Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce

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.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
Chef Ina Garten: “Always finish a dish with fresh lemon zest or juice. It brightens up the flavors and gives the dish a fresh finish.”

Chef Thomas Keller: “When working with shrimp, pat them dry before cooking to help them sear better and absorb more flavor.”

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
A2: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used as substitutes for Parmesan cheese in this recipe. Both have a similar salty, nutty flavor.

Q3: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free option.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: It’s best to bake the shrimp just before serving, but you can prepare the butter sauce and topping ahead of time. Assemble the dish right before baking.

Q5: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
A5: The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Q6: Can I add extra spices to the shrimp?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or paprika for a smoky flavor.

Q7: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A7: Yes, but the texture will be slightly less crispy. Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier topping.

Q8: What type of wine works best for this recipe?
A8: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works best if you want to add a little extra flavor to the sauce.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

Q10: Can I use this recipe for other types of seafood?
A10: Yes! This recipe works well with other seafood like scallops, lobster tails, or even white fish like cod or halibut.

This Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a perfect blend of savory, zesty, and crunchy flavors, making it an irresistible seafood dish. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just looking to add more seafood to your meals, this simple recipe will easily become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!