Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs Recipe

There's something truly magical about the aroma of buttery, garlicky shrimp baking away in the oven. The combination of tender shrimp, golden crunchy bread crumbs, and a bright splash of lemon fills the kitchen with irresistible warmth.

I first tried this baked shrimp scampi when hosting a last-minute dinner party. With just a few pantry staples and some frozen shrimp, I managed to create a showstopping dish that everyone raved about. It's now my go-to recipe when I need something quick, impressive, and absolutely delicious.

This dish checks all the boxes: it's quick, easy, family-friendly, and surprisingly budget-conscious. Plus, the cleanup is minimal — a huge bonus on busy nights! Let's dive into why you'll absolutely adore this Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs.

Why You'll Love This Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs

Get ready to meet your new favorite seafood recipe. This Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs will win you over in no time!

First off, it’s incredibly fast and easy to prepare. With just about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, you can have dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout.

Secondly, it’s budget-friendly. Using frozen shrimp and simple ingredients you likely already have, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank.

Third, the texture is absolutely delightful. The juicy shrimp paired with crunchy, buttery bread crumbs is a match made in culinary heaven.

Lastly, it's highly versatile. Serve it over pasta, with a side of crusty bread, or even spoon it over a fresh green salad. It's a recipe that fits seamlessly into any meal plan.

You'll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for everything from casual weeknights to elegant entertaining.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating a dish that's brimming with flavor and texture.

Shrimp are, of course, the star. I recommend using large, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp work wonderfully—just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

Garlic infuses the dish with a deep, savory aroma. Freshly minced garlic is best here; it delivers a more vibrant, less bitter flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.

Butter adds richness and carries all the other flavors. I prefer using unsalted butter to better control the seasoning of the dish, but if you only have salted on hand, just go lighter on additional salt.

Bread crumbs create that perfect, crunchy topping. Panko bread crumbs are ideal because they stay crispier after baking, but regular bread crumbs will also do the trick.

You'll also need a good lemon for zest and juice, plus some parsley for a fresh, bright finish. No special equipment required beyond a baking dish and a small skillet for preparing the topping.

How To Make This Baked Shrimp Scampi With Bread Crumbs

Creating this irresistible Baked Shrimp Scampi with Bread Crumbs is easier than you might think. Let me guide you through the steps!

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray.

In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the bread crumbs, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Spread the shrimp out in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Spoon the buttery bread crumb mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is generously topped.

Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque, and the topping is golden and crispy. If you'd like extra crunch, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes — just watch closely to prevent burning.

From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the kitchen smells heavenly and the topping is beautifully golden.

Storage Options

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining baked shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread crumbs may lose some crispness, but the flavor remains fabulous.

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the topping a bit, compared to microwaving, which can make it soggy.

While you technically can freeze this dish, I don't recommend it. The texture of the shrimp and bread crumbs suffers after freezing and thawing.

If you do plan to make it ahead, prep the dish (up to the baking stage), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your tastes or pantry situation.

Swap out the shrimp for scallops or a firm white fish like cod or haddock for a delightful twist.

If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter when sautéing the garlic.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Basil, thyme, or chives would all add a lovely freshness.

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute gluten-free bread crumbs without compromising the crunch.

You can also make it even more decadent by adding a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture before baking.

Don't be afraid to make it your own. Once you master the basics, this dish becomes a fantastic template for all kinds of seafood deliciousness!

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