Baked shrimp scampi is a quick and delicious dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make. With tender shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients and elegant results.
This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special dinners. The best part? It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, allowing you to customize it to your preference. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, baked shrimp scampi is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The butter and garlic create a rich, savory base that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy note that balances the richness, while the breadcrumbs provide a crispy topping for texture. By baking the shrimp, you ensure they cook evenly and stay tender without the need for constant attention on the stove.
Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. It requires only a handful of basic ingredients, yet it can be dressed up for a fancy dinner or kept casual for a quick meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding spices like red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs for added flavor. This baked shrimp scampi is a perfect mix of convenience, taste, and elegance, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp (peeled and deveined):The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy texture. Use fresh or frozen shrimp; substitute with scallops if preferred.
Butter:Adds richness and flavor to the dish. Substitute with margarine or olive oil for a lighter option.
Garlic (minced):Infuses the dish with bold, savory flavor. Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Breadcrumbs:Creates a golden, crispy topping. Use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
Lemon Juice:Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter. Substitute with lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
Tips
- Use raw shrimp for the best texture; precooked shrimp may become rubbery.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them bake evenly.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
How to Serve
Baked shrimp scampi is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or an elegant meal. The buttery, garlicky shrimp pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that works for both casual family meals and special occasions.
- Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a classic shrimp scampi pasta.
- Pair with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with crusty bread and a side salad for a simple yet satisfying dinner.
Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Sure 🙂 For step-by-step and a video guide, check out this Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi recipe.
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Baked Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the mixture over the shrimp.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the shrimp. Drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the breadcrumbs are golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
• Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to help them bake evenly.
• Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if desired.
• Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Easy baked shrimp scampi is flavored with fresh, flavorful ingredients.