Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy but has weeknight ease, the Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is destined to become your new obsession. Picture ruby-pink shrimp baked in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce, crowned with a sprinkle of golden Panko for irresistible crunch. Every bite balances luscious flavors with a touch of brightness, making it a go-to for both cozy dinners and impressive occasions. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep yet delivers a wow factor that will have your family and friends swooning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how a handful of straightforward ingredients work their magic in this recipe. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s bringing color, a pop of freshness, or that signature savory flavor that makes baked shrimp scampi so famously irresistible.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star—be sure to use fresh or high-quality frozen for best flavor and tender texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter creates a luxurious base for the sauce and helps lock in moisture as the shrimp bake.
- Olive Oil: A splash adds depth and balances the richness of the butter, while helping the sauce cling to each shrimp.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the entire dish with bold aroma and classic scampi zing.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings brightness and a touch of acidity that livens up every bite.
- Lemon Zest: Adds an extra layer of citrusy fragrance—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor just a teaspoon can bring.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick, a pinch adds irresistible warmth (totally customizable).
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors without overpowering them—season to taste!
- Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Either option deglazes the pan, brings moisture, and enriches the sauce’s character.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create that signature crispy topping; don’t skip these for maximum crunch.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on after baking, it brightens both the look and the taste of the final dish.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve on the side for an extra burst of citrus—guests will appreciate the added freshness.
How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by getting everything ready: peel and devein the shrimp (leave the tails on or off, your call), mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and zest and juice your lemon. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes assembling this dish a total breeze!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor Base
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything melds into a gorgeous, aromatic sauce—this mixture is going to transform your shrimp into something incredible.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Place your shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish (a 9×13-inch works perfectly). Keeping them in a single layer ensures they all cook evenly and soak up that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Wine
Pour the garlic-lemon butter mixture directly over the shrimp, making sure every single one gets a good coating. Then carefully drizzle the white wine or chicken broth around (not over) the shrimp—this keeps your buttery topping in place, while creating a flavor-packed base that will bubble up as the shrimp bake.
Step 5: Top with Panko Breadcrumbs
Now comes the crunch: sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs generously and evenly over the shrimp. They’ll create a crisp, golden layer that’s absolutely irresistible after a quick trip to the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Broil
Slide your dish into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. If you’re after that golden finish, switch on the broiler for the last minute or two—just keep a close eye on it so nothing burns.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Scatter fresh chopped parsley over the hot shrimp and serve right away with lemon wedges. The aroma will be totally irresistible, and the touch of green adds the perfect pop of color.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe with lots of vibrant, chopped fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon over top. If you want to get extra fancy, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan—your guests will love the finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish plays beautifully with simple sides! Toss some pasta or linguine with olive oil and a bit of the pan sauce, serve fluffy rice to soak up the juices, or pair with crusty artisan bread—trust me, no drop of the savory broth will go to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shrimp over creamy polenta for a cozy twist, or load the shrimp and sauce into mini baguette boats for a fun, shareable appetizer. For a lighter presentation, spoon the shrimp over spiralized zucchini or fresh, peppery arugula.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp will stay moist in the sauce, and the Panko, while softer, will still add a lovely texture.
Freezing
While shrimp in sauce generally don’t freeze perfectly due to texture changes, you can absolutely freeze leftovers if needed. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered, until just warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but don’t overcook—the shrimp can become tough if reheated too long. Add a splash of broth or lemon juice to wake up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh for this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking. Excess moisture can water down the sauce, so a quick pat with paper towels really helps.
What type Main Course
A crisp dry white, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works wonderfully. If you prefer to skip the wine, low-sodium chicken broth is a great alternative and keeps the flavors vibrant.
How can I make the Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the Panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation!
Is it possible to prepare the dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and shrimp earlier in the day, cover, and store in the fridge. Add the Panko just before baking to keep it crisp, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Keep a close eye towards the end of baking—the shrimp should turn pink and opaque but will get rubbery if left too long. As soon as they’re cooked through, pull the dish from the oven for perfectly juicy results.
Final Thoughts
With its fresh flavors and easy prep, this Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe is sure to become a regular at your table. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying homemade scampi can be!
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Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delicious Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe for a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish. Succulent shrimp baked in a savory blend of garlic, butter, and herbs, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place shrimp in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Seasonings: Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp. Pour wine or broth around the shrimp, then sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are cooked. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden crust.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- For a lighter version, reduce butter to 2 tablespoons and increase the olive oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
