If you love seafood that’s bursting with bold flavors and comes together in no time, this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s everything you want from a dinner that feels both elegant and comforting: succulent shrimp coated in a fragrant mix of garlic, herbs, and zesty lemon, all topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or impressing friends, this dish stands out as a simple yet spectacular way to enjoy shrimp like never before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe lies in its uncomplicated, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of irresistible flavor. From the fragrant garlic to the sharp Parmesan, every component contributes to the perfect balance of texture, aroma, and zest.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps all the flavors meld together smoothly.
- Garlic (minced or pressed): Infuses the shrimp with a savory punch and irresistible aroma.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy note that complements seafood beautifully.
- Dried basil: Offers subtle sweetness and herbaceous depth.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor and ensures the shrimp tastes perfectly seasoned.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- Lemon zest: Provides a crisp, citrus brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Shrimp (deveined): The star of the show, tender and sweet, ready to soak up all the seasoning.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Creates a golden, savory crust that adds texture and depth.
- Chopped flat Italian parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish to finish the dish with a pop of green.
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is essential for getting your shrimp cooked quickly while giving that Parmesan topping a beautiful golden finish. It also ensures the flavors meld perfectly right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, infusing the shrimp with complex, fresh notes that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Add your deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss thoroughly. It’s important every piece gets a generous coating of the herbaceous, garlicky oil so the flavors fully penetrate and the shrimp cook evenly.
Step 4: Arrange and Add Cheese
Transfer the shrimp in a single layer to a baking dish. Spreading them evenly makes sure each bite gets cooked just right. Then, sprinkle that beautiful grated Parmesan cheese all over the shrimp, setting the stage for a crispy, cheesy topping that’s the highlight of the dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes until they are beautifully pink and the Parmesan has turned golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye here — shrimp cook fast, and you want them perfectly tender, not rubbery.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter plenty of chopped flat Italian parsley on top for a fresh herbal note and vibrant color. Your Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped flat Italian parsley bring brightness and a pop of green that complements the golden Parmesan crust beautifully. A quick squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can add even more zing and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve this shrimp alongside creamy risotto, buttery garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for a meal that’s balanced and satisfying. The shrimp’s bold flavors pair wonderfully with simple sides that soak up every bit of the garlicky, cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp over warm pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs, or on toasted baguette slices as elegant appetizers. They’re also fantastic atop a bed of quinoa or your favorite grain for a wholesome, colorful dinner plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors intensify, and it reheats beautifully, just make sure to avoid overcooking during reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain their tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil. This helps keep the shrimp moist and prevents the Parmesan topping from burning or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing with the seasoning. This prevents excess moisture from interfering with the baking process and helps achieve a crisp Parmesan crust.
Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?
Deveining is recommended for better texture and appearance, although it’s mostly a cosmetic step. Removing the vein ensures a cleaner taste and a more polished presentation.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs like oregano and basil can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just remember that fresh herbs are more delicate, so use about three times the amount of dried herbs to maintain the right balance.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-grated varieties that often contain additives which can affect melting and taste.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a gentle heat that perfectly balances the creamy parmesan and garlic flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and flavor of this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe that makes it a go-to for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, uses accessible ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite meals to share with family and friends!
Print
Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe offers a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish combining succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic, herbs, and a cheesy Parmesan topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the shrimp are baked to juicy perfection in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 pounds shrimp, deveined
Topping and Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat Italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the shrimp.
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest until well combined. This mixture will infuse the shrimp with robust flavors.
- Coat the shrimp: Add the deveined shrimp to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the garlic and herb mixture.
- Arrange shrimp for baking: Transfer the coated shrimp in a single layer into a baking dish, making sure the shrimp are spread out evenly to allow consistent cooking.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the shrimp, which will create a deliciously savory crust during baking.
- Bake the shrimp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped flat Italian parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery; pink and opaque is the indicator of doneness.
- You can use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed for best results.
- Serving this dish with crusty bread or over pasta can make a complete meal.
- Adjust the garlic amount according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
