Description
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make main course featuring large raw shrimp coated in a savory mixture of olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection with a golden, crunchy topping and finished with fresh lemon juice, this dish offers a deliciously tender and crisp shrimp experience ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Breading Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the shrimp evenly.
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the raw shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange them in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the shrimp, then toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful marinade.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese if using, and chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the marinated shrimp in the baking dish.
- Add Extra Olive Oil: For an extra crispy topping, drizzle a little more olive oil over the breadcrumb layer.
- Bake Shrimp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp in the olive oil mixture for 15–30 minutes before baking.
- This dish pairs well with sides like rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- If gluten-free options are required, substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
