Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe for a Flavorful, Elegant Meal

Looking for a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor? Baked shrimp scampi delivers the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, making it a go-to recipe for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal.

Unlike traditional shrimp scampi, which is cooked on the stovetop, this oven-baked version requires minimal effort while still achieving that irresistible golden crust. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 2 pounds shrimp (12 to 15 per pound), peeled, deveined, and butterflied (tails on)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons dry white wine

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Butter Topping:

• 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)

• ¼ cup minced shallots

• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 extra-large egg yolk

• ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style dried bread flakes)

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to ensure a hot and even bake.

2. Marinate the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, white wine, salt, and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while preparing the garlic butter mixture.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

4. Arrange the Shrimp

Using a 14-inch oval baking dish or gratin dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer, cut side down, tails up and curled toward the center. Pour any remaining marinade over the shrimp.

5. Add the Butter Topping

Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well coated.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the shrimp are hot and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier topping, broil for 1 minute until golden brown.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately. Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, high-quality shrimp enhance the dish's flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

• Choose the Right Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio adds depth without overpowering the dish.

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly watch closely to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

The Bottom Line

This baked shrimp scampi is a flavorful, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you're serving it for a special dinner or a casual meal, the combination of buttery garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon zest makes every bite irresistible.

Try this recipe and bring a touch of Mediterranean magic to your table! Share this with a seafood lover, or subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.