If you’re looking for an effortless yet flavorful seafood dish, this Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is the perfect recipe. The shrimp are juicy and tender, baked in a rich, buttery lemon sauce and topped with crispy Parmesan-panko crumbs that add the perfect crunch. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick family meal, this dish comes together in less than 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Butter coats the shrimp and helps create the rich, garlic-infused base for the dish. - Salt and pepper, to taste
Simple seasoning lets the shrimp and garlic butter shine. Be generous with salt, as it enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp. - 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
Choose large shrimp for this recipe. They cook quickly and soak up all the buttery, garlicky goodness. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic brings out a savory, aromatic element that pairs perfectly with butter and shrimp. - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick to balance the rich butter.
For the Topping:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salt helps to season the crispy panko topping, ensuring it’s not bland. - 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a crispy, golden topping. - 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor to the breadcrumb topping and helps it brown to perfection. - 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
Olive oil helps the panko crisp up and gives the topping a light, golden texture.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, and toss them in the butter mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish (preferably 9×13-inch) to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Make the Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and olive oil.
- Stir the mixture until the panko is evenly coated with oil, which will help it crisp up while baking.
Step 4: Top the Shrimp
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp. Be sure to cover each shrimp for that perfect crispy layer.
Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.
- For an extra crispy topping, turn the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve the Shrimp
- Remove from the oven and serve the baked shrimp immediately. Spoon some of the lemon butter sauce from the dish over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make a perfect accompaniment as well.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet with a little extra butter, or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking.
Helpful Notes:
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture will be slightly different.
