Baked Shrimp

Content… Decadent Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions FAQs What to Serve More Fuss-Free Shrimp Recipes to Try Conclusion

Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce

I have to admit that the secret to this recipe is the garlic butter. But then the golden breadcrumb crust and Parmesan provide a satisfying crunch to complement the tender, juicy shrimp. Of course, Creole seasoning always adds a welcome touch of heat. ❤️

Recipe Ingredients

Baked Shrimp

1. Shrimp – Extra-large or jumbo work best for this oven-baked shrimp recipe. They’re also easier to prep. Make sure to peel and devein them, but leave the tails on. 
2. Butter – The perfect base for a garlic butter sauce.
3. Chicken Stock – There’s something about a good stock that adds rich umami flavor. Chicken broth works too. (Stock is traditionally from the bones and broth from the meat.)
4. Spices – Garlic and fresh parsley create an herby balance. And then Creole seasoning delivers bolder flavors. Garlic powder will work if you don’t have fresh.
5. Lemon – Adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the sauce while complementing the shrimp’s oceany taste. 

Breadcrumb Topping

1. Bread Crumbs – If you want the perfect topping, use panko. They’re drier and flakier for a crispier topping.
2. Cheese – Grated parmesan cheese tastes the best, but Fontina, Romano, and Manchego are also excellent.
3. Butter – Creamy richness crisps up the bread crumbs like no other oil. But olive oil works, too, if you’re dairy-free.

How to Make Baked Shrimp

Make the Sauce

• Preheat the oven to 350℉/177℃. 
• Mix – Microwave butter, chicken stock, garlic, and Creole seasoning for about 30 seconds or until butter melts. Add the lemon juice. Or heat the ingredients in a small skillet and cook over medium-high for 30 seconds or until the butter melts and is fragrant. Then add lemon juice and set aside.
• Season – Add shrimp in a large bowl and lightly season it with salt and pepper. Pour in the butter mixture and thoroughly mix. 

Assemble and Bake

• Arrange the Shrimp – Place shrimp in a single layer in a shallow 9×13 baking dish or 12-inch cast iron skillet.
• Breadcrumb Topping – Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter and evenly spread over the shrimp for an extra tasty topping.  
• Bake – Transfer the dish or oven-proof skillet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked through.  
• Broil – Increase the oven setting to broil, and broil the shrimp for 1-2 minutes or until the crumbs turn slightly brown.
• Serve – Remove from the oven, garnish with lemon wedges, and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp Swap: This recipe is awesome with crab, lobster, fish, or a seafood combination for a seafood fiesta.
2. Coating Subs: Try crunchy coconut flakes for a tropical take. It also makes it low-carb and keto-friendly.
3. Baked Butterflied Shrimp: To make this dish even more enticing and creative, butterfly the shrimp. Top it with more cheese mixture for another layer of delightful goodness.
4. Seasoning Swap: Trade curry powder and red pepper flakes for the Creole seasoning for incredible flavor.

Tips and Tricks

1. While I suggest using fresh shrimp, frozen ones are also okay! However, thaw them completely so you can drain off excess water before baking.
2. Shrimp cooks fast, so don’t get distracted. 😉 Rubbery shrimp isn’t good. 

Make-Ahead Instructions

As much as I love making meals in advance, this shrimp dish is out of the conversation. I seriously wouldn’t want you to make it ahead of time and somehow dig into some rubbery shrimp. Baked shrimp is best enjoyed straight off the oven. Although, you can prep the shrimp by peeling and deveining them before storing them in the freezer.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but make sure that you store them in an airtight container. To freeze, put the leftovers in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for 3 months.

Simply reheat them in a hot skillet with a bit of butter. Top with salads, pasta, or casseroles with this deliciousness.

FAQs 

What to Serve With Baked Shrimp

Almost any side dish is amazing with baked shrimp. Pasta salad, dinner rolls, and sauteed mushrooms are a good start. Homemade garlic bread and rice pilaf offer more dinner options. And white wine or a zesty pineapple lemonade make great beverage choices.

More Fuss-Free Shrimp Recipes to Try

1. Shrimp Remoulade
2. Herbed Butter Shrimp
3. Shrimp Ceviche
4. Coconut Shrimp
5. Shrimp Creole

Conclusion

This super easy baked shrimp recipe is one-of-a-kind, especially with its crunchy crumb toppings. Would you like more delicious dinner recipes? Subscribe to my newsletter for more.

This blog post was originally published in April 2017 and has been updated with additional tips and new photos.