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
Scale
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.
