Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly effortless yet elegant meal: **Oven Baked Shrimp Scampi**. This incredible recipe transforms fresh shrimp into a culinary masterpiece, all within a single baking dish, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor. Imagine succulent shrimp, bathed in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of spicy warmth, beautifully topped with golden Parmesan cheese. This isn’t just an easy dinner; it’s a gourmet experience made simple enough for any busy weeknight.
Our oven shrimp scampi recipe is designed for speed and convenience, taking only about 5 minutes of active preparation time and a mere 10 minutes in the oven. In under 20 minutes, you can have a “fancy” dinner on the table, perfect for impressing your family or guests without breaking a sweat. It’s a true one-bowl wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing your enjoyment.
For those mindful of their diet, this dish is a fantastic **easy keto weeknight dinner** idea. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, packed with protein, and brimming with flavor, ensuring you won’t miss any traditional breadcrumbs or pasta. This recipe truly showcases how healthy eating can be utterly delicious and satisfying. Looking for another quick and easy keto-friendly seafood option? Don’t forget to try our Air Fryer Tilapia next time!
This dish reimagines classic shrimp scampi, making it even more accessible and suitable for a low-carb lifestyle. The shrimp emerge from the oven perfectly cooked, tender, and infused with the aromatic garlic butter, creating a delightful casserole that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Get ready to add this no-fuss, incredibly flavorful **shrimp scampi casserole without bread crumbs** to your regular meal rotation. It’s destined to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Oven Shrimp Scampi
- **Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner:** Life gets busy, and finding time for a delicious, home-cooked meal can be a challenge. This baked shrimp scampi is your answer. With only 5 minutes of hands-on prep and 10 minutes in the oven, it’s faster than takeout and undeniably healthier. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when you need a satisfying meal on the table in a flash, making it ideal for families.
- **A Great Make-Ahead Option:** While incredibly fast to cook, this recipe also offers the flexibility of some make-ahead prep. You can whisk together the garlic-butter sauce and have your shrimp peeled and deveined earlier in the day. This cuts down on last-minute stress, allowing you to simply combine everything and pop it into the oven when dinner time rolls around.
- **Incredibly Flavorful – No Breadcrumbs Needed:** Many scampi recipes call for breadcrumbs, but our version proves they are entirely unnecessary for a truly delicious experience. The rich garlic-butter sauce, combined with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, creates such an explosion of flavor that you won’t miss any additional layers. This also keeps the dish naturally low-carb and gluten-free, catering to a wider range of dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
- **A Healthier, Low-Carb Alternative:** Building on the beloved “no wine shrimp scampi” recipe many of you enjoy, this oven-baked version takes health and ease to the next level. By opting for an oven method, we achieve a perfectly cooked shrimp with less fuss, and by skipping the pasta and breadcrumbs, we offer a truly **low-carb shrimp scampi** that’s packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s a fantastic choice for those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Shrimp Scampi
Creating the best oven shrimp scampi starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- **Large Shrimp:** The star of the show! Using large shrimp ensures a succulent bite. Always opt for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp if possible. Frozen shrimp are perfectly fine; just make sure to thaw them properly overnight in the refrigerator.
- **Melted Butter and Olive Oil:** This dynamic duo forms the luxurious base of our scampi sauce. The butter provides richness and flavor, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures and adds a lovely fruity note.
- **Fresh Garlic:** A generous amount of freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for authentic scampi flavor. It infuses the entire dish with its pungent, aromatic goodness.
- **Fresh Parsley and Cilantro:** These fresh herbs brighten the dish considerably. Parsley adds a classic herbaceous note, while cilantro, though less traditional, offers a wonderfully fresh and slightly citrusy counterpoint that truly makes this recipe special. If cilantro isn’t your preference, feel free to omit it or substitute with more parsley.
- **Grated Parmesan Cheese:** A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory, salty, and slightly nutty finish that complements the garlic and butter beautifully.
- **Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for balancing the richness of the butter and garlic, adding a bright, zesty acidity that elevates all the flavors.
- **Crushed Red Pepper Flakes:** For that irresistible hint of spiciness! Adjust the amount to your personal preference, from just a pinch for subtle warmth to a more generous dash for a bolder kick.
- **Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper:** Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together and enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- **Lemon Wedges (for serving):** A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens the entire dish and adds a vibrant finishing touch.
Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Scampi Instructions
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Here’s a detailed guide to creating perfect baked shrimp scampi every time. The full, printable recipe card with exact measurements is located below.
- **Preheat Your Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 400°F (200°C). This ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly, achieving that perfect tender texture without becoming rubbery.
- **Prepare the Shrimp:** If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into your chosen baking dish.
- **Add the Fats:** Drizzle the melted butter and olive oil evenly over the shrimp in the baking dish.
- **Incorporate Flavor:** Add the minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, cilantro (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the dish.
- **Toss to Coat:** Gently toss all the ingredients together with the shrimp until every piece is well coated in the flavorful sauce. You want the shrimp to be glistening with the garlic-butter mixture.
- **Arrange for Even Cooking:** Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer across the bottom of the baking dish. This is crucial for even cooking. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can arrange them in attractive circles, as shown in the image above, for a more appealing presentation.
- **Bake to Perfection:** Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink. Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so keep a close eye on them. They cook very quickly!
- **Serve Immediately:** Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. For an extra flourish, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash more Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of citrus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi
Historically, “scampi” refers to Dublin Bay Prawns, which are small, lobster-like crustaceans with delicate pink shells. In Europe, a dish called “scampi” would traditionally feature these prawns. However, in the United States, “shrimp scampi” has evolved to mean shrimp prepared in the style of how these scampi prawns were cooked – typically with garlic, butter, and olive oil. So, while the original ingredient was different, the preparation method is what defines the dish we know and love today.
While technically possible, I strongly advise against using pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp have already been cooked once, and reheating them in the oven will likely result in a rubbery, tough texture. They tend to curl tightly into small, dense rounds, resembling the texture of tires rather than tender, succulent seafood. For the best possible outcome, always buy raw, peeled, and deveined frozen shrimp. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then drain any excess liquid and pat them completely dry before proceeding with the recipe. This ensures your shrimp remain tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
The secret to perfectly cooked shrimp in the oven lies in a few simple steps. First, ensure your shrimp are thawed and completely dry; excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than roasting. Second, preheat your oven to a relatively high temperature (like 400°F or 200°C) to facilitate quick cooking. Third, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your baking dish so they cook evenly. Finally, and most importantly, do not overcook them. Shrimp cook very rapidly, often turning pink and opaque in just 8-12 minutes. As soon as they reach this point, remove them from the oven. Overcooking is the quickest way to turn tender shrimp into rubber. This particular recipe, with its simple mix-and-bake approach and inclusion of fresh cilantro, is a family favorite for its ease and delightful fragrance. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily omit it.
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutrition and flavor of your oven-baked shrimp scampi. Consider quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus spears, sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Toss them with the shrimp and scampi sauce before baking. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the ingredients instead of roasting them. For best results, some denser vegetables might benefit from a quick pre-roast before adding the shrimp.
Adjusting the spice level is incredibly easy. To make it spicier, simply increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You could also add a dash of cayenne pepper for a more intense heat. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. If you enjoy a smoky heat, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika can also add depth without being overwhelmingly spicy.
What to Serve With Baked Shrimp Scampi
Baked shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, catering to both traditional and low-carb preferences. Here are some delicious ideas to complete your meal:
- **For a Traditional Pairing:**
- **Pasta:** Classic shrimp scampi is often served over a bed of delicate angel hair pasta or linguine. The pasta soaks up the glorious garlic-butter sauce, creating a truly satisfying experience.
- **Crusty Bread:** A warm, crusty baguette or Italian bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
- **Rice:** Fluffy white rice or a light pilaf can also be a wonderful absorbent base for the flavorful shrimp.
- For an extra crunchy side, serve with this amazing Air Fryer Garlic Bread.
- **For a Low-Carb or Keto Meal:**
- **Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles):** These are a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta. Lightly sautéed zoodles provide a fresh base that complements the shrimp scampi perfectly without adding unnecessary carbs.
- **Cauliflower Rice:** A versatile keto staple, cauliflower rice can absorb the scampi sauce beautifully, offering a wholesome and low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- **Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:** Simple steamed asparagus, broccoli florets, or roasted green beans tossed with a little olive oil and garlic make excellent, healthy, and low-carb companions.
- **Fresh Green Salad:** A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the scampi.
- **Looking for More Sides?** Check out this comprehensive list of over 35 side dishes to serve with grilled shrimp – many of which would pair perfectly with baked scampi too!
Recommended Equipment
To make this oven shrimp scampi recipe a breeze, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. The following are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
- Lemon Juicer: Essential for getting every last drop of fresh lemon juice.
- **Baking Dish:** A sturdy baking dish (9×13 inch or similar) suitable for oven use.
- **Large Mixing Bowl:** For easily tossing the shrimp with the sauce ingredients.
- **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
- **Cutting Board and Sharp Knife:** For mincing garlic and chopping herbs.
- **Whisk or Tongs:** For mixing the sauce and tossing the shrimp.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious baked shrimp scampi, here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their quality:
- **Refrigerate:** Place leftover cooked shrimp scampi in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- **Freeze:** For longer storage, you can freeze scampi in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture of shrimp can change slightly after freezing and thawing, but it will still be delicious.
- **Reheating:**
- **From Refrigerator:** For best results, gently reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat on the stovetop until just warmed through. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce moist. Avoid high heat, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
- **From Freezer:** Thaw frozen scampi in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat using the stovetop method described above.
- **Microwave (not recommended):** While convenient, microwaving can easily overcook shrimp and lead to a rubbery texture. If you must use a microwave, heat in short bursts (30 seconds) and stir between, stopping as soon as it’s warm.
Delicious Variations to Try
This baked shrimp scampi recipe is fantastic as is, but it also lends itself wonderfully to creative variations. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- **Lemon Zest Power:** For an extra burst of bright, citrusy flavor, add some finely grated lemon zest along with the lemon juice. It truly amplifies the freshness.
- **Herb Swap:** Don’t have cilantro or prefer another herb? Try fresh dill for a different fresh note, or add some finely chopped fresh oregano for a more Mediterranean twist.
- **Spice It Up Further:** If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky spice, or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
- **Cheesy Goodness:** While Parmesan is classic, a little sprinkle of mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses could add a different texture and flavor dimension.
- **White Wine Alternative (for flavor, not strictly keto):** If you’re not adhering to a strict keto diet and enjoy the depth of flavor, a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) can be added to the sauce before baking. For a non-alcoholic but similar flavor profile, use a bit of chicken or vegetable broth with a tiny splash of white wine vinegar.
- **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Chop up some oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the mix for a sweet, tangy, and rich addition.
Related Recipes to Explore
- **Sweet and Tangy Shrimp Shish Kabobs:** A perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, easy, and universally loved.
- **Hearty Shrimp Stew:** A healthy 20-minute dinner featuring succulent shrimp in a rich, bold tomato sauce, ideal for serving over rice or with crusty bread.
- **Classic Shrimp Scampi without Wine:** A mouthwatering dish combining succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon juice, traditionally served over linguine.
- **Flaky Baked Sea Bass:** One of our favorite striped bass recipes, seasoned and topped with a fresh vegetable mix for a healthy, flaky dinner.
- **Flavorful Baja Shrimp Tacos:** Experience a tropical vacation with these 20-minute tacos featuring bold spices and a tangy sour cream sauce.
More Low Carb/Keto Recipes
If you’re enjoying the low-carb lifestyle, here are a few more delicious recipes to add to your repertoire:
- **Refreshing Keto Greek Salad:** A healthy option that’s low in carbs but high in flavor, transporting your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
- **Easy Keto Cloud Bread:** Incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients, great as rolls, a loaf, and very versatile.
Baked Shrimp Scampi (Keto)
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined.
- ⅓ cup melted butter.
- ¼ cup olive oil.
- 4 cloves garlic minced. (approximately 2 teaspoons)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley leaves.
- 2 Tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro. (See Note 1)
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 4 Tablespoons lemon juice.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Lemon wedges to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F (200°C).
- Place thawed, peeled, and deveined shrimp on your baking dish and drizzle with melted butter and olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, cilantro, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the dish. Gently combine shrimp with all the ingredients, ensuring everything is well coated, then arrange in a single layer.
- Bake shrimp scampi in the preheated oven until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, about 8-12 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
- Remove from oven, garnish with more fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Make sure that you are using good quality, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- I highly recommend using fresh cilantro as it imparts a unique and very desirable fragrance to the dish. However, if you are one of those people who cannot stand cilantro, feel free to leave it off or substitute with additional parsley.
- Serve this dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before eating and garnished with additional fresh parsley or any fresh herbs you have on hand for an extra touch of freshness.
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Nutrition
Shrimp is consistently my top choice when I’m searching for quick and easy dinner ideas for my family. It’s a perennial favorite for my kids, and its rapid cooking time is a lifesaver. While the price can sometimes be a consideration, I make it a point to look for sales and stock up my freezer. This allows me to have a convenient protein source on hand for those evenings when time is short and I need to whip up a meal without a lot of fuss.
This **Baked Shrimp Scampi recipe** truly excels in its simplicity and efficiency. It can be prepped in advance, allowing you to simply pop it into the oven when you’re ready to serve dinner. Unlike some recipes that require lengthy marinating, this dish only needs about 5 minutes of active time to combine all the ingredients. There’s no complicated layering, no messy breading, just a straightforward mix-and-bake process that delivers exceptional flavor. It’s the perfect solution for a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule, proving that a fancy dinner doesn’t have to be a complicated one.