If you’re looking for a dish that’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner, look no further than Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp. This recipe delivers juicy, tender shrimp baked in a lemony garlic butter sauce, topped with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust that’s truly irresistible.
It’s the kind of dish that feels special without requiring much effort—just toss everything together, bake, and serve. With only a few pantry staples and a quick bake time, this shrimp dish will become your new go-to for easy seafood dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
- Fast and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
- Crispy, golden topping with juicy, flavorful shrimp
- Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals
- Pairs with nearly any side dish
- No frying, no flipping—just bake and broil
Ingredients
This recipe makes 3 to 4 servings, depending on portion size.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and divided
- Juice from one lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the shrimp cook quickly while the topping gets golden and crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour the dry white wine and 2 tablespoons of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven for 10 minutes. This step reduces the wine slightly and creates a flavorful base for the shrimp.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
While the wine mixture is heating, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Set aside while preparing the topping.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy—this will help them crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Remove the preheated baking dish from the oven. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer, snugly fitting them into the pan. Pour any remaining garlic lemon butter from the bowl over the shrimp.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure to cover as much surface as possible for an even golden crust.
Step 6: Bake and Broil
Bake the shrimp for about 12 minutes, or until they are opaque and just cooked through. For an extra-crispy top, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the topping.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use large or jumbo shrimp: Smaller shrimp cook too quickly and can become overdone.
- Don’t skip the pre-bake of wine and butter: This step deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- Broil with caution: Keep a close eye on the shrimp under the broiler to avoid burning the topping.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs without sacrificing crunch.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and topping separately and assemble right before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp pairs perfectly with:
- Fluffy rice pilaf or lemon butter orzo
- Garlic sautéed green beans or asparagus
- Fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
- Crusty bread to soak up the buttery, garlicky sauce
- A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Variations
- Add spice: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne into the breadcrumb topping.
- Make it cheesy: Use more Parmesan or add a bit of mozzarella to melt into the topping.
- Herb blend: Add dried oregano or thyme to the topping for extra flavor.
- Shrimp swap: Use scallops or chunks of white fish for a twist.
- No wine? Substitute chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
Why It Works All Year
This dish is light enough for summer yet cozy and rich enough for colder months. Because shrimp cooks quickly and the ingredients are easy to find year-round, it’s a fantastic go-to recipe whether you’re entertaining guests or cooking for two on a casual weeknight.
Final Thoughts
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp lives up to its name—juicy shrimp baked in a garlicky lemon butter bath and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor. No special tools, no complicated steps—just pure comfort on a plate.
Whether you serve it as a main with sides or as part of a bigger spread, this recipe will impress without stress. It’s ideal for date night, dinner parties, or just when you want something a little extra special on a Tuesday.
Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
The Goods
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
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Recipes
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 4 tablespoons ½ stick unsalted butter, melted and divided
- Juice from one lemon
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- Fresh parsley finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the shrimp cook quickly while the topping gets golden and crisp.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Pour the dry white wine and 2 tablespoons of melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven for 10 minutes. This step reduces the wine slightly and creates a flavorful base for the shrimp.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
- While the wine mixture is heating, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Set aside while preparing the topping.
Step 4: Make the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumpy—this will help them crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Remove the preheated baking dish from the oven. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer, snugly fitting them into the pan. Pour any remaining garlic lemon butter from the bowl over the shrimp.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure to cover as much surface as possible for an even golden crust.
Step 6: Bake and Broil
- Bake the shrimp for about 12 minutes, or until they are opaque and just cooked through. For an extra-crispy top, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning the topping.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
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