Baked Shrimp Scampi

Imagine the sizzling aroma of garlic-infused butter and the delicate sweetness of tender shrimp wafting through your kitchen. Baked Shrimp Scampi transforms the classic stovetop dish into a hands-off masterpiece that’s both elegant and approachable. This oven-baked version delivers all the rich flavors you love about traditional scampi but with a delightful crispy topping that takes it to new heights. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe offers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook jumbo shrimp topped with a buttery garlic crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe stands out for so many reasons. First, it delivers the perfect textural contrast between the juicy, tender shrimp and the crispy, golden Panko topping that gets wonderfully crunchy in the oven. The combination is irresistible.

The flavor profile is perfectly balanced – bright lemon juice cuts through the richness of butter, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The aromatic blend of garlic and Italian parsley infuses the entire dish with mouthwatering fragrance.

What’s particularly appealing about this oven-baked shrimp dish is its simplicity. The preparation takes just minutes, and while it bakes, you’re free to prepare sides or entertain your guests. It’s an effortless way to serve an impressive seafood dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The versatility is another major advantage – serve it over pasta for a filling dinner, or with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce when hosting a dinner party. This baked seafood scampi recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients List for the Baked Shrimp Scampi

These ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors for Baked Shrimp Scampi, combining fresh seafood with aromatic seasonings and a crispy topping that elevates the dish to restaurant quality.

• 16 oz. linguine pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 medium white onion (diced)
• 1½ Tbsp garlic (minced)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided (plus more for garnish))
• 1 cup warm water
• 2 pounds large raw shrimp (shelled and deveined but with tails on)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• 3 Tbsp Italian parsley (chopped (plus more for garnish))
• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Pro Tips

Perfect Shrimp Selection: For the best Baked Shrimp Scampi, choose jumbo or extra-large shrimp (16-20 count per pound). Larger shrimp are less likely to overcook and provide a meatier texture that stands up well to the crispy topping. While fresh is ideal, high-quality frozen shrimp works perfectly too – just ensure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

Maximize Flavor Development: For an intensely flavored garlic butter mixture, allow your minced garlic to sit in the melted butter for 5-10 minutes before adding other ingredients. This infusion time lets the garlic oils release completely into the butter, creating a more aromatic and flavorful base for your shrimp bake. Add the lemon juice just before pouring over the shrimp to maintain its bright flavor.

Perfectly Crispy Topping: To achieve that golden, crunchy Panko crust that makes Baked Shrimp Scampi so special, position your baking dish on the upper-middle rack of your oven. If the topping isn’t browning to your liking in the final minutes of baking, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning. This technique creates the perfect contrast to the tender, succulent shrimp underneath.

Instructions

Step 1: Cut up strawberries, peaches, blueberries and kiwis, and bring them all into a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine honey and lime juice in a small bowl, and mix well.

Step 3: Pour honey lime dressing onto cut-up fruits. Toss gently and be careful not to squash the fruits.

Variations

Spicy Baked Shrimp Scampi: Transform this classic dish with a kick of heat by adding ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes directly into the butter mixture. For even more complexity, incorporate a finely diced jalapeño or 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. The spicy elements beautifully complement the sweetness of the shrimp and add another dimension to the traditional Baked Shrimp Scampi flavor profile.

Mediterranean Baked Shrimp Scampi: Give your Baked Shrimp Scampi a Mediterranean twist by adding ¼ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, ⅓ cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped kalamata olives to the mixture. Replace the Italian parsley with fresh dill and oregano, and finish with a squeeze of lemon just before serving. This variation offers bright, briny flavors that pair beautifully with the buttery garlic shrimp.

Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive guests by substituting the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers mixed with a tablespoon of almond flour. The result is an equally crispy topping that everyone can enjoy, with no compromise on the delicious flavor of the oven-baked shrimp dish.

Storage and Serving

Baked Shrimp Scampi is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the contrast between juicy shrimp and crispy topping is at its peak. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, use an oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to help restore some crispness to the topping, as microwave reheating will result in soggy texture.

For an elegant presentation, serve your Baked Shrimp Scampi over a bed of al dente linguine pasta tossed with a little olive oil and chopped parsley. The pasta will absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce, creating a complete meal. Alternatively, serve with crusty French bread and a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a lighter option.

For a beautiful dinner party serving suggestion, present the shrimp directly in the baking dish (if it’s presentable) or transfer to a warmed platter, garnished with additional fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. The vibrant colors make for a stunning table centerpiece that promises deliciousness to come.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Baked Shrimp Scampi?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for Baked Shrimp Scampi. Just ensure they’re completely thawed, then pat them dry with paper towels before using. Excess moisture will prevent proper browning and create a watery sauce.

Can I prepare Baked Shrimp Scampi ahead of time?
You can prepare the components up to 4 hours ahead. Arrange the shrimp in your baking dish, cover and refrigerate. Mix the topping separately and store at room temperature. Combine and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to tell when the shrimp are done cooking?
Perfectly cooked shrimp in Baked Shrimp Scampi will turn opaque and pink, forming a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. This typically takes 12-15 minutes at 425°F, depending on shrimp size.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious with the lemon, garlic, and herbs carrying the flavor.

What sides pair best with Baked Shrimp Scampi?
Beyond pasta, Baked Shrimp Scampi pairs beautifully with steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad. For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles which will absorb the delicious sauce just like traditional pasta.

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