Craving a quick weeknight dinner that’s also a family favorite? Try baked garlic parmesan shrimp, an easy homemade recipe featuring succulent shrimp, rich parmesan, and savory garlic – Save for later

Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the succulence of shrimp, the depth of garlic, and the richness of parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection with minimal effort. This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will elevate your weeknight dinners or impress your guests at any gathering. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the use of everyday ingredients, making it accessible to anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their culinary repertoire. With its ease of preparation and impressive results, this recipe is perfect for those who want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and shrimp creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious. The ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making this dish highly accessible.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing this dish are straightforward and simple, requiring minimal cooking expertise. This makes it perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick, yet impressive meal.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a dish that looks and tastes like it was prepared in a professional kitchen, making it ideal for special occasions or dinner parties.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe include large shrimp, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs such as parsley or thyme. For practical substitutions, you can use different types of cheese like mozzarella or feta if parmesan is not available, and various herbs to change up the flavor profile. The shrimp can be fresh or frozen, thawed according to package instructions. The quality of the ingredients will impact the final taste, so choosing the best you can find will enhance the dish significantly.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your shrimp by peeling and de-veining them if necessary. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat them dry with paper towels, and set them aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add your shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the garlic-parmesan mixture.
3. Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each shrimp to allow for even cooking.
4. Step 4: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 8-12 minutes, or until they are pink and fully cooked. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy top, broil the shrimp for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Consider serving with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad to complement the flavors of the dish.
• Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. They should be opaque and firm to the touch when fully cooked.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the shrimp is 400°F (200°C), and the timing is crucial to prevent overcooking. For medium-sized shrimp, 8-12 minutes is a good benchmark, but this can vary. Look for signs of doneness such as the shrimp turning pink and being opaque and firm to the touch. It’s also important to not overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can affect the cooking time and quality of the final dish.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the parmesan cheese that browns slightly during baking, adding a nice textural element to the softness of the shrimp. To enhance the crunch, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan on top of the shrimp before baking or broil them for a short time at the end. The parsley or thyme added at the end also provides a fresh and herbaceous note to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Marinate the shrimp in the garlic-parmesan mixture for about 30 minutes to an hour before baking for an even deeper flavor.
• Use high-quality parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated is always better than pre-grated.
• Keep the shrimp cold until you’re ready to bake them. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from becoming tough.

Storage Tips

• Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• It’s not recommended to freeze cooked shrimp, but you can freeze the raw shrimp in the garlic-parmesan mixture before baking. Simply thaw and bake as instructed when you’re ready.
• Use glass or plastic containers that are airtight to prevent moisture and other flavors from affecting the shrimp.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a dinner party or as part of a meal train, you can package it in a decorative tin or a microwave-safe container. Add some fresh parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color, and include a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal. You could also include a bottle of wine or some homemade breadsticks for a more elaborate gift.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or some dried basil for an Italian twist.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: In addition to parmesan, consider topping your shrimp with some chopped fresh tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Swap out the shrimp for scallops or chicken breast for a different protein option. You could also use different types of cheese or add some chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your shrimp become tough or rubbery, it’s likely because they were overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time or checking on them more frequently.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan, you can substitute it with another hard cheese like pecorino or romano. For garlic, you could use garlic powder or minced onion as a substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: Undercooked shrimp will be translucent and soft, while overcooked shrimp will be opaque and firm but potentially tough. Adjust your cooking time based on the size and thickness of your shrimp.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? It’s best not to freeze cooked shrimp, but you can freeze raw shrimp in the garlic-parmesan mixture before baking.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re baking a larger quantity of shrimp.

Conclusion

This Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. With its ease of preparation, impressive flavor, and elegant presentation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or as a gift for friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different spices, toppings, and ingredient swaps to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to please and become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the compliments!