the shrimp with the remaining melted butter to enhance the richness and flavor.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly: Ensure the breadcrumb mixture is evenly distributed over the shrimp to achieve a uniform golden crust.
Broil for a perfect finish: After baking, switch to broil for a minute to achieve a crispy and golden top, adding a delightful texture contrast.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle the remaining fresh chopped parsley over the dish just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with lemon wedges: Arrange lemon wedges around the plate for an elegant touch and to allow diners to add a burst of citrus flavor.
Add a touch of microgreens: For an extra layer of sophistication, add a few microgreens on top of the shrimp for a delicate and refined garnish.
Use a sauce drizzle: Lightly drizzle a bit of lemon juice around the plate for an artistic and flavorful finish.
Serve immediately: Ensure the dish is served hot to maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb topping and the juiciness of the shrimp.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp Scampi
Oven: Used to bake the shrimp scampi at 425 degrees Fahrenheit and to broil for a crispy top.
Skillet or baking dish: Used to combine and bake the shrimp with other ingredients.
Small bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumb topping ingredients.
Knife: Used to chop the shallots, garlic, and parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the shallots, garlic, and parsley.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the lemon juice, white wine, melted butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the shrimp with the other ingredients and to combine the breadcrumb mixture.
Lemon squeezer: Used to extract freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Spatula: Used to spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp.
Serving platter: Used to serve the finished crispy baked shrimp scampi.
Tongs: Used to handle the shrimp when mixing and serving.
Oven mitts: Used to safely handle hot dishes from the oven.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Shrimp Scampi
- Let the crispy baked shrimp scampi cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled shrimp scampi to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp scampi:
- Place the cooled shrimp scampi in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and flavor.
- To reheat frozen shrimp scampi, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Once thawed, place the shrimp scampi in an oven-safe dish and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy again, about 10-15 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions in the microwave, but the breadcrumbs may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed shrimp scampi to maintain the best texture and quality of the shrimp.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp Scampi
To reheat leftover crispy baked shrimp scampi, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy once again. This method helps to retain the moisture in the shrimp while also keeping the breadcrumb topping crisp.
Another option is to reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Once the butter has melted or the oil is hot, add the shrimp and stir gently. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the breadcrumbs are crispy. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the shrimp scampi in the microwave. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through. Keep in mind that the breadcrumb topping may not be as crispy when reheated in the microwave, but the flavor will still be delicious.
For a unique twist, try repurposing your leftover crispy baked shrimp scampi into a new dish. Chop up the shrimp and toss them with some cooked pasta, olive oil, garlic, and parsley for a quick and easy shrimp scampi pasta. You can also use the leftover shrimp as a topping for a salad or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Interesting Trivia About Shrimp Scampi
A random fact about this recipe is that panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, making them perfect for achieving a crunchy topping in dishes like crispy baked shrimp scampi.
Is Making Shrimp Scampi at Home Cost-Effective?
This crispy baked shrimp scampi recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The primary expense is the shrimp, which can vary in price depending on the region and season. Other ingredients like lemon, white wine, shallots, and panko breadcrumbs are relatively affordable. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $25-$30 USD. Overall verdict: 7/10.
Is This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Healthy?
The crispy baked shrimp scampi recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat and calories.
- Breadcrumbs add extra carbohydrates and calories to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese contributes additional saturated fat and sodium.
- The recipe doesn't include any vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal.
However, the recipe does have some positive aspects:
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and high in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium.
- The use of lemon juice and parsley adds a burst of fresh flavor and some vitamin C.
- Garlic, a key ingredient, is known for its potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with heart-healthy olive oil.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs to increase the fiber content.
- Incorporate vegetables into the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus, to add nutrients and fiber.
- Serve the shrimp scampi with a side salad or over a bed of zucchini noodles to create a more balanced meal.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used or opt for a low-fat version to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of white wine to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi
This crispy baked shrimp scampi recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of lemon juice, white wine, and shallots infuses the shrimp with a bright, aromatic flavor. The panko breadcrumb topping, mixed with garlic, parmesan, and red pepper flakes, adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of heat. Baking the shrimp ensures they remain tender and juicy, while the final broil gives the dish a beautiful golden finish. Garnishing with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice enhances the freshness. It's a well-balanced, flavorful dish perfect for a sophisticated yet easy-to-make meal.
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Why trust this Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe:
This recipe for crispy baked shrimp scampi is a must-try for seafood lovers. The combination of lemon juice, white wine, and garlic creates a flavorful marinade that perfectly complements the shrimp. The panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese topping add a delightful crunch, making each bite irresistible. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
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