Ready to elevate a classic shrimp scampi? This restaurant-style Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi comes together in under 15 minutes and is loaded with rich, buttery, garlicky flavor. The oven cooks the shrimp perfectly while a golden, garlicky parmesan breadcrumb topping adds irresistible crunch.
I love updating and improving family favorites, and this crunchy oven-baked version is a simple, elegant twist on traditional scampi. A quick bake finishes the shrimp just right, and a buttery Panko-Parmesan crust gives every bite a satisfying texture that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Serve it as an appetizer or a light main with a salad, garlic bread, pasta, or rice. The result is crunchy, buttery, and highly addictive — and it’s surprisingly easy to make, delivering big flavors from a single skillet or baking dish.
Why this Recipe Works
Shrimp cooks quickly and takes on flavor readily, which makes it an ideal protein for fast weeknight meals or effortless entertaining. Baking the shrimp in a hot oven cooks them evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking when compared with stovetop methods, while the breadcrumb topping crisps up under the broiler to add contrast to the tender shrimp below.
This method keeps the shrimp juicy and bright with lemon while the butter, garlic and Parmesan create the familiar scampi profile. The technique is reliable, adaptable, and excellent for scaling up when feeding a group.
What Goes into this Recipe
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, tails on or off depending on preference.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko for an extra-crisp topping.
- Aromatics: Fresh garlic and minced shallot for savory depth.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for bright acidity.
- White wine: A splash for classic scampi flavor (can be swapped with chicken broth or extra lemon juice).
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes for balance and heat.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan for savory richness.
- Butter: Melted butter to coat the shrimp and moisten the breadcrumb topping.
See the recipe card below for detailed measurements and the full ingredient list.
How To Make
- Preheat: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the shrimp: In a skillet or shallow baking dish, combine shrimp, lemon juice, white wine, minced shallot, 2 tablespoons melted butter, salt and pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with Panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes and about two tablespoons chopped parsley.
- Assemble: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer if possible. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the shrimp so each piece gets a crispy coating.
- Bake then broil: Bake for about 12 minutes, until the shrimp are just cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1–2 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp — watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with the remaining parsley, squeeze on a little extra lemon juice, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
This crispy baked shrimp scampi is versatile. Serve it over pasta, with steamed rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. It also works well as a shareable appetizer.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, pat dry, and proceed with the recipe. Drying the shrimp well helps the topping adhere and ensures even baking.
Substitute chicken broth or a little extra lemon juice. Both keep bright flavor while providing the liquid needed to coat the shrimp.
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of Panko.
Watch On Video
Video demonstration available for this Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe. Use it to follow the bake and broil steps if you prefer visual guidance.
Crispy Baked Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional — substitute extra lemon juice or chicken stock)
- 1 brown shallot, minced
- 1/3 cup butter, melted, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- Lemon wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a skillet or baking dish, combine shrimp, lemon juice, white wine, shallot, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat.
- OPTIONAL: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer starting from the outer edge toward the center of the dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining melted butter with breadcrumbs, garlic, Parmesan, red pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 12 minutes, or until hot and the shrimp are just cooked through. Change the oven to broil and broil 1–2 minutes until the topping is crispy and golden; watch carefully.
- Garnish with the remaining parsley, squeeze on a little extra lemon juice, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 5 g |
Protein: 32 g |
Fat: 12 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.