Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Tangy Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe You’ll Love

Magic baked shrimp converts ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary experience that tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant flavors.

Succulent, tender shellfish melt effortlessly in your mouth, creating an irresistible sensation of pure deliciousness.

The delicate balance of zesty citrus and rich, velvety butter elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices alike can master this elegant recipe without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor, promising a sophisticated meal that looks impressive but requires surprisingly little effort.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving restaurant-worthy results right in your own kitchen.

Comfort meets gourmet in this crowd-pleasing dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce That’s Restaurant-Quality

  • Elevate Flavor in Minutes: This recipe transforms simple shrimp into a gourmet dish with minimal effort, blending zesty lemon, rich butter, and savory Parmesan in just 25 minutes of total cooking time.
  • Texture Sensation: Crispy panko breadcrumbs create a delightful golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy shrimp, giving every bite a satisfying crunch and smooth underlying texture.
  • Zero-Stress Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy home cooks, this one-dish wonder requires simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and delivers restaurant-quality results without complex cooking skills or multiple pans to clean.

Ingredients for Magic Baked Shrimp with Lemon Butter

Main Ingredients:

Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp provide the star protein with sweet and delicate seafood flavor. Wild-caught or Gulf shrimp are best for superior taste and texture.

Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce and helps prevent shrimp from drying out during baking.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luxurious sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.

Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth and classic savory notes to the dish.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes shrimp and adds refreshing tang to the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy topping that provides delightful golden-brown crunch and nutty cheese flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumb mixture achieve perfect golden color and extra richness.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Instructions for Perfectly Baked Lemon Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 430°F (220°C). Get ready for a mouthwatering seafood adventure!

Step 2: Create the Liquid Base

Grab a casserole dish and mix:
  • Chicken broth
  • Half of the melted butter

Slide the dish into the oven and let it simmer for 10 minutes to concentrate those amazing flavors.

Step 3: Season the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shrimp
  • Remaining melted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss everything together until the shrimp are perfectly coated.

Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp

Pull out the reduced liquid dish from the oven. Spread the seasoned shrimp evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Sprinkle this golden mixture generously over the shrimp.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish back into the oven and bake for 12 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked. For an extra crispy top, switch to broil on high for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter. Add a flourish of fresh herbs or lemon wedges if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in while it’s hot and savor every single bite!

Pro Tips to Elevate Magic Baked Shrimp

  • Choose Fresh Shrimp: Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're plump and have a clean, ocean-fresh smell.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid that could make the dish watery and prevent proper browning.
  • Balance Breadcrumb Coating: Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly and lightly to create a crispy, golden topping without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Watch carefully during the final broiling stage to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking the shrimp.
  • Enhance Serving Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and serve immediately for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Shrimp Without Drying Out

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and odor absorption.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm shrimp in the oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain tenderness. Avoid microwave heating, which can make shrimp rubbery and tough.
  • Consume Quickly: Seafood loses quality rapidly, so eat refrigerated leftovers within 48 hours for the best taste and texture. Discard if any unusual odor or appearance develops.

Dishes to Pair with Lemon Butter Shrimp

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the lemon butter sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Serve Alongside Herbed Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh parsley and dill creates a perfect base that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds nutritional balance to the dish.
  • Match with Refreshing Citrus Salad: A simple green salad with segments of orange or grapefruit and a light vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the buttery shrimp, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted bread helps soak up the extra lemon butter sauce, adding a satisfying crunch and extending the meal's enjoyment.

Delicious Variations on Magic Baked Shrimp

  • Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace chicken broth with white wine, add red pepper flakes, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the shrimp before baking for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Herb Garden Breeze: Mix fresh chopped basil, thyme, and rosemary into the breadcrumb topping, and use herb-infused olive oil for an aromatic herbal variation that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Coconut Caribbean Style: Swap butter with coconut milk, add a dash of ground ginger, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical spin that brings beach-like flavors to your shrimp dish.
  • Cajun Kick Version: Incorporate Cajun seasoning into the shrimp mixture, use andouille sausage breadcrumbs, and add a splash of hot sauce for a bold, spicy New Orleans-inspired interpretation.
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Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Magic Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce whisks Mediterranean charm straight to dinner tables. Quick seasonal ingredients blend effortlessly, delivering restaurant-quality seafood goodness you can savor without complicated techniques.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) peeled and deveined shrimp

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Topping:

  • ¾ cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1.5 tablespoons (22 milliliters) olive oil
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a high temperature of 430°F, preparing the cooking environment for the succulent seafood dish.
  2. Pour chicken broth into a casserole dish and mix with half of the melted butter, then place in the oven for 10 minutes to concentrate and reduce the liquid’s intensity.
  3. While the liquid reduces, prepare the shrimp by coating them generously with remaining melted butter, fragrant minced garlic, tangy lemon juice, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
  4. Extract the casserole dish from the oven and carefully distribute the shrimp across the surface, ensuring an even layer in the reduced liquid.
  5. Create a crispy topping by blending panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, drizzling olive oil, and sprinkling a touch of salt to enhance the texture and flavor.
  6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the shrimp, creating a golden, crunchy coating.
  7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes until the shrimp are perfectly cooked and opaque.
  8. For an extra-crispy, golden-brown finish, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Present the aromatic shrimp immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or bright lemon wedges to elevate the visual appeal and add a zesty freshness.

Notes

  • Elevate your seafood game with this foolproof shrimp recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • High oven temperature guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy shrimp with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.
  • Reducing chicken broth before adding shrimp creates an intensely flavorful base that infuses every bite with rich, savory notes.
  • Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese deliver an irresistible crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with tender shrimp.
  • Optional broiling step provides an extra layer of golden-brown crunch and caramelization for maximum flavor development.
  • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture, pairing wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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