Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with savory, garlicky goodness and a satisfyingly crispy texture, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple yet impressive dish that combines tender shrimp with a golden, cheesy crust that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or want to wow guests at a gathering, this recipe delivers a stunning balance of crunch, zest, and richness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh parsley’s brightness to the smoked paprika’s subtle warmth, every component brings something special to the table.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, shrimp is the star, tender and succulent.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the crust adhere perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the shrimp with irresistible aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides the salty, nutty crust that crisps beautifully.
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Creates the ultra-crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and a gorgeous color.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to give the dish a mild kick, if you like.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness and balances the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness at the finish.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A squeeze of citrus adds vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easy. Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and minced garlic in a large bowl, making sure every shrimp is well coated with this flavorful base which will help the crust stick and infuse aroma as it bakes.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan Crust
In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture is where the magic happens, bringing the crunch and deep flavors that make this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Press each shrimp firmly into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Arrange them carefully in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet so they bake evenly and achieve that perfect crunch all over.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the shrimp in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the shrimp turn opaque and the coating is golden and crisp. For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Once cooked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh chopped parsley add a burst of color and herbaceous brightness, while lemon wedges offer a zesty contrast that enhances the shrimp’s rich, garlicky flavor. A light drizzle of lemon juice right before eating truly elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Whether you serve these Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp over a bed of tender pasta, alongside a crisp salad, or resting on fluffy rice, each option complements the shrimp perfectly. The creamy pasta absorbs the flavorful crust, salads provide a refreshing balance, and rice offers a neutral base that lets the shrimp shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, arrange the shrimp on a large platter with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. To impress at dinner, place the shrimp atop a colorful vegetable medley or crisp greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can even skewer the coated shrimp before baking for an elegant finger food presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust may soften slightly, but the flavors remain delightful.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftover cooked shrimp wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. To maintain the best texture, freeze them without the crust and add the Parmesan coating fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and revive some of the crunch, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to help the crust stick and to avoid excess moisture that can prevent crispiness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to keep that crunchy texture without gluten.
Can I prepare this dish on a grill instead of baking?
While baking creates the perfect crust, you can try grilling the shrimp on skewers, but apply the Parmesan mixture after grilling to maintain the crispness, as direct heat may burn the coating.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick; you can easily omit them if you prefer a milder flavor profile, and the dish will still taste fantastic.
What other herbs can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh basil, cilantro, or chives can also be great substitutes, each bringing a unique brightness that complements the shrimp’s richness beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to keep on repeat — it’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor that feels special yet approachable. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, the crispy cheesy crust paired with the garlicky shrimp is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try soon, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Parmesan Crusted Garlic Shrimp recipe features large shrimp coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy and quick dish that can serve as a delicious main course or appetizer, perfect for pairing with pasta, salad, or rice. The crispy, cheesy crust combined with garlicky shrimp makes for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Parmesan Crust
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with the olive oil and minced garlic until they are evenly coated. This will infuse the shrimp with garlic flavor and help the crust stick.
- Make Parmesan Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. This mixture creates the crispy, flavorful crust.
- Coat Shrimp: Press each shrimp into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides thoroughly to ensure each shrimp has a good crust. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet for even cooking.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are fully cooked through and the coating is golden and crisp. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the shrimp for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for fresh, bright flavor. This dish works well as an appetizer or over your choice of pasta, salad, or rice.
Notes
- For even crispier results, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve over pasta, salad, or rice, or enjoy as a standalone appetizer.
- Fresh shrimp yields the best texture, but thawed frozen shrimp can be used as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
