Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe

If you are craving a seafood dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and an irresistible crunch, the Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy shrimp with the toasty crispness of panko, all kissed by plenty of garlicky goodness and a fresh squeeze of lemon that wakes up your taste buds. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flair without demanding a ton of time or complicated techniques, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. You’ll appreciate how each component—garlic, butter, panko breadcrumbs, and lemon—works together to create a harmonious and vibrant dish.

• Raw shrimp, peeled and de-veined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp to ensure tenderness and a sweet seafood flavor.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Loads of garlic infuses the dish with rich, savory warmth that shrimp naturally loves.
• White wine: A splash adds delicate acidity and depth, lifting all the flavors.
• Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Melted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps the panko breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully.
• Panko bread crumbs: The secret to that satisfying golden crunch topping that contrasts the tender shrimp.
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice: Brightens and balances every bite with a refreshing citrus zing.
• Fresh Italian-leaf parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note at the very end.

How to Make Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Shrimp

Begin by heating your oven to a sizzling 425°F to ensure your shrimp cooks quickly and evenly, locking in moisture. Toss the shrimp with minced garlic and white wine, which not only imparts incredible aromatic flavor but also lightly marinates the shrimp, giving it a subtle tang and complexity before baking.

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Spread your shrimp out in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish for even cooking, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper. The seasoning steps are crucial because they enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp, ensuring every bite sings with flavor.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Panko for Topping

Mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs until the crumbs soak up that buttery richness. This mixture forms the crowning glory of your dish—giving you that addictive texture contrast between crisp topping and tender shrimp nestled beneath. Evenly sprinkle the panko mixture over the shrimp layer for consistent crunch across the dish.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Bake your shrimp for about 7 minutes until they start turning pink and juicy. Then switch your oven to the high broil setting to toast the panko topping to a picture-perfect golden brown. Keep a close eye in these final minutes to avoid burning while achieving that irresistibly crisp top.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Right after removing the shrimp from the oven, drizzle the freshly-squeezed lemon juice all over. This bright, zesty splash wakes up the dish and cuts through the richness. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish that tantalizes both the eyes and palate.

How to Serve Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra wedge of lemon on the side are classic finishes. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle kick or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the richness even more. These easy touches create a stunning presentation and enhance every mouthful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all those flavorful juices. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad or oven-roasted vegetables with a hint of lemon to complement the shrimp’s brightness without overpowering it. Garlic bread also makes an incredible side to mop up every last bit of panko and butter goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or casual get-togethers, arrange the shrimp on a large platter garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs for an impressive display. You can also serve the shrimp on toasted baguette slices or even toss them over a bed of pasta for an easy, elegant meal. The Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe offers plenty of versatility to suit your mood and occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The shrimp retains its flavor well but is best enjoyed within this time frame to avoid losing that delightful crispy topping texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover shrimp, be aware that the panko topping might lose some of its crunch after thawing. If you decide to freeze, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To revive the crispy topping and keep shrimp moist, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving whenever possible, as it tends to make the panko soggy and shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and baking to ensure proper texture and even cooking.

Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?

White wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with chicken broth or even water with a splash of white wine vinegar for similar tang.

How do I make the panko topping extra crispy?

Mixing the panko with melted butter is key, and finishing under the broiler for those last few minutes to toast the crumbs achieves that perfect crunch.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! Fresh thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of paprika can add exciting flavor variations that still work beautifully with the garlicky shrimp.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Keep a close eye during baking and broiling, as shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if left too long. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Final Thoughts

This Garlicky Baked Shrimp with Panko and Lemon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s fuss-free, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted by how simple ingredients come together to create something utterly delicious and memorable.

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