There’s something irresistible about the combination of buttery garlic sauce, crunchy toppings, and succulent prawns. Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly simple to make. Imagine pulling a sizzling tray of golden, crispy prawns from the oven and serving it to your family or friends. The aroma alone will have everyone lining up for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create this show-stopping dish!
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Baked Shrimp Recipe
You might be wondering what makes this dish so special. Here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 10 minutes of prep time and less than 20 minutes to bake.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of juicy shrimp and crispy panko topping is unbeatable.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic butter sauce, parmesan, and fresh lemon make every bite heavenly.
- Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Elegant Yet Simple: It’s fancy enough for entertaining but easy enough for a weekday dinner.
Ingredients for Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce
Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to make this dish, broken down by components.
Shrimp and Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jumbo prawns/shrimp | 500g / 1 lb, peeled and deveined |
| Dry white wine | ¾ cup (or substitute chicken broth) |
| Unsalted butter | 75g / 5 tbsp, melted |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3, minced |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Pepper | ¼ tsp |
Crunchy Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Panko breadcrumbs | ¾ cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup, finely shredded |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Olive oil | 1.5 tbsp |
Garnish
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Parsley, finely chopped | As desired |
| Lemon wedges | For serving |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375℉ (190℃). This ensures that your shrimp bake evenly and turn out golden and delicious.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the dry white wine (or chicken broth if substituting) and stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Arrange the Shrimp
- Lay the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Ensure the shrimp are close together but not overlapping.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp, coating them thoroughly.
4. Make the Crunchy Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and olive oil.
- Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened.
5. Top and Bake the Shrimp
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is covered for that signature crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the topping is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing of freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Crunchy Baked Shrimp
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp make all the difference in this dish. Frozen shrimp can be used but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Don’t Overbake: Shrimp cook quickly! Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- Customize the Topping: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Double the Sauce: If you’re serving this over pasta or rice, make extra garlic butter sauce for drizzling.
- Pre-Toasting the Breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier topping, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet before using.
Serving Suggestions
Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp over linguine or spaghetti, tossed with extra garlic butter sauce.
- With Rice: Pair it with steamed white rice or a flavorful pilaf.
- On a Salad: Use the shrimp to top a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
- As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with cocktail forks and lemon wedges for an elegant starter.
- With Crusty Bread: Use the bread to soak up every drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredient substitutions.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb topping for an earthy twist.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Add extra lemon zest to both the sauce and topping for a brighter flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-friendly version.
- Vegan Alternative: Substitute shrimp with large mushrooms or cauliflower florets and use vegan butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes since pre-cooked shrimp only need to be reheated.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth is a great alternative to white wine. For a sweeter twist, try apple cider or grape juice.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and breadcrumb topping in advance, but it’s best to bake the shrimp fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
4. What size shrimp should I use?
Jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for this recipe. If using smaller shrimp, adjust the baking time accordingly.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the breadcrumb topping may lose its crunch. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh.
6. What other proteins can I use?
This recipe works wonderfully with scallops, chicken tenders, or even a flaky white fish like cod or haddock.
Final Thoughts: Bring Crunchy Baked Shrimp to Your Table
Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. From the juicy shrimp to the golden breadcrumb topping, every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t forget to share this dish with your loved ones—it’s too good to keep to yourself!