There is nothing quite like the crunchy, flavorful delight of shrimp done right, and this Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe hits every mark perfectly. Picture golden, crispy shrimp that are tender inside, coated in a perfect blend of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then baked until just right. This recipe manages to take a classic favorite and transform it into a foolproof, healthier version that you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a tasty seafood treat, this easy recipe promises satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role in creating texture, taste, and even a bit of visual appeal. From the crunch of panko to the richness of Parmesan and the subtle seasoning accents, these simple components come together beautifully to make this dish shine.
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and butterflied): The star of the dish, offering tender meat that cooks quickly and beautifully.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the egg wash stick and gives a light initial coating for crispiness.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a binder for the breadcrumb mixture to cling to the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides a wonderfully light and airy crunch that’s much better than regular breadcrumbs.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a slight nuttiness to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the shrimp with subtle aromatic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth and a lovely hint of color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of spicy bite.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the shrimp crisp up nicely in the oven without sticking.
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for serving (optional): Provide fresh brightness and a pop of color to finish the plate.
How to Make Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Shrimp
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with foil so the shrimp won’t stick. Pat the butterflied shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is key for ensuring your coating adheres properly and crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Organize three shallow bowls for an assembly line effect: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of panko, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will make the breading process both seamless and mess-free.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Take each shrimp and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to completely coat, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so each piece is fully covered. This triple-step ensures a crisp, flavorful crust with every single shrimp.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Place your beautifully breaded shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Give the tops a light spray with nonstick cooking spray — this little trick helps achieve that irresistible golden crisp. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. You’ll know they’re perfect when the coating is golden and the shrimp are opaque and firm to the touch.
How to Serve Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. The zestiness from lemon perfectly balances the crispy, savory coating and adds a fresh, vibrant lift to every bite.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with light sides such as a crunchy green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic butter rice. Classic dipping sauces like cocktail sauce, tartar, or garlic aioli amplify the experience and make your meal feel special and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe on skewers for a fun appetizer twist or nestle them atop a bed of creamy risotto or crispy noodles for a main course with a gourmet flair. Adding microgreens or edible flowers can also transform the plate into a stunning presentation perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 2 days and can quickly be reheated while retaining most of their crispiness if done right.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents clumping so you can thaw exactly the amount you need. Frozen baked butterfly shrimp keep well for about 1 month.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method preserves the crisp crust better than microwaving, helping each bite stay tasty and crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before you start breading. Removing excess moisture is crucial for a crispy coating in the Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Many brands offer gluten-free panko that work perfectly, maintaining that essential crunch without gluten worries.
Can I add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture?
Of course! Feel free to experiment. Adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried herbs like oregano or thyme can add exciting new dimensions to the flavor.
What’s the best sauce to serve with baked butterfly shrimp?
Classic cocktail sauce is always a winner, but garlic aioli, creamy tartar, or even a spicy sriracha mayo all complement the shrimp beautifully and cater to different taste preferences.
Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, the air fryer is a fantastic alternative! Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes for crispy, delicious shrimp with less oil and minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious, fuss-free seafood treat, this Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple, healthy, and utterly satisfying, making it perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining. Give it a try and enjoy that satisfying crunch and bold flavor with every single bite!
Print
Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Easy Baked Butterfly Shrimp offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful seafood option that’s simple to prepare. Coated in a savory blend of panko, Parmesan, and spices, these shrimp are baked to golden perfection, making them perfect as an appetizer or main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and butterflied)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking and Serving
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with foil to prevent sticking.
- Dry the shrimp: Pat the butterflied shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly during breading.
- Set up breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and in the third bowl mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread the shrimp: Dredge each shrimp first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating gently onto the shrimp to ensure it sticks well.
- Arrange shrimp on baking sheet: Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake the shrimp: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through the cooking time. The shrimp should turn golden, crispy, and be cooked through.
- Optional broiling for extra crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, broil the shrimp for the last 1 to 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. These shrimp pair wonderfully with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the shrimp for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- These shrimp are great served with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or garlic aioli.
- You can also cook these shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a quicker alternative.
