As a baker, I love experimenting with flavors, but every once in a while, I like to create something that takes me outside the world of dough and into the realm of savory. That’s exactly what I did with this Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp recipe. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dish that’s full of flavor, this is the one for you. It’s not only perfect as an appetizer but also works wonderfully as a main course paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
The magic in these crispy baked shrimp lies in the simple, yet impactful ingredients that transform shrimp into something extraordinary. The crunchy, golden exterior combined with a tender, juicy shrimp inside is truly irresistible. You can make this recipe with minimal effort, and I promise you that the results will impress both your family and guests. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a special gathering, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
The best part about this recipe is that you don’t need to fry the shrimp. Instead, we bake them to get that perfect crunch without all the extra calories. It’s a healthier take on a classic dish that still delivers on taste and texture. The seasoning and coating create an irresistible crust that locks in all the juicy goodness of the shrimp.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and how you can recreate this simple yet mouthwatering recipe in your kitchen.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Bake the Magic Crispy Shrimp
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until it is evenly combined.
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In another shallow dish, beat the two eggs until well mixed.
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Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated, and then transfer them into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp to coat them evenly on all sides.
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Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp for an extra crispy finish.
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Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through.
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Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
How Long to Bake the Shrimp
The cooking time for Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp is quick and straightforward. Since shrimp cook fast, you only need to bake them for about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark, as shrimp can overcook easily. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a golden brown color and are no longer translucent. It’s essential to avoid overbaking the shrimp to ensure they stay juicy and tender inside.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp (though I doubt it!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them as crispy as possible, I recommend reheating them in the oven rather than the microwave. Place them on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
Tips for Perfect Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
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Choose Fresh Shrimp: The quality of shrimp plays a significant role in the outcome of this recipe. Fresh or well-thawed shrimp will give you the best results. Avoid using shrimp that’s been frozen and thawed multiple times.
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Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are key to achieving the perfect crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same level of crunch.
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Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Drizzling the shrimp with olive oil before baking is essential for that golden, crispy finish. It also adds flavor without the need for frying.
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Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your shrimp a nice kick.
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Serve Immediately: These shrimp are at their best when served fresh out of the oven. They make a fantastic appetizer or a main dish paired with a side of salad or rice.
Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp are the perfect combination of crunch and flavor. Coated in a golden breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection, these shrimp make a delicious appetizer or a satisfying main dish. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, they’re guaranteed to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for something savory.
Ingredients
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
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In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix.
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In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until well mixed.
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Dip each shrimp into the eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp to ensure a thorough coating.
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Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the shrimp.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through.
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Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
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For a healthier version, you can use a light spray of olive oil instead of drizzling it.
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You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free alternative.
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These shrimp are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running them under cold water for a few minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating them to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
2. Can I make these shrimp ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy Magic Crispy Baked Shrimp fresh out of the oven, you can prepare them ahead of time. Coat the shrimp and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. When ready, simply bake as directed. If you have leftover shrimp, store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness.
3. Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago. For a non-dairy option, you can use a plant-based Parmesan or omit the cheese altogether. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary slightly.
4. Can I bake these shrimp without the Parmesan?
Yes, you can make the recipe without Parmesan cheese. However, the cheese helps create a crispy and flavorful crust. If you prefer a lighter version, you can simply increase the amount of breadcrumbs or add herbs like oregano or basil for flavor.