Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and cheese with tender shrimp. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. With its crispy topping and savory taste, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates the shrimp.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or over pasta for a filling meal.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in calories, this baked shrimp is a nutritious option.
• Crispy Texture: The panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that balances the tender shrimp.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Garlic press (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your shrimp.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every shrimp is coated with flavor.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key for achieving the right balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Baked shrimp with garlic, Parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs—quick and delicious.

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This ensures that your shrimp cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Shrimp
2. Melted butter
3. Grated Parmesan cheese
4. Olive oil
5. Minced garlic

Gently toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the shrimp mixture into a baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Sprinkle panko bread crumbs over the top of the shrimp mixture. This will create a deliciously crispy layer when baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Done

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes or until the shrimp are bright pink and cooked through. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: Pair the shrimp with a light mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the rich flavors of the shrimp beautifully.

Over Pasta

• Linguine: Serve the garlic Parmesan baked shrimp over linguine tossed in olive oil and herbs for a satisfying meal.
• Pesto Pasta: Combine with pesto pasta for a burst of flavor that enhances the dish.

In Tacos

• Shrimp Tacos: Use warm tortillas to create shrimp tacos topped with avocado and fresh salsa for a fun twist.
• Burrito Bowls: Add the shrimp to a burrito bowl filled with rice, beans, and veggies for a hearty option.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

To achieve the best results with your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t skimp on the garlic and seasoning. It enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for better taste and texture. Frozen shrimp can work but ensure it’s thawed properly.
• Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery—remove them as soon as they turn pink.
• Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for added freshness and color.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover buttery sauce from the shrimp.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a touch of elegance and crunch to your meal.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs makes a great base to serve alongside your shrimp.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the dish.
6. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad packed with veggies offers a healthy option that pairs well with seafood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using frozen shrimp: Always opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can result in watery dishes and uneven cooking.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking can lead to rubbery textures. Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they stay tender.
• Skipping the panko bread crumbs: Panko adds a crispy texture that enhances the dish. Don’t skip it, as it provides a delightful crunch that balances the tender shrimp.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can affect cooking times and temperature, resulting in unevenly cooked shrimp. Always preheat your oven before baking.
• Using too much garlic: While garlic is delicious, using too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe for balanced flavors.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing it.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

• You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months.
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish covered with foil and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds) until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and reheat gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?

You can substitute other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, but they will change the flavor profile of the dish.

How do I ensure my shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Make sure to remove them from the oven as soon as they turn bright pink and opaque. This usually takes about 15-18 minutes at 425°F.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just remember to add extra bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What sides pair well with Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp?

Consider serving this dish with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or over pasta for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is not just quick and easy; it’s also packed with flavor and versatility. You can customize this recipe by adding spices or vegetables according to your taste. Give it a try, and you’ll find it becomes a favorite go-to meal!