Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or the lengthy cooking time? Then look no further! This recipe for baked shrimp scampi delivers all the buttery, garlicky goodness of your favorite seafood dish, but with the added convenience of oven baking. It’s a perfect example of healthy meals that are surprisingly quick to make, ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant recipe, a true champion among easy recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. This simple step ensures your shrimp scampi doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be softened, not browned. This step unlocks the garlic’s delicious flavor, a key element in creating delicious dishes.
Step 3: Add Shrimp & Wine (or Broth)
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. If using, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for a minute, allowing it to reduce slightly. This adds depth of flavor to your scampi.
Step 4: Lemon & Spices
Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember, the best recipes often involve a bit of personal touch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the shrimp mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the shrimp is cooked through. Baking adds a lovely texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your baked shrimp scampi immediately over your favorite pasta (linguine or spaghetti work wonderfully) or with crusty bread for dipping. This dish is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest!
Cooking Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs and garlic make a world of difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a spicier scampi, add more red pepper flakes.
- Add vegetables. For a heartier meal, add some sauteed vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or zucchini to the shrimp mixture before baking.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Boost the lemon flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice and zest.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on pasta/bread choice)
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
This baked shrimp scampi recipe is a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and delicious. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy!