Name: Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce (Prawns)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 500 g jumbo prawns/shrimp (peeled and deveined); 3/4 cup dry white wine (sub chicken broth if necessary); 75 g unsalted butter (melted); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup parmesan (finely shredded); 1/4 tsp salt; 1.5 tbsp olive oil; finely chopped parsley; lemon

Introduction to Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce

Why homemade Crunchy Baked Shrimp is a game changer for young professionals

As young professionals juggling a busy lifestyle, finding quick yet delightful meals can often feel like a daunting task. Enter Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce! This dish is not just a culinary delight; it’s a game changer for those of us pressed for time yet craving sumptuous flavors.

Imagine coming home after a long day and whipping up a meal that not only takes under 30 minutes to prepare but also looks and tastes like it’s been crafted in a high-end restaurant kitchen. Using simple ingredients like jumbo shrimp, garlic, and a dash of lemon juice, this recipe allows you to indulge without exhausting your energy.

Furthermore, baking the shrimp to crispy perfection eliminates the need for heavy frying, making this dish both scrumptious and slightly healthier. You can even pair it with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up that rich garlic butter sauce. Not only does it satisfy your hunger, but it also makes for a delightful meal prep option for the week ahead.

Ready to impress yourself and maybe even some friends? Let’s dive into this incredibly simple yet stunning recipe! For more inspiration, check out these easy shrimp recipes.

Ingredients for Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce

Fresh Shrimp Selection

For the star of our dish, it's best to choose jumbo shrimp or prawns—they provide a satisfying bite when baked! Freshness is key, so look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean smell. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

Essential Ingredients for the Sauce

To whip up your garlic butter sauce, you’ll need just a few staples:

Unsalted butter: For that rich, creamy base, you'll use about 5 tablespoons, melted.
Lemon juice: Adds just the right zing—2 tablespoons will do!
Garlic: Freshly minced, of course—3 cloves, to maximize flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring all the flavors come together beautifully.

Crunchy Topping Ingredients

The crunch is what makes this dish so special! For the topping, gather:

Panko breadcrumbs: These larger crumbs create an amazing crispy texture—¾ cup should suffice.
Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded for a touch of savory depth—¼ cup is just right.
Olive oil and salt: A little oil (1.5 tablespoons) will help your topping crisp up beautifully, while a pinch of salt enhances flavor.

This combination will elevate your dish and make it a winner at any table! For extra tips on preparing shrimp, check out this seafood guide.

Step-by-step Preparation of Crunchy Baked Shrimp

Preparing your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Follow these steps to ensure your dish turns out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible!

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (430°F). This is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch on your shrimp. While the oven heats up, grab a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and pour in approximately ¾ cup of chicken broth and half of your melted unsalted butter. Pop this dish into the oven for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify, setting a delicious base for your shrimp.

Combine Shrimp with Sauce Ingredients

Next, it’s time to prepare the shrimp. In a mixing bowl, combine your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together—this step is vital as it ensures each shrimp is coated with the rich, buttery goodness. If the butter hardens slightly, don’t sweat it; it will melt again in the oven!

Mix the Crunchy Topping Ingredients

Now for the best part—creating that crunchy topping which elevates this dish to the next level! In a separate bowl, mix together ¾ cup of panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt, drizzled with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. This mixture should be crumbly yet cohesive, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Assemble the Shrimp in the Baking Dish

Once the oven timer beeps and your sauce has simmered, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Take the shrimp mixture and evenly distribute it over the reduced sauce in the dish, ensuring they are in a single layer (but snugly packed). Now, sprinkle your crunchy topping generously over the shrimp. This will create that gorgeous crust we all love.

Bake and Broil to Perfection

Bake your assembled dish for about 12 minutes. After that, switch on your broiler (grill) to high for an additional 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as the crumbs can brown quickly! When you see that beautiful golden color forming, it’s time to pull the dish from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread. This is key for soaking up that delicious sauce!

With these straightforward steps, your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce will be a hit at your next gathering—perfect for impressing friends and family alike! If you're curious about more shrimp or seafood recipes, check out Seafood Health Facts for additional ideas and tips.

Variations on Crunchy Baked Shrimp

Shrimp in a Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce

If you’re itching for a little heat, try adding some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce. The spice perfectly complements the garlic butter, creating a delightful contrast that’ll tantalize your taste buds. You can even experiment with spicy marinades before baking to amp up the flavor profile.

Coconut-Crusted Baked Shrimp Alternative

For a tropical twist, consider using shredded coconut instead of breadcrumbs for a coconut-crusted baked shrimp variation. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a unique texture, making it a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Just remember to adjust your cooking time slightly—keeping an eye on them until they reach that perfect golden brown!

Feel free to explore these variations and find the one that speaks to you! Happy cooking!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Crunchy Baked Shrimp

Best practices for achieving the perfect crunch

To ensure your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce comes out perfectly crispy, the key lies in using panko breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, airier texture that lends itself beautifully to that sought-after crunch. Make sure to toss your shrimp with sufficient olive oil and butter before adding the topping; this will help the breadcrumbs toast up nicely in the oven. Broiling them for the last couple of minutes is another secret—just keep a close watch to prevent burning!

Ingredient substitutions for dietary needs

If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can easily substitute the dry white wine with chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic option. For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan butter and almond cheese instead of parmesan. Even the shrimp can be swapped with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. The flavor profile will change slightly, but these alternatives can be delicious in their own right.

Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Baked Shrimp

Ideal side dishes to complement the shrimp

Pair your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce with a light and refreshing salad, like a classic Caesar or a citrusy mixed green salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes also work beautifully, balancing the rich flavors of the shrimp. For a cozy vibe, serve with crusty bread perfect for soaking up the delectable garlic butter sauce!

Creative ways to serve leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret! Transform them into a scrumptious shrimp po' boy by placing the shrimp in a toasted sub roll and adding crispy lettuce and a drizzle of remoulade. Alternatively, mix them into a delightful pasta dish — just toss with some olive oil, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes to create a quick meal. Embrace your culinary creativity!

Time Breakdown for Crunchy Baked Shrimp

Preparation time

Getting started on your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is a breeze! You'll only need about 10 minutes to gather your ingredients, peel the shrimp, and mix the flavorful toppings.

Cooking time

Once you're prepped and ready, the actual cooking will take about 15 minutes. This includes baking the shrimp to perfection and adding that crunchy topping to give it a delightful texture.

Total time

For this delicious dish, you’re looking at a total time of 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive yet simple.

Perfect timing for a delicious dinner! If you're curious about more quick and scrumptious seafood recipes, check out Seafood Nutrition for inspiration.

Nutritional Facts for Crunchy Baked Shrimp

Calories per serving

Dive into this Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce delight with just 390 calories per serving. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to indulge without overindulging!

Protein content

Packed with flavor, this dish brings 30 grams of protein to your plate, making it a satisfying choice for a dinner meal. Shrimp is a lean source of protein, perfect for muscle repair and overall health.

Sodium levels

Be mindful of the sodium levels, coming in at 1594 mg per serving. While it adds delicious flavor, it's wise to pair this dish with low-sodium sides or fresh vegetables to balance your meal.

For more tips on healthy shrimp dishes, check out the American Heart Association, and explore how to integrate them into a balanced diet! Enjoy your cooking experience!

FAQs about Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen shrimp for this delightful Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain off any excess liquid before using. This prevents the dish from becoming too watery, ensuring that you still get that fantastic crunch from the breadcrumb topping.

What's the best way to store leftovers?

If you have any leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal taste, try to consume them within 1-2 days. To reheat, you can pop the shrimp back in the oven to regain that crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave as it can make the shrimp soggy.

How can I make the sauce gluten-free?

To ensure your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is gluten-free, simply substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or ground almonds. This swap will give you that delightful crunch without any gluten! Always check your other ingredients, like butter, to ensure they're marked gluten-free, too.

For more tips on adapting recipes, check out Gluten-Free Living. Happy cooking!

Conclusion on Crunchy Baked Shrimp

In summary, our Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce brings a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely impress your friends and family. Whether served as an impressive appetizer or a hearty main dish, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!

For a more detailed guide, don't forget to check out our full recipe on RecipeTin Eats.