Baked Shrimp with Crunchy Crust Recipe: Seafood Magic

Succulent shrimp dance beneath a golden, crispy parmesan crust in this baked shrimp delight that promises pure seafood magic.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender seafood and irresistible crunch.

The secret lies in selecting fresh, plump shrimp and coating them with a delectable blend of herbs and seasoned breadcrumbs.

Fragrant garlic and herbs infuse every morsel with rich, mouthwatering flavor.

You’ll savor the delicate texture that melts seamlessly with the crisp exterior.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.

Dive into this easy recipe that turns weeknight dinners into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 7

Baked Shrimp with Crunchy Crust Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet ocean treasures that form the heart of this dish, best when wild-caught and sustainably sourced with firm, vibrant shells.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious and rich foundation that creates a silky, indulgent sauce.
• Dry Sherry: Adds sophisticated depth and complex flavor notes to the cream mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness and enhances seafood flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami and subtle complexity to the cream sauce.

• Oyster Crackers: Delivers delightful crunch and rustic texture to the dish.
• Butter: Creates golden, melt-in-your-mouth richness for both sauce and topping.
• Paprika: Introduces warm, slightly smoky color and gentle spice.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavor profiles.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth.
• Hot Sauce: Optional kick for those who enjoy a spicy twist.
• Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that provides subtle brightness.

Baking Gear That Makes Shrimp Crust Crisp

• Baking Dish (3 1/2-quart shallow glass): Essential for arranging and baking shrimp.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for simmering cream and shrimp shells.
• Large Measuring Cup: Helps strain and measure cream mixture accurately.
• Medium Skillet: Ideal for cooking scallions and reducing cream sauce.
• Coarse Sieve: Strains cream mixture to remove shells.
• Resealable Plastic Bag: Used for crushing oyster crackers.
• Rolling Pin or Heavy Pan: Crushes crackers into coarse crumbs.
• Medium Bowl: Mixes cracker crumbs with butter and paprika.
• Measuring Spoons: Measures butter, seasonings, and lemon juice.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Stirs and combines ingredients smoothly.

How to Prep Baked Shrimp Easily

• Flavor Infusion

Craft a rich cream base by simmering shrimp shells with cream and sherry. Strain and reduce the mixture, creating a luxurious sauce that captures the essence of seafood.

• Aromatic Foundation

Sauté scallions in butter, then blend with the strained cream. Enhance with zesty lemon juice and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, building layers of complex flavor.

• Crunchy Topping Preparation

Crush oyster crackers into rustic crumbs. Mix with melted butter and a sprinkle of paprika, creating a golden, crispy coating that will add texture to the dish.

• Shrimp Placement

Arrange shrimp in a buttered baking dish. Season lightly, then blanket with the prepared cream sauce and sprinkle the cracker mixture across the top.

• Baking Magic

Roast in a hot oven until the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. A quick broil will ensure a crisp, irresistible finish that transforms this seafood dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Crunchy Crust Tips That Make a Difference

• Seafood Selection Savvy: Choose fresh, high-quality wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, translucent shrimp with a mild ocean scent and no discoloration.
• Cream Sauce Shortcuts: Swap dry sherry with white wine or chicken broth if needed. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
• Crunch Factor Alternatives: Replace oyster crackers with panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or seasoned breadcrumbs for different flavor profiles. Each option adds a unique twist to the crunchy topping.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional seasonings like Old Bay, Cajun spice blend, or smoked paprika to give the dish extra kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add subtle heat to the creamy sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream sauce and crushed cracker topping a day in advance. Keep them separately refrigerated, then assemble and bake just before serving to maintain the crisp texture and fresh flavors.

Serving Crunchy Shrimp Without Falling Apart

• Seafood Feast Companions: Pair this baked shrimp delight with fluffy white rice or creamy risotto to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
• Zesty Side Salad: Complement the rich dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy shrimp and add freshness to your plate.
• Crusty Bread Basket: Serve warm, crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to help diners mop up every last drop of the luxurious cream sauce and enhance the dining experience.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a chilled crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and elevate the flavors of the baked shrimp dish.

Storing Shrimp That Stays Juicy and Crisp

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor transfer.
• Quick Refrigeration Trick: Cool the dish completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps the crunchy cracker topping from getting soggy.
• Freezing Strategy: Not recommended for this recipe. Cream-based dishes tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, compromising the delicate shrimp and sauce quality.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm gently in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Covering with foil prevents further browning and helps retain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crispy cracker crust and tender shrimp texture.

Crispy Shrimp with Crunchy Crust Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shrimp bake offers a delectable fusion of flavors from coastal regions. Crisp breadcrumb topping and succulent shrimp create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lb (907 g) medium shrimp, shelled and deveined, shells reserved
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter (4 tbsps melted)
• ¼ cup dry sherry
• 6 medium scallions, minced (white and tender green parts)
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp sweet paprika
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Hot sauce (to taste)
• 4 cups small oyster crackers

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Instructions

1. Butter Preparation: Lavishly coat a glass baking dish with butter, ensuring shrimp can spread in a single, elegant layer. Refrigerate the prepared dish to maintain ingredient integrity.
2. Cream Infusion: Combine shrimp shells, heavy cream, and dry sherry in a saucepan. Introduce a whisper of salt and bring to a vigorous boil. Simmer for 25 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize completely.
3. Cream Refinement: Strain the infused cream through a sieve, collecting exactly 2 1/2 cups of liquid gold. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté scallions until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Flavor Concentration: Pour strained cream into the scallion-laden skillet. Reduce liquid to 2 cups, intensifying the aromatic essence. Remove from heat and elevate with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, black pepper, and hot sauce. Allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Cracker Transformation: Pulverize oyster crackers within a sealed bag using a rolling pin. Transfer coarse crumbs to a mixing bowl and marry with melted butter and paprika until perfectly combined.
6. Thermal Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack centrally. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cascade the cooled cream mixture generously overtop.
7. Culinary Assembly: Distribute the seasoned cracker crumbs evenly, creating a tantalizing textural landscape. Bake for 25 minutes until the dish bubbles with anticipation and shrimp reach perfect doneness.
8. Final Flourish: Execute a swift 30-second broil to transform the topping into a golden, crispy masterpiece.

Notes

• Butter Coating Technique: Ensure even, smooth butter coverage in the baking dish to prevent shrimp from sticking and enhance flavor absorption.
• Cream Infusion Secret: Simmering shrimp shells in cream develops a rich, deep seafood essence that elevates the entire dish’s complexity.
• Crumb Coating Pro Tip: Crush oyster crackers consistently to create an even, crunchy topping that provides perfect textural contrast to tender shrimp.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain exact oven temperature and rack placement to guarantee shrimp cook evenly without becoming rubbery or overcooked.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 26 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg