Baked Shrimp Scampi

By Addie

Making baked shrimp scampi is simple using garlic, butter, bread crumbs, lemon juice, and oregano. Use your favorite size shrimp and just go by weight. Be sure the shrimp lies in one layer. Using a bread with a dense crumb (artisan bread as opposed to traditional white sandwich bread) gives the best result. This is incredibly easy and fast using few ingredients. Feel free to double the recipe using a larger pan.


MY NOTES: I like to use Ritz crackers in Shrimp Scampi!

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup melted butter, plus 1 Tablespoon for greasing baking dish
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound jumbo or colossal shrimp, peeled, cleaned, and deveined
• 1 cup fresh dense bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (not the canned type)
• Salt, optional
• Parsley for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 425 F. Select a casserole dish capable of holding the shrimp in one close layer and grease with 1 tablespoon of butter.

Melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic and gently saute until garlic softens, but does not brown. Do not overcook the garlic or it will become bitter. Set aside to cool.

Place half of the bread crumbs in an even layer in the bottom of the casserole. Sprinkle with the oregano. Place shrimp in the casserole in a single layer. Squeeze lemon juice over shrimp, then top with remaining bread crumbs. Drizzle cooled garlic butter evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the optional salt and all of the Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 25 minutes or until top is golden brown. If the top is not golden after 25 minutes (oven temperatures vary), place under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch carefully. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to serve. Yield: 4 servings
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Notes: Artisan bread (purchased or homemade) is best to use for the bread crumbs. One to two slices pulsed in the food processor should be plenty. Take care not to overcook the shrimp or they will become tough and chewy. You may use a smaller size shrimp, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly so as not to overcook them.