Oh my goodness, you HAVE to try this Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe! Seriously, it’s become my absolute go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or even when I have friends pop over unexpectedly. I’m talking tender, juicy shrimp coated in this ridiculously flavorful, crispy Parmesan and herb mixture. It’s so simple, but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it, I was totally unprepared for how fast it came together AND how much everyone loved it. It’s just one of those magic recipes, you know?
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Honestly, what’s not to love? This Parmesan Baked Shrimp is:
- Super speedy: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Minimal fuss: Just a handful of ingredients you probably already have.
- Incredibly delicious: That cheesy, garlicky crust is just *chef’s kiss*.
- So versatile: Perfect on its own or as a starter.
Gather Your Ingredients for Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Okay, let’s get our mise en place ready! You’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I usually leave the tails on for easier handling, but you do you!
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese. Trust me, freshly grated from a block makes ALL the difference here. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt and crisp the same way.
- 2 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs. Panko works great too if you want extra crunch!
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley. It just adds that lovely pop of freshness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced. Or use garlic powder if you’re in a real pinch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil. Just a little to help everything stick.
Essential Equipment for Baking Parmesan Baked Shrimp
You really don’t need much for this one, thankfully! Just grab:
- A baking sheet
- A couple of mixing bowls (one medium, one small)
- Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! Making this Parmesan Baked Shrimp is honestly a breeze, and watching it come together is half the fun. First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). It needs to be nice and hot to get that coating perfectly golden and crispy. While the oven is doing its thing, grab your shrimp. It’s super important that they’re patted dry with a paper towel. This really helps the Parmesan mixture stick like glue, and you won’t end up with a soggy coating. Honestly, this little step makes a HUGE difference!
Preparing the Parmesan Coating
Now for the star of the show – the coating! In a small bowl, just whisk together your grated Parmesan cheese, those breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch, remember?), fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. That little bit of garlic and parsley makes all the difference in flavor, and the Parmesan and breadcrumbs are going to bake up into this amazing golden crust. It’s so simple, but so good!
Coating and Arranging the Shrimp
Next, pop your dried shrimp into a medium bowl. Drizzle that tablespoon of olive oil over them and give them a good toss. This just helps the Parmesan mixture adhere. Then, add your glorious Parmesan mixture right into the bowl with the shrimp. Toss everything gently until each and every shrimp is lovingly coated. Don’t be shy! Once they’re all coated, spread them out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little breathing room; you don’t want them all clumped together, or they’ll steam instead of bake up nice and crisp.
Tips for the Best Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Okay, so you’ve got your shrimp all coated and ready to go. Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure your Parmesan Baked Shrimp turns out absolutely perfect every single time. First, and I can’t stress this enough, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Give those little guys some space. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of getting that lovely crisp coating. Also, keep an eye on them while they bake; shrimp cook super fast, and you don’t want to overdo it. They should be pink and opaque, not tough and rubbery. Oh, and that fresh Parmesan? It really is non-negotiable for the best flavor and texture. If you like a little kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the coating – it’s a game-changer!
Serving Suggestions for Parmesan Baked Shrimp
These little Parmesan Baked Shrimp are so versatile! They’re fantastic all on their own as a light appetizer or a quick snack. But if you want to make it a full meal, they’re amazing served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some simple pasta. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a perfect counterpoint to the cheesy shrimp. Honestly, almost any simple side dish works wonderfully here. They’re just that good!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Parmesan Baked Shrimp
If, by some miracle, you have any Parmesan Baked Shrimp leftover (which is rare in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly. Let them cool down completely, then pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten within a day or two. To reheat, I find the best method is a quick stint in a moderately hot oven or a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make them a bit rubbery. Just a few minutes until they’re warmed through and that cheesy crust is revived a bit is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Got questions about this amazing Parmesan Baked Shrimp? I’ve got answers! So, can you totally use frozen shrimp? Yep, absolutely! Just make sure they’re thawed completely and, super important, patted really, really dry before you start coating them. That little bit of moisture can make all the difference between crispy and sad. What if you’re out of breadcrumbs? No worries! You can easily swap them out for panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or even some almond flour if you’re keeping it low-carb. And how do you know when your Parmesan Baked Shrimp is perfectly done? Keep an eye on them! They cook super fast. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque, and that Parmesan coating should be a lovely golden brown and bubbly. A quick toothpick test in the center of a shrimp is also a good indicator – it should slide in easily. Just don’t overcook them, or they can get a bit tough!
Nutritional Estimate for Parmesan Baked Shrimp
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Parmesan Baked Shrimp is an estimate, okay? It really depends on the specific brands you use and even how much of that cheesy coating actually sticks! But generally, it’s a pretty light and healthy option, especially if you serve it with some veggies. It’s not meant to be exact science, just a little helpful guide!
Share Your Parmesan Baked Shrimp Creation
I absolutely LOVE seeing your creations! If you make this Parmesan Baked Shrimp, please snap a pic and tag me, or leave a comment below telling me how it turned out. Did you try adding the red pepper flakes? Did you serve it over pasta? I’m always looking for new ideas and hearing your feedback makes my day!
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Parmesan Baked Shrimp: Amazing 20-Minute Meal
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Parmesan Baked Shrimp is a simple and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp coated in a savory Parmesan cheese mixture and baked until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp in a medium bowl and toss to coat.
- Add the Parmesan mixture to the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through and the Parmesan coating is golden.
Notes
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Parmesan Baked Shrimp, baked shrimp, shrimp recipe, easy shrimp, cheesy shrimp