If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, savory flavors and comes together in a flash, then this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp roasted to perfection with a crispy, cheesy coating enhanced by fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, and a hint of smoky paprika. It’s a delightful combination that’s not only simple to make but also makes for an impressive appetizer or main course. Every bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe lies in how just a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly to create such an irresistible dish. Each component plays a key role, from the garlic infusing deep aroma to the Parmesan adding savory richness and the paprika contributing a subtle smoky warmth.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on: Using large shrimp ensures a perfect bite-sized texture that’s juicy and tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This binds the flavors while helping the shrimp roast to a beautiful golden finish.
- 4 garlic cloves minced: Fresh garlic brings a fragrant punch of flavor that’s central to this recipe’s appeal.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds rich, nutty depth and a crispy crust once roasted.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a gentle smoky undertone that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh acidity and cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For a vibrant, herbaceous finish and color contrast.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Adds an interactive citrus element to squeeze over just before eating.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The parchment keeps things tidy and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so each shrimp is evenly coated in this flavorful mixture.
Step 2: Arrange and Roast
Spread the coated shrimp out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing ensures even roasting so every shrimp cooks perfectly. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re proudly pink, curled into a pleasant “C” shape, firm but still juicy, and the Parmesan has developed a lightly golden crust.
Step 3: Finish and Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh herby flavor. For those who love a crispier edge, feel free to broil them for an extra 1-2 minutes before adding the parsley. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges to brighten every bite with a fresh citrus squeeze.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a delicate herbaceous note that balances the richness of the Parmesan and garlic. Lemon wedges are essential too, allowing each person to add a personalized zing that lifts the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe is delightfully versatile with sides. Try it over a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal, toss with pasta and your favorite sauce for a quick dinner, or serve alongside a refreshing green salad for a light yet satisfying option. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp skewered with grilled lemon slices for a party-ready appetizer. You could also pile them atop crostini brushed with garlic butter for an elegant finger-food experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate them into a taco with slaw and avocado for a fresh, vibrant flavor fusion that still honors the Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe’s essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. While the texture may soften a little, the flavors remain delicious, making them perfect for next-day salads or wraps.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp can be tricky as they may become rubbery, but if you want to store the Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can toughen the shrimp. Adding a little fresh lemon juice and parsley after warming brings back some of that just-cooked brightness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before tossing with the marinade to avoid excess moisture and ensure even roasting.
Is it necessary to leave the tails on the shrimp?
Keeping the tails on helps retain moisture and adds a nice presentation touch, especially for serving as an appetizer, but you can remove them if preferred.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Adding crushed red pepper flakes as suggested gives a mild heat, but you can increase the amount or add cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano works well as an alternative. For a dairy-free version, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, though the texture differs.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape but are still firm to the touch. Overcooked shrimp will curl tightly and become rubbery, so keep a close eye during roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who appreciates a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish. It’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions thanks to its simple ingredients and vibrant taste. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to shrimp recipe that always impresses with minimal effort. Don’t wait—grab those shrimp and start roasting!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp is a quick and flavorful appetizer featuring large shrimp coated in a delicious mix of olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon. Roasted to perfection in the oven, this dish is perfectly tender and juicy with a crispy cheesy crust, garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for an added zest.
Ingredients
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Mix Shrimp Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes if using, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange Shrimp on Baking Sheet: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for even roasting.
- Roast Shrimp: Roast the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn pink, firm up, and are cooked through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes after roasting to enhance texture.
- This dish works great as a standalone appetizer or served over pasta, rice, or salad for a fuller meal.
