Simple Baked Shrimp Scampi

A skillet filled with baked shrimp arranged in a circle, topped with golden breadcrumb mixture and sprinkled with fresh parsley. Lemon wedges and a bowl of chopped herbs are beside the skillet on a light surface.

Treat yourself to restaurant-quality dining at home with our Simple Baked Shrimp Scampi. Featuring tender shrimp and crumbly breadcrumbs, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a tasty meal that brings gourmet flavor to your table with hardly any work!

What Is Scampi?

Before we begin, let’s talk about what exactly scampi is! In most countries, the term refers to pretty much any type of prawn. However, in the United Kingdom, scampi refers to a single type of prawn known as a langoustine. Contrary to popular belief, prawns are not actually shrimp but are instead a type of small lobster. Today, the term is used to refer to a popular dish made with prawns that have been sautéed in garlic and butter.

Therefore, the term shrimp scampi means shrimp lobster and honestly doesn’t make much sense! However, the name is believed to have come about when Italian chefs began preparing traditional scampi in America. Due to the fact that prawns are hard to find, they were replaced with shrimp. Therefore, it is believed the dish was originally referred to as scampi-style shrimp. It was eventually shortened to just shrimp scampi as we know it today.

Whatever the origins, one thing we know for sure is that we can’t get enough of this dish!

Simple Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

Thought of as a complicated and decadent recipe, baked shrimp scampi actually comes together easily with simple ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

Shrimp – Large shrimp work finest. Opt for shrimp with the tail left on — it will add more flavor to the dish.
Melted Butter – This is used for extra richness and to help create crackly, golden-brown breadcrumbs.
Olive Oil – Due to the fact that there are such few ingredients, splurging for high-quality olive oil will be key to creating the absolute finest flavor.
Garlic and Shallot – When combined, the unique flavors of garlic and shallot form the irresistible base of this scampi sauce, permeating the rest of the ingredients with depth and flavor.
Herbs & Seasonings – To keep this baked shrimp scampi light yet flavorful, we included a handful of fresh herbs and spices, including Italian parsley, cilantro, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Lemon Juice and Zest – This helps cut through the heaviness of the oil and cheese, providing a light flavor and refreshing taste.
Breadcrumbs – Technically, you can use any breadcrumbs you have on hand. However, we’ve found that panko breadcrumbs work finest to create a crackly, crumbly texture.
Cheese – Fresh grated Parmesan cheese is the final touch to bring out the flavors of the rest of the ingredients, creating the standout comfort food.

A tray with bowls of chopped red onion, minced garlic, lemon zest, grated cheese, chopped parsley, oil, and spices. Nearby are a bowl of breadcrumbs and a measuring cup with butter on a light countertop.

Raw shrimp marinating in a glass bowl with chopped red onions, minced garlic, lemon zest, and spices on a wooden surface.

How to Make Baked Shrimp Scampi

Mix the shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss together the shrimp, shallots, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated.
Combine the topping. In a separate large bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients to create a flavorful breadcrumb mixture.
Assemble the dish. Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a baking dish, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Bake to perfection. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping turns golden and crisp.

Can I Store Baked Shrimp Scampi?

For the finest taste and texture, we highly recommend serving your baked shrimp scampi right away. However, if you must store it, it can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

We don’t recommend freezing any leftovers as the shrimp are likely to become soggy, and the dairy doesn’t thaw well.

Shrimp baked in a black skillet, topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs mixed with herbs. The shrimp are arranged in a circular pattern along the edge of the pan.

Common Questions about Simple Baked Shrimp Scampi

Can I use frozen shrimp for baked shrimp scampi?

Absolutely! Thaw the shrimp completely before using them.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

The shrimp should be pink and opaque. The shrimp should also curl up a bit when they’re done cooking.

How do I keep the shrimp from drying out?

Don’t overcook the shrimp. Be sure to bake it just until they are cooked through. You can also cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep them tender.

Can I make baked shrimp scampi spicy?

Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to make it spicier.

More Shrimp-Filled Recipes to Try

We can’t have enough shrimp recipes up our sleeves! If you’re the same, check out some of our other savory recipes that put shrimp in the spotlight:

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 22 mins

Make this fancy baked shrimp scampi in just 15 minutes for an indulgent recipe that's guaranteed to impress your guests but couldn't be easier to make! Email

Ingredients

2 pounds large shrimp tail on (12-15 per lb)
1 medium diced shallot
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper more or less to taste
1 teaspoon kosher salt more or less to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper more or less to taste
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian parsley
2 tablespoons cilantro optional
4 cloves minced garlic
4 tablespoons melted butter divided

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large bowl add rinsed and dried shrimp, shallots, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.2 pounds large shrimp, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium diced shallot, 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
In a second bowl combine Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, cilantro, garlic, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.4 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup Italian parsley, 2 tablespoons cilantro, 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 4 tablespoons melted butter
Arrange shrimp in a baking dish, tail side up. Top with bread crumb mixture. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.