Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Italian Special
Baked Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful, easy-to-make seafood dish that delivers all the classic garlic-butter goodness of traditional shrimp scampi with the convenience of oven baking. Tender shrimp are baked in a luscious, aromatic sauce made with butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine, lemon, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Topped with fresh parsley and sometimes Parmesan, it’s a dish that’s both elegant and comforting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time30 min
- Cook Time15 min
- Total Time45 min
Baked Shrimp Scampi Ingredients :
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as desired)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
- Freshly baked bread or crusty baguette (for serving, optional)
How to make Baked Shrimp Scampi :
Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Shrimp:Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches) or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the shrimp are frozen, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture.
Make the Scampi Sauce:In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, white wine, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
Coat the Shrimp:Pour the scampi sauce evenly over the shrimp, tossing them gently to coat all of the shrimp in the flavorful mixture.
Bake the Shrimp:Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
Finish and Serve:Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
Recipe Notes :
Shrimp Size:Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best results. Smaller shrimp can overcook more easily, while large shrimp stay tender and juicy.
Wine:If you don’t want to use wine, chicken broth is a good substitute, though the flavor may be slightly different. If you do use wine, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
Garlic:For an extra punch of garlic flavor, you can sauté the garlic in the butter and oil for 1-2 minutes before pouring it over the shrimp.
Make Ahead:You can prep the shrimp and the scampi sauce in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. If you do this, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Serving Ideas:Baked shrimp scampi pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
