Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Bake
Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp
½ cup butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp thyme
Steps:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Spread shrimp in the dish.
Mix butter, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and cayenne; cover shrimp.
Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Serve with toasted bread for dipping.
What bread would you pair with this? Baguette or sourdough?
#ShrimpDipBake
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect bake every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for the topping to adhere. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared dish. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and cayenne pepper. Stir until it forms a crumbly, wet mixture. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece gets a good coating. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the topping is golden and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful bake is best served immediately. For the ultimate experience, spoon the shrimp and buttery sauce over a bed of cooked pasta, rice, or creamy polenta to soak up all the delicious juices. As mentioned, toasted bread is essential for dipping. A crusty baguette offers a classic, crisp contrast, while a tangy sourdough provides a wonderful flavor complexity that cuts through the richness. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Dry the shrimp, arrange in a dish, top with a butter-breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve hot with bread for dipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them extremely dry to avoid a watery bake.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Simply omit the cayenne pepper or reduce it to a ¼ teaspoon. The garlic and Parmesan provide plenty of flavor.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for a few hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What’s a good substitute for breadcrumbs? Panko breadcrumbs will give an extra crispy, airy topping. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
How do I know when the shrimp are done? The shrimp will turn from gray and translucent to pink and opaque, and will curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wet shrimp: Not drying the shrimp leads to a soggy topping.
- Overcrowding the dish: Shrimp should be in a single layer for even cooking.
- Overbaking: Shrimp cook quickly. Set a timer and check at 18 minutes to prevent toughness.
- Using pre-minced jarred garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a far superior, brighter flavor.
- Skipping the toast: The sauce is the best part! Having bread or another starch to soak it up is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a spectacularly flavorful and impressive dish. With its crispy, cheesy topping and garlic-infused butter sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll master this recipe with ease. Don’t forget the crusty bread to complete the experience!
