Description
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring large shrimp coated with a savory garlic and smoked paprika marinade, topped with a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture laced with Parmesan and fresh herbs, then baked to perfection. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of zest, spice, and crispiness, ideal for a quick yet impressive main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Crispy Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat each shrimp evenly with the flavorful marinade.
- Arrange shrimp: Spread the marinated shrimp in a single uniform layer in the prepared baking dish or skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare crispy topping: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon zest until fully combined to create a fragrant and crunchy topping.
- Top the shrimp: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp, covering them with a thick, uniform layer to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and fully cooked, and the topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon wedges to squeeze over the shrimp for extra brightness.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to help soak up the delicious juices.
- For an herbal twist, add chopped fresh basil or dill to the breadcrumb topping.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that could affect the crispiness.
