The inspiration for this delightful baked shrimp recipe came from a memorable work event in Columbus, where I savored a truly exceptional breaded shrimp appetizer served with crostini at a renowned steakhouse. This particular dish, known as Shrimp Dejonghe, boasts a rich history, having been a popular staple in Chicago steakhouses since the turn of the 20th century. It was originally created by the De Jonghe brothers, Belgian immigrants who owned De Jonghe’s Hotel and Restaurant in Chicago. Their culinary innovation resulted in this garlicky, herb-infused casserole, which quickly became one of the earliest and most beloved “Windy City” specialties.

Inspired by its classic flavors and comforting appeal, I was determined to recreate this Easy Breaded Shrimp recipe to share with you all. This dish masterfully blends convenience with gourmet taste, making it incredibly versatile. Whether you choose to serve it as a sophisticated appetizer, a flavorful side dish, or a satisfying main course alongside light pasta or healthy zucchini noodles, its charm is undeniable. You’ll particularly appreciate the beautifully crispy breaded layer that forms on the shrimp, infused with the rich aromas of garlic, shallot, and Italian seasoning, brightened by fresh lemon juice and parsley. A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish, completing this elegant yet simple creation. I personally love presenting this dish in a rustic cast iron skillet or an elegant baking dish, accompanied by toasted crostini, slices of fresh baguette, or crisp crackers. It’s truly a perfect, crowd-pleasing option for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday appetizer table.

If your palate enjoys the exquisite flavors of shrimp, you’ll also adore these other fantastic recipes: this bright and zesty Lemon Shrimp Orzo, the quick and delicious Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe, or this satisfying Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this beloved seafood.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipe

• Effortlessly Easy & Quick for Any Crowd: This easy breaded shrimp recipe is a true time-saver, allowing you to have a delicious dish on the table in under 25 minutes. It relies on simple, readily available ingredients, making the cooking process incredibly straightforward. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing a cozy dinner, this recipe is perfect. It’s an ideal appetizer to complement any holiday meal or can easily be transformed into a satisfying main course. For a simple dinner, I highly recommend serving it alongside a light pasta, a flavorful orzo, or fresh zucchini noodles for a balanced meal. Its speed and simplicity make it a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
• The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer: If you’re searching for a truly show-stopping appetizer that will delight any shrimp lover, look no further! This baked breaded shrimp recipe is an absolute winner for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. The golden, crispy topping and tender, juicy shrimp create a stunning presentation and an irresistible flavor profile that will have your guests asking for the recipe. It pairs wonderfully with slices of crusty baguette or homemade crostini, providing the perfect vehicle for scooping up the flavorful shrimp and its delectable juices.
• Irresistible Flavor and Texture Combination: What sets this recipe apart is its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The plump shrimp are marinated in a fragrant mixture of fresh garlic, shallot, and Italian herbs, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory depth. The zesty lemon juice adds a bright, fresh counterpoint, while a splash of white wine contributes a subtle layer of complexity. The star, however, is the crispy panko breading, which provides a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts with the tender shrimp. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a gourmet experience in every mouthful.

Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Baked Shrimp

For exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, please refer to the full recipe card conveniently located below.

• Shrimp: The quality of your shrimp is paramount to this dish. While you can certainly use any size of raw shrimp, I highly recommend opting for medium or jumbo shrimp. Larger shrimp tend to be more forgiving during baking, retaining more moisture and resulting in a wonderfully tender texture. For optimal presentation and ease of eating, especially when serving with crostini, medium or large shrimp are ideal. I used 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp without the tails, which typically translates to about 31-40 medium-sized shrimp. Ensure they are completely thawed if using frozen, and pat them thoroughly dry before mixing with the other ingredients to prevent a watery sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a non-negotiable ingredient here. It’s not just for brightness and acidity; it also tenderizes the shrimp slightly and enhances all the other flavors in the dish. For an even more intense lemony aroma and flavor, consider adding a pinch of fresh lemon zest to your marinade.
• White Wine: A dry white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, is a fantastic addition to the sauce base. Its crispness complements the seafood and adds a layer of sophistication. It also helps to deglaze the pan slightly and melds the flavors beautifully. If white wine isn’t available or preferred, a dry sherry wine is another traditional and excellent option often used in similar baked shrimp dishes. For an alcohol-free alternative, a good quality chicken or vegetable broth can be used, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
• Italian Seasoning: This versatile seasoning blend is the backbone of the herby flavor in our breaded shrimp. It typically includes a mix of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, all of which marry perfectly with garlic and shrimp. If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend or substitute with other complementary spices like a dash of paprika for color and mild sweetness, a pinch of cayenne red pepper for a subtle kick, or pure dried oregano for an earthy note.
• Garlic & Shallot: These aromatic powerhouses form the delicious base of our shrimp marinade. Freshly minced garlic and finely chopped shallots contribute a depth of savory flavor that permeates the shrimp, making them incredibly irresistible. Avoid using garlic powder or onion powder for the marinade, as fresh ingredients offer a much richer and more nuanced taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous freshness that brightens the entire dish. While dried parsley can be used in a pinch, fresh parsley is highly recommended for its vibrant color and more potent flavor, especially as a garnish. Chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is generally preferred over curly parsley for its stronger flavor.

Ingredients for the Crispy Panko Topping:

• Breadcrumbs: The choice of breadcrumbs significantly impacts the final texture of your breaded shrimp. You have the option of using regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. I personally find that panko breadcrumbs yield a much crispier, lighter, and more airy crunch when baked, which I absolutely adore. However, regular breadcrumbs offer a finer, denser coating that is more traditional for this type of dish. Experiment to see which texture you prefer! For an extra layer of flavor, you can also opt for seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is crucial for the irresistible, slightly cheesy, and savory breading topping. The fine texture of freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and integrates with the breadcrumbs, creating a golden, flavorful crust. While pre-grated Parmesan can be used, freshly grated will always offer superior flavor and meltability.
• Italian Seasoning: Incorporating Italian seasoning into the panko topping further enhances the aromatic profile, tying all the flavors together. This ensures that every part of the dish, from the tender shrimp to the crunchy topping, is infused with delightful Italian herbs.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A touch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and gentle heat to the topping, creating a more complex flavor profile without overpowering the delicate shrimp. You can adjust the amount to your personal preference for spice.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Melted butter is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust. It binds the breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings together, allowing them to evenly coat the shrimp and toast beautifully in the oven, imparting a rich, buttery flavor throughout.

Recipe Variations & Modifications for Customizing Your Shrimp

One of the best things about this easy breaded shrimp recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Cheese Options: While Parmesan cheese offers a classic touch, other cheese options can also work wonderfully in this dish. Consider adding shredded mozzarella for a gooey, melted texture, or tangy goat cheese for a creamy, slightly tart counterpoint. A blend of Italian cheeses could also provide a richer flavor.
• Spice it Up: To explore different flavor profiles, don’t hesitate to mix up the spices. Beyond Italian seasoning, try adding a smoky paprika, a robust Greek seasoning blend for Mediterranean flair, or a pinch of chili powder for an earthy kick. Ground cumin can also add an unexpected, savory depth.
• Make it Spicy: If you crave a more fiery baked shrimp, there are several ways to turn up the heat. A drizzle of sriracha in the marinade or a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the breading can add a significant kick. For a Cajun-style shrimp, swap the Italian seasoning for a good quality Cajun seasoning blend, and add smoked paprika and a larger amount of cayenne pepper. Finely diced jalapeño peppers, baked in with the shrimp, would also be a fantastic addition for fresh heat.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Transform this dish into a Mediterranean delight by incorporating classic regional flavors. Use za’atar or sumac in both the marinade and the topping for an authentic herbal and tangy essence. crumbled feta cheese added to the panko topping will introduce a salty, briny note that pairs beautifully with shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lemon after baking is also a must for this variation.
• Italian Marinara Style: For a comforting Italian twist, layer your marinated shrimp in a baking dish over a bed of your favorite marinara sauce. Bake as directed, then, for the last few minutes, top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend, allowing it to melt and bubble into a golden crust. This creates a rich, saucy dish perfect for serving with crusty bread.
• Herb Variations: Don’t limit yourself to just parsley! Fresh dill adds a bright, slightly anise-like flavor, especially good with lemon. Chopped fresh thyme or oregano can also be incorporated into the marinade for different aromatic notes.
• Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, you can bake the shrimp alongside quick-cooking vegetables like cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or thinly sliced zucchini, allowing them to absorb the delicious garlic-butter sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Breaded Shrimp

Making this delicious breaded shrimp is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly baked, crispy, and flavorful shrimp every time.

Serving Suggestions for Breaded Shrimp

This easy breaded shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various dining occasions. Here are some delicious ideas:

• As an Appetizer: For an elegant starter, serve the shrimp hot directly from the cast iron skillet or a decorative baking dish. Provide plenty of crusty baguette slices, toasted crostini, or your favorite crackers for dipping into the flavorful garlic-butter sauce. Small forks or toothpicks can also be offered for easy serving.
• As a Main Course: To transform this into a satisfying main dish, serve the breaded shrimp over a bed of al dente pasta (like linguine or spaghetti), light and fluffy orzo, or healthy zucchini noodles (zoodles). It also pairs wonderfully with creamy risotto, couscous, or a simple side of white rice.
• Light & Fresh: For a lighter meal, serve the baked shrimp over a crisp green salad, allowing the warm, flavorful juices to create a natural dressing.
• With Sides: Complement the shrimp with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a vibrant medley of roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
• Dipping Sauces: While delicious on its own, you can offer a side of classic marinara sauce, a tangy homemade cocktail sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli for extra dipping pleasure.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Breaded Shrimp

• Pat Shrimp Dry: Before marinating, always pat your shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for two reasons: it allows the marinade to adhere better, and it prevents excess moisture from steaming the shrimp instead of allowing them to get a nice, flavorful sear and prevents a soggy breading.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When baking, ensure the shrimp are spread in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet or baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which makes the shrimp rubbery and prevents the breading from crisping up. If necessary, use two pans.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Aim for them to turn opaque and pink, typically within 8-12 minutes depending on size. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Even Breading: When adding the panko topping, ensure it’s spread evenly over the shrimp for uniform crispness and flavor in every bite.
• Broiler for Extra Crispness: The optional broiling step at the end is a game-changer for a truly golden and extra crispy topping. However, watch it closely, as broilers can brown (and burn!) quickly.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic, shallots, and high-quality lemon juice will significantly impact the depth of flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese also makes a notable difference compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers: If you have any delicious Easy Baked Shrimp remaining, store them promptly in an airtight container. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To best preserve the texture and flavor, reheat your Easy Baked Shrimp slowly in the oven at 300 degrees F (150°C) until thoroughly warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can often make the shrimp rubbery and the breading soft.

Recipe FAQ

While fresh shrimp offer the most vibrant taste and texture, frozen shrimp work perfectly well for this recipe, making it accessible year-round. If you opt for frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before use. The best way to thaw shrimp is overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Once thawed, it’s crucial to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps the marinade adhere better and prevents the shrimp from steaming in the oven, ensuring a tender and flavorful result with a crisp breading.

For this particular Easy Breaded Shrimp recipe, I highly recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp, and yes, removing the tails is generally preferred. While some recipes call for tails-on for presentation, removing them makes the dish much cleaner and easier for your guests to eat, especially when serving as an appetizer with crostini or as a main course mixed with pasta. No one wants to deal with messy tails at the dinner table!

The cooking time for shrimp can vary based on their size. For medium or large shrimp, which are ideal for this recipe, you’ll typically need to bake them for about 8–12 minutes in a 425°F (220°C) oven, until they turn opaque and bright pink. Remember that shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture. The recommended internal temperature for cooked shrimp is 145°F (63°C). A quick way to tell if they’re done is when they curl into a C-shape; if they form an O-shape, they’re likely overcooked.

Absolutely, you can certainly prepare this delicious breaded shrimp recipe on a baking sheet! If you choose this method, I suggest first marinating the shrimp in the garlic, shallot, and lemon mixture in a bowl. Then, lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet before baking in the oven as directed. Keep in mind that you might need to transfer the shrimp to a serving dish for presentation, as a cast iron skillet often offers a more appealing serving vessel directly from the oven.

While the shrimp themselves are best cooked fresh for optimal texture, you can do some prep work in advance. You can mince the garlic and shallots, chop the parsley, and prepare the panko topping mixture (breadcrumbs, Parmesan, seasoning). Store these components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp can also be marinated for up to 30 minutes before baking, but avoid marinating for much longer as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the shrimp and alter their texture.

A cast iron skillet (10-12 inches) is ideal because it retains heat beautifully and can go directly from oven to table, making for a rustic and impressive presentation. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe casserole dish or a sturdy ceramic baking dish of similar size will work perfectly. The key is to ensure the shrimp can spread out in a single layer for even cooking.