There is something truly delightful about Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a crispy, flavorful seafood treat. This dish brings together perfectly butterflied shrimp coated in a golden, parmesan-infused breadcrumb crust that bakes up wonderfully crunchy without the mess of frying. Whether you’re serving it as a quick appetizer or a main dish, it’s guaranteed to impress with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. The balance of garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon ensures every bite is bursting with warmth and zest, making it a go-to recipe you’ll find yourself craving time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating that unbeatable texture and flavor. From the fresh shrimp to the crispy panko and the sharp Parmesan, these essentials come together to build layers of taste that are perfectly balanced.
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied: Butterflying ensures even cooking and allows the coating to cling deliciously.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These provide the signature light, crunchy exterior without any heaviness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to moisten the breadcrumb mix, making it beautifully golden when baked.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, savory depth to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky sweetness and inviting color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the perfect binder for the coating to stick firmly to the shrimp.
- Cooking spray: Keeps the shrimp from sticking and helps achieve an even crispness.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Provide a fresh, bright finish that lightens the dish beautifully.
How to Make Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). While the oven reaches the perfect temperature, make sure those shrimp are peeled, deveined, and butterflied evenly—this step is key to ensuring they cook uniformly and get that lovely, crisp coating on every bit of surface.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine your panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Then drizzle the olive oil over this mix and stir it all together. This little trick with the olive oil makes the coating golden and crispy rather than dry and dull.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Next, beat your eggs in a separate bowl—the easy glue that helps your coating stick. Dip each butterflied shrimp into the beaten eggs, then firmly press it into the breadcrumb mixture to make sure every nook and cranny is covered. Lay the coated shrimp out on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Give the tops a light mist with cooking spray to promote that crunchy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your shrimp into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown and the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. For an extra crispy finish, feel free to broil them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes—just keep an eye to avoid burning.
How to Serve Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your shrimp experience from great to unforgettable. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a tangy pop, while chopped parsley lends a refreshing herbaceous note and a burst of color that makes the dish visually inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this shrimp with simple sides to let its crunch and flavor shine. A crisp green salad, garlic roasted vegetables, or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs work beautifully. For those feeling indulgent, creamy coleslaw or a zesty corn salad adds texture and personality to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe on a wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe, or arrange them neatly on a white ceramic dish for a dinner party. Add small bowls of cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli on the side to let guests customize each bite. You can even skewer the shrimp for a fun appetizer twist at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed as soon as possible to keep that crisp texture and succulent shrimp inside.
Freezing
For freezing, it’s best to place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet first and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to enjoy your Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe later with minimal texture loss. Frozen shrimp can be kept for up to 1 month.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crunch. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy and the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the coating soggy. Butterflying after thawing is best for even cooking and an ideal crust.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer a similar crispy texture that works wonderfully for coating shrimp.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, a finely grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can be a delicious substitute that keeps the cheesy, savory depth. You may want to adjust the quantity according to taste.
How do I know when the shrimp are done baking?
The shrimp should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch, and the coating golden brown. This usually happens around the 10-12 minute mark at 425°F. Overcooking will dry out the shrimp, so keep an eye on them!
Can I make the coating spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture to kick the heat up a notch. You’ll get a nice balance of spicy crunch that pairs beautifully with the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive recipe, Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is your new secret weapon. It’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, all while being simple enough to whip up on any weeknight. Try it yourself and watch it quickly become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again!
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Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful seafood appetizer that’s quick and simple to prepare. Featuring large shrimp coated in a seasoned blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, these shrimp are baked to golden perfection and make a perfect starter or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- cooking spray
Garnish (Optional)
- lemon wedges
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and stir well to evenly coat the crumbs with oil for crispier texture.
- Prepare Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth to use as the binding agent for the shrimp coating.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dip each butterflied shrimp first into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to each shrimp.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated shrimp on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the shrimp turn opaque and the coating becomes golden and crisp. Optionally, for extra crunch, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired. Accompany with your favorite dipping sauce such as cocktail, tartar, or spicy aioli.
Notes
- Butterfly the shrimp evenly so they all cook uniformly.
- For maximum crispiness, broil the shrimp for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- Pair this appetizer with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or a spicy aioli for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
