Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet fuss-free seafood dish, Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp is destined to become a new household favorite. This recipe packs together sweet, tender shrimp with a garlicky, herby marinade and a blanket of golden, nutty Parmesan, all roasted to juicy perfection. Whether you’re entertaining guests or making a quick weeknight dinner, this dish absolutely delivers on flavor, elegance, and that irresistible crunch – all with minimal effort and a handful of ingredients you probably have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp recipe is how it lets each ingredient shine. A few pantry staples, fresh shrimp, and zesty aromatics mingle together to create something magical and mouthwatering. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the shrimp absorb all the bold flavors.
• Garlic cloves (minced or pressed): Fresh garlic is key for that deep, aromatic punch.
• Dried oregano: Delivers earthy herbal notes that complement seafood beautifully.
• Dried basil: Adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of brightness.
• Kosher salt: Essential for drawing out the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Gives just the right touch of heat and balance.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Brings a fresh citrus lift and adds eye-catching color.
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined (2 pounds): The star of the show; big, juicy shrimp work best here.
• Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Provides that golden, savory crust and unmistakable cheese flavor.
• Chopped flat Italian parsley (2 tbs., for garnish): Adds a final burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by combining the olive oil, garlic, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Once you’ve created this aromatic marinade, add in your shrimp and gently toss them so every piece gets nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pop it in the fridge, and let those flavors soak in for at least one hour (but if you can spare up to three hours, even better). The marinade will make all the difference, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

While your shrimp are soaking up those vibrant flavors, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F. You want the heat nice and steady so the shrimp roast quickly and stay tender inside.

Step 3: Toss with Parmesan

Once you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the grated Parmesan right into the bowl with the marinated shrimp. Toss everything together so the cheese clings to each shrimp, promising that beautiful golden finish.

Step 4: Arrange and Roast

Pour the coated shrimp onto a 13×9 Pyrex dish or a large baking sheet, making sure they’re spread out evenly (crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting). Slide the dish into your hot oven, and let the shrimp roast for about 8 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they curl up, turn a perfect pink, and the Parmesan is lightly golden.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once they’re out of the oven, give the Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp a quick drizzle of extra olive oil and sprinkle over the fresh chopped parsley. This step adds just the right touch of color and herbal freshness to make each bite pop.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Garnishes

Finish your platter with an extra flurry of chopped parsley, a little more fresh lemon zest if you’re a citrus fan, and maybe even a few lemon wedges on the side. A thin drizzle of good olive oil just before serving gives both flavor and a bit of gloss, making your Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp look just as irresistible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish goes well with so many things! Try serving your shrimp over a pile of fluffy rice, alongside crusty bread to soak up the juices, or with a bright green salad for balance. It’s also fantastic next to pasta tossed in a little olive oil and more Parmesan for the ultimate cozy dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, skewer the marinated shrimp and roast them right on the sticks for easy party appetizers. Or, arrange them in little ramekins atop a bed of herbed couscous for individual servings that make any weeknight meal feel special. The Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp can even star in tacos – just pile them into warm tortillas with slaw and a squeeze of lime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days, ready to perk up salads or sandwiches.

Freezing

You can freeze Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp, but for the best texture, freeze them before baking. Just lay the marinated, Parmesan-coated shrimp on a sheet tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop them straight into the oven from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet and warm up in a 350°F oven for 4-5 minutes, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, since shrimp can turn rubbery if reheated too long. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that toasty Parmesan crust intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then pat dry before marinating to ensure they soak up all the flavors and bake evenly.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and melts beautifully onto the shrimp, but pre-grated or even good quality shredded Parmesan will work if you’re in a pinch.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Keep an eye on them; as soon as they turn pink and firm (typically about 8 minutes at 400°F), they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so it’s better to check early.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp contains no gluten ingredients, so it’s naturally safe for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten in their diet.

Can I add a spicy kick?

If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle them over the shrimp before roasting. It gives the dish a subtle, addictive warmth!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp for yourself. It’s the kind of recipe that’s simple enough for busy nights but impressive enough to wow at gatherings. If you’re ready for a new seafood go-to, grab your shrimp and get cooking – I’m sure this one will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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