If you’re craving a seafood dish that’s both impressive and wonderfully easy to make, look no further than Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. This recipe brings together tender, juicy shrimp with a crispy, flavorful topping that makes every bite a delight. It’s the perfect way to elevate your appetizer game or add a special touch to dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it will be a new favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture and bold flavor in your Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. From the crunchy panko breadcrumbs to the sharp Parmesan and subtle spices, every component packs a punch.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied with tails on: The star of the dish, shrimp should be fresh and well-prepared for the best results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: Helps the topping crisp up beautifully while adding richness.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides the irresistible crunch that makes this dish so addictive.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic base to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish and adds fresh acidity.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Optional garnish chopped parsley and lemon wedges: For that fresh, finishing touch that looks as great as it tastes.
How to Make Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Shrimp
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This prepares your workspace for the shrimp and ensures nothing sticks, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Your Topping
In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will create that signature crispy crust on your shrimp.
Step 3: Arrange and Season Shrimp
Place each butterflied shrimp open and flat on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. This helps the breadcrumb coating adhere and adds moisture and brightness.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Evenly spoon the breadcrumb mixture over each shrimp, pressing gently so it sticks well. This step ensures you get a generous, crispy layer in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the shrimp for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn pink, become opaque, and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but be sure to watch closely so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove your shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, then serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. This final touch amps up the flavor and presentation beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of green color but also a light, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the shrimp. Lemon wedges are essential to squeeze over the top, providing a zesty contrast that awakens all the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or fluffy rice pilaf. Light, fresh sides balance the crispy shrimp and keep the meal satisfying without feeling heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the shrimp arranged around a large platter with colorful vegetable crudités or alongside a vibrant mango salsa. You could also skewer a few shrimp for easy finger food at parties, making your Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp the star of the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp leftover (though you might not!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness again without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked shrimp. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen shrimp maintain their quality for up to three months, making this recipe a great make-ahead option.
Reheating
To best preserve their crispiness, reheat leftover shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes rather than using the microwave. This method helps keep the breadcrumb topping crunchy and the shrimp tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before butterflying and preparing. This step is key to getting that perfect crispy coating.
What can I substitute for Parmesan if I’m allergic?
You can replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a mild shredded cheese like mozzarella, though the flavor will be less sharp. Adding extra garlic or herbs can boost the taste to make up for the difference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The rest of the recipe stays the same and is just as delicious.
How do I butterfly shrimp correctly?
To butterfy shrimp, slice down the back of the shrimp with a sharp knife without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book. This lays the shrimp flat and allows the coating to stick better while ensuring even cooking.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick that brings an exciting twist to the Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves seafood that’s quick to prepare yet full of flavor and crunch. It’s a dish that impresses guests, satisfies cravings, and never feels complicated. Give it a try soon — your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp recipe is a delicious, crispy, and flavorful appetizer that is simple to prepare. Large shrimp are butterfly-cut, coated with a savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party starter or light meal, this dish combines a delightful crunch with juicy shrimp, enhanced by a hint of lemon juice and optional fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied with tails on
Coating
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Cooking spray (for baking sheet)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley and lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the butterflied shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, laying them flat with tails intact to form a butterfly shape.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the shrimp, then sprinkle the fresh lemon juice on top for brightness and flavor.
- Apply Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly spoon the breadcrumb mixture over each shrimp, gently pressing down so it adheres well to the surface.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and the breadcrumb topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, switch the oven to broil and cook the shrimp for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven, optionally garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or served atop a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
