Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like the magic of garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly baked shrimp coming together in one dish. This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is one of those treasures I’ve made countless times – it s simple, quick, and always impresses. What makes it really stand out is the luscious buttery coating mixed with the zing of lemon and the savory kick from paprika and garlic powder. It s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something a bit special without all the fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the shrimp remains tender and juicy while getting that delightful crispiness from the Parmesan crust. You’ll find that it works beautifully as an appetizer for gatherings or as a main dish paired with a light side. Plus, it s naturally gluten-free and feels indulgent but stays pretty healthy, which I love sharing with friends looking to enjoy great food without heavy guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. Choosing fresh shrimp and quality Parmesan makes all the difference, so if you have the chance, go for good suppliers-it really shines here.

• Shrimp: I recommend buying thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails on-easier to handle and make look pretty.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a game-changer-skip the pre-grated stuff for better melting and flavor.
• Lemon: You’ll need both zest and juice; the zest infuses bright aroma, and the juice adds a fresh finish.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and mild herb flavor that balances richness.
• Paprika: Regular or sweet paprika adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
• Garlic powder: This boosts the garlic flavor evenly without the risk of burning fresh garlic in baking.
• Salted butter: Use real butter for richness and that luscious sauce-the salted kind helps season along the way.

Variations

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe is such a solid base that I often tweak it depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own-there’s room to play here and still end up with something delicious.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes sprinkle red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne in the cheese mixture for extra heat-my family loves it this way on chilly nights.
• Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, I’ve used fresh basil or cilantro to switch up the herb profile and keep things fresh and exciting.
• Dairy-Free Option: For friends who avoid dairy, swapping Parmesan with nutritional yeast and using olive oil instead of butter works surprisingly well.
• Deeper Garlic Flavor: If you re a garlic lover like me, adding finely minced fresh garlic to the butter before dunking the shrimp is heavenly.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Cheese Coating

Start by thawing your shrimp under cold water if they re frozen-this usually takes just a few minutes. Then, be sure to remove any veins by gently loosening them with a knife or shrimp deveiner and pulling out in one piece; this little step makes a huge difference in taste and texture.

While the shrimp dries off, mix your Parmesan cheese with paprika, garlic powder, freshly chopped parsley, and the lemon zest. This blend will be the star crust, so take your time to get a good even mix using a fork.

Step 2: Dunk Shrimp in Butter and Coat

Melt your salted butter-microwave works great here for quick melting. Then, set up an assembly line with shrimp, melted butter, cheese mixture, and your baking sheet (greased or lined with parchment for easy cleanup).

Dunk each shrimp into the butter, then dredge it in the cheese mix, making sure it s thoroughly coated on both sides. Place each shrimp on the pan, tail-up if you like it pretty, and keep going until all are coated. This is a messy but rewarding step-don t rush!

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake your shrimp in a preheated 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The key is to not overcook them; they should be opaque and firm but still juicy. I usually peek in around 8 minutes just to make sure they re not drying out, as ovens can vary.

When they come out, immediately squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for that final bright note that balances all the richness.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley right before serving; it adds freshness and color. A bit of extra lemon wedges on the side never hurts either, especially for anyone who wants a sharper citrus kick.

Side Dishes

For a gluten-free meal, serve the shrimp over fluffy steamed rice or cauliflower rice. If you want to keep things simple and indulgent, crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the buttery sauce. Roasted or sautéed veggies like asparagus or green beans round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found this recipe steals the show when served in individual small cast-iron skillets for dinner guests-warm and inviting right from the oven. You can also pile the shrimp over a bed of fresh greens or serve it alongside zoodles for a low-carb option that feels fancy but is quick to pull together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge up to four days. The key is to keep them separate from any sides so you can reheat them gently without sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing works fine if you want to prep in advance-just freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To keep the crust a bit crispy, I lightly reheat leftovers under a broiler or in a hot oven for just a few minutes instead of microwaving, which can make them rubbery. Add a little butter on top before reheating for extra moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe has become a reliable favorite in my culinary lineup for many reasons-not least because it brings together that unbeatable balance of garlic, cheese, lemon, and buttery shrimp in 45 minutes flat. I encourage you to give it a go; it s the kind of dish you ll happily make again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Trust me, once you taste that crispy cheesy crust paired with tender shrimp, it ll have a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Garlic Parmesan Baked Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 71 reviews

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Seafood
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a savory blend of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, lemon zest, and fresh parsley, baked to perfection in melted butter. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for serving over rice or with crusty bread for dipping, offering a delightful combination of rich, buttery, and zesty flavors.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 2 pounds raw shrimp, 26/30 count, thawed, peeled and deveined with tails on (preferably Icy Ocean brand)

Cheese Mixture

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika (regular or sweet)
• 1/2 of a lemon (zest only)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped or cut small

Other Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/2 of a lemon (juice only, for serving)
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold running water. Ensure both the inner and outer veins are fully removed by loosening them with a small knife or skewer and pulling them out. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and wash your hands.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture: On a dinner plate, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Rinse and pat dry the lemon, then zest half of it using a zester or grater and add the zest to the cheese mixture. Rinse and dry the parsley, chop it finely, and incorporate it into the cheese blend. Use a fork to mix everything well.
4. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe measuring cup, melt the salted butter to make dipping easier.
5. Coat the Shrimp: Set up an assembly line with shrimp first, then butter, the cheese mixture, and the baking sheet. Dip a few shrimp at a time into the melted butter, holding them by the tail, then dredge them in the cheese mixture, coating both sides completely. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.
6. Bake the Shrimp: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, but still tender.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven, squeeze the juice of the remaining half lemon over the top, and serve immediately. Enjoy over rice for a gluten-free meal or with crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.

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Notes

• Ensure the shrimp is fully deveined for the best texture and taste.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and melting quality.
• For an extra citrusy kick, add more lemon zest or juice according to taste.
• If you prefer spicier shrimp, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within four days.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served over rice; avoid bread if strict gluten avoidance is required.