crispy baked shrimp recipes
Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipes
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dish, crispy baked shrimp is worth considering. With its golden, crunchy coating and tender shrimp, this recipe strikes a balance between flavor and convenience. You can whip it up in under half an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings or unexpected guests. Plus, the versatility of this dish allows it to shine as either an appetizer or a main course, especially when paired with the right sides. But before you head to the kitchen, let’s explore some essential tips and variations that could elevate your shrimp experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this crispy baked shrimp recipe for its incredible combination of ease and flavor. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and only 25 minutes to cook, making it a quick meal option for busy days. Using frozen shrimp means you can whip this up anytime without hassle. The shrimp are high in protein and low in calories, offering a healthier alternative to fried options. Additionally, the recipe provides healthy fats from olive oil, further enhancing its nutritional value. Seasoned with garlic, lemon, and parmesan, they deliver a rich flavor with a crispy texture thanks to panko breadcrumbs. You can easily customize the recipe with different spices or serve it alongside baked potatoes or salads. This dish fits various dietary needs, making it versatile for any occasion.
History
The crispy baked shrimp recipe you love has roots that trace back through centuries of culinary tradition.
Ancient Egyptians were among the first to deep-fry food, while Greeks and Romans enjoyed shrimp as a delicacy.
In the 16th century, Portuguese cooks deep-fried batter-dipped shrimp, partly due to Catholic dietary rules. This cooking method spread to Japan, influencing their famous tempura, named after fasting days.
In America, especially the South, fried seafood became popular in the early 1900s, and Calabash, North Carolina, gained fame for its fried shrimp.
Techniques have evolved, with modern recipes often featuring Mediterranean flavors and spices, resulting in delicious baked shrimp that you can easily prepare for any meal. This shift towards baking has also allowed health-conscious individuals to enjoy shrimp dishes without the excess oil and calories associated with frying.
Recipe
Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipe
Crispy baked shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of shrimp with a crunchy, flavorful coating. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as an impressive appetizer for a gathering. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can adjust the seasonings and type of breadcrumbs to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a touch of heat or a more traditional flavor profile, this dish can be tailored to fit your palate.
To make crispy baked shrimp, you’ll need only a handful of ingredients that are easily accessible. The key is in the coating, which combines crunchy panko or Italian breadcrumbs with the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese and a blend of seasonings. This dish is not only simple and easy to prepare, but it’s also ideal for family meals; consider making extra due to high demand.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp that are both crispy and tender on the inside, making for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Melted butter or oil
- Cooking sherry or chicken broth (optional)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature guarantees that the shrimp cook evenly while achieving the desired level of crispiness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Stir until well mixed to create an even coating mixture.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the coating mixture. Toss the shrimp until they’re fully coated in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or a light layer of melted butter. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the dish, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded.
- Drizzle melted butter or oil over the top of the shrimp to enhance the crispiness while baking.
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they’re pink and cooked through. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-4 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Extra Tips
For the best results, make sure to choose fresh shrimp that are of good quality.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot pepper sauce over the shrimp before serving.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs or add a splash of Dijon mustard to the coating mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy your delicious crispy baked shrimp!
Final Thoughts
While enjoying crispy baked shrimp, it’s easy to appreciate how this dish not only delivers on flavor but also on texture.
The combination of Italian and Panko breadcrumbs creates a light, crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. By broiling at a high temperature, you guarantee a beautiful golden crust that enhances every bite. Additionally, using Panko breadcrumbs yields a crispier finish compared to traditional options.
You can serve these shrimp as an appetizer or a light meal, pairing them with salads or garlic bread. Don’t forget to add dipping sauces like spicy Cajun or a squeeze of lemon for extra zest.
With quick prep and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this delightful dish in just 25-30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
FAQ
Curious about how to make the perfect crispy baked shrimp? Start by preparing your ingredients, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best results.
Preheat your oven to between 350°F and 425°F, depending on your recipe. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, and sprinkle a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese on top.
For added flavor, drizzle with lemon juice or chicken broth. Bake the shrimp for 12 to 20 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. Additionally, this dish offers a buttery taste without excessive calories, making it a healthy choice.
To enhance the crispiness, broil them for a few minutes at the end. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a delicious finish!
Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipes
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Shrimp peeled and deveined
- Panko breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Melted butter or oil
- Cooking sherry or chicken broth optional
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature guarantees that the shrimp cook evenly while achieving the desired level of crispiness.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, and parsley. Stir until well mixed to create an even coating mixture.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the coating mixture. Toss the shrimp until they're fully coated in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or a light layer of melted butter. Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the dish, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
- Drizzle melted butter or oil over the top of the shrimp to enhance the crispiness while baking.
- Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they're pink and cooked through. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for an additional 2-4 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Extra Tips
- For the best results, make sure to choose fresh shrimp that are of good quality.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot pepper sauce over the shrimp before serving.
- Additionally, you can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs or add a splash of Dijon mustard to the coating mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges and enjoy your delicious crispy baked shrimp!
