Shrimp Scampi Bake Recipe: A Golden, Buttery Delight Bursting with Flavor
Few dishes can match the indulgent elegance of a Shrimp Scampi Bake — a meal that’s both luxurious and comfortingly simple. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp baked to perfection in a golden garlic-butter sauce, kissed with lemon and herbs, and topped with a delicate layer of crisp breadcrumbs or cheese. This dish is a masterclass in balance — rich yet light, elegant yet easy, impressive yet effortless. Whether you’re hosting guests or craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this Shrimp Scampi Bake is an absolute showstopper that never fails to impress.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
Each ingredient in this Shrimp Scampi Bake plays a key role in achieving that irresistible blend of buttery richness, garlicky aroma, and zesty brightness:
For the Shrimp Scampi Base:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the dish. Large shrimp hold their shape during baking and deliver that satisfying, juicy bite.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – The base of the luxurious sauce that infuses every shrimp with flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – Balances the richness of butter and helps achieve that golden, silky sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The heart of scampi flavor — fragrant, robust, and mouthwatering.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat that enhances the shrimp’s sweetness without overpowering.
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon – Brightens the dish, cutting through the butter and oil with fresh acidity.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and a touch of color.
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs – Provides that crave-worthy crunch on top.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty, savory depth and melts beautifully into the crust.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted) – Helps the topping brown perfectly in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the garlicky flavor throughout.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – A finishing touch of color and freshness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (around 9×13 inches) with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the topping.
Step 3: Make the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, melted butter, and parsley until the mixture looks slightly moist and crumbly. This will become your golden, flavorful crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Pour the marinated shrimp and all its buttery juices into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out evenly so that they cook uniformly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the shrimp, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and tender. Then, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes to give the topping that irresistible golden crisp finish. Watch carefully — it browns fast!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and a light squeeze of lemon juice before serving. The result? A sizzling, aromatic masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Why This Recipe Is Loved
This Shrimp Scampi Bake captures everything people adore about the classic stovetop version — the buttery garlic sauce, the fresh lemon zing, and the tender shrimp — but with the added convenience of baking. It’s:
- Effortless yet elegant, perfect for both weeknights and dinner parties.
- One-pan simplicity, meaning minimal cleanup.
- Bursting with flavor, thanks to the blend of butter, garlic, and lemon.
- Perfectly balanced, with the crunch of breadcrumbs complementing the juicy shrimp.
Each bite delivers a medley of textures and flavors — the buttery sauce coating the shrimp, the slight heat of chili flakes, and the irresistible crisp top layer.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked. This ensures juicy, tender results rather than rubbery shrimp.
- Don’t overbake. Shrimp cook quickly — as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Add wine for depth. For a restaurant-level upgrade, add ¼ cup of dry white wine to the butter mixture before baking.
- Go low-carb. Skip the breadcrumbs and top with extra Parmesan for a keto-friendly Shrimp Scampi Bake.
- Use high-quality butter. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and aroma.
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Serving Suggestions
This Shrimp Scampi Bake is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides:
- Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist.
- Linguine or angel hair pasta for a traditional Italian-inspired dinner.
- Steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh garden salad for lightness.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that lemony butter sauce.
And for the perfect pairing, enjoy it with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
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Conclusion: Golden Perfection in Every Bite
This Shrimp Scampi Bake is everything you love about classic shrimp scampi — the garlic, the butter, the lemon — reimagined in a beautifully baked version that’s easier and even more irresistible. It’s the ultimate fusion of simplicity and sophistication: a dish that takes minimal effort yet delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.
From busy weeknights to elegant dinners, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds — and maybe even the recipe itself. Golden, garlicky, and gloriously delicious, this Shrimp Scampi Bake deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation.
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