🍤 Magic Baked Shrimp
Description
This Magic Baked Shrimp is a quick, flavorful seafood dish that lives up to its name. Juicy shrimp are baked in a garlicky, buttery, lemon-parmesan sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this dish will have everyone talking — especially about the magical sauce!
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1½ lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lemon (plus more for serving)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
🍽️ Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the baking dish:
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a large oven-safe baking dish. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, white wine (or broth), lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. - Pour & bake:
Pour the sauce evenly over the shrimp. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. - Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. For a golden top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Best enjoyed with warm crusty bread to soak up that magic sauce!
👨🍳 Tips & Notes
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cook quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Customize it: Add chopped cherry tomatoes, capers, or artichoke hearts for a twist.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking for a creamy sauce.
- Use jumbo shrimp for meatier bites and a more dramatic presentation.
- Perfect pairings: Serve over angel hair pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—or with garlic bread for dipping.
🍴 Serving Size
- Serves: 4
- Serving size: ~6 oz shrimp per person with sauce
🔬 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: <1g
Note: Nutritional info may vary slightly depending on ingredients used.
💪 Health Benefits
- High in protein: Shrimp is lean and protein-rich, great for muscle repair and satiety.
- Low in carbs: A great choice for keto or low-carb diets.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Supports heart and brain health.
- Rich in selenium & iodine: Essential for thyroid function and immunity.
- Garlic & lemon: Natural anti-inflammatory and detoxifying benefits.
❓ FAQ (Q & A)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before baking to avoid watery sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of wine?
A: Chicken broth, seafood broth, or even a splash of lemon water works well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and clean the shrimp ahead. Store separately and assemble before baking.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or sheet pan and don’t overcrowd so shrimp cook evenly.
Q: What if I don’t eat dairy?
A: Substitute butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.