Name: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges for serving

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp: A Succulent, Garlicky Delight That Melts in Your Mouth 🍤🧄🧀🔥

1. Introduction

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish that will impress your family or dinner guests? This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe is your perfect solution! Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, these succulent shrimp coated in a rich garlic and parmesan crust will have everyone reaching for seconds. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish right in your own kitchen that rivals anything you’d order at a fancy bistro.

Finished Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp with parsley and lemon garnish, ready to serve.

2. Ingredients

One of the best things about this garlic parmesan shrimp recipe is how simple the ingredient list is while delivering maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound large shrimp (21/25 or 26/30 count), peeled and deveined (tails on or off based on preference)
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (avoid pre-shredded for best melting)
2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil (extra virgin works great)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 medium lemon)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a subtle kick)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Lemon wedges for serving (essential for brightening flavors)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re completely thawed – you can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels (this helps the coating stick better) and arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Leaving space between each shrimp prevents steaming and ensures they roast properly.

Raw shrimp and garlic cloves arranged on a baking sheet for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Oil Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. For an extra flavor boost, let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the garlic to infuse into the oil. Using a pastry brush or spoon, drizzle this aromatic mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece gets thoroughly coated. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps tenderize the shrimp.

Olive oil being drizzled over shrimp and garlic for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp.

Step 3: Add the Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the shrimp. For best results, use a microplane to grate the cheese as it will melt more evenly. The cheese will create a delicious golden crust during baking while keeping the shrimp moist. If you love extra crunch, you can mix the parmesan with 1-2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs. This step transforms simple shrimp into something truly special!

Parmesan cheese being sprinkled over shrimp for Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your shrimp – they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and the parmesan is golden and bubbly. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!). Be careful not to overcook – shrimp become rubbery when cooked too long. The internal temperature should reach 120°F (49°C).

Baking sheet with Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp being placed in the oven.

4. Serving Suggestions

Immediately garnish your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing. The bright acidity of lemon perfectly cuts through the richness of the parmesan. This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

Steamed rice or pasta dishes (try angel hair or linguine)
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
Crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic parmesan juices
For a complete meal, serve alongside our Tuscan Chicken Soup

5. Storage and Reheating

While best served immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through – this helps maintain texture better than microwaving. You can also enjoy them cold in salads the next day! For meal prep, you can assemble the shrimp with the garlic oil mixture (without cheese) up to 4 hours ahead, then add cheese and bake when ready.

6. Creative Variations

This garlic parmesan shrimp recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Try these delicious twists:

Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the garlic oil mixture
Herb Infused: Mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried oregano with the garlic
Buttery Twist: Replace half the olive oil with melted butter for richer flavor
Breadcrumb Topping: Add 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan for extra crunch
Lemon Zest Boost: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the garlic mixture
Creamy Version: Drizzle with a little heavy cream before adding cheese

7. Health Benefits

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe isn’t just delicious – it’s also packed with nutritional benefits that make it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters:

Shrimp: An excellent source of lean protein (24g per 3oz serving), low in calories (about 85 per 3oz), and rich in selenium (48% DV), vitamin B12 (21% DV), and omega-3 fatty acids
Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with potent antibacterial and antiviral properties, and may help boost immunity and lower blood pressure
Olive Oil: Provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
Parmesan Cheese: Good source of calcium (about 330mg per ounce) and protein (10g per ounce), and naturally lower in lactose than other cheeses
Lemon: High in vitamin C and aids in iron absorption from the shrimp

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly fine – just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for about 15 minutes. Pat them very dry before using to ensure the coating sticks well.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp will turn from gray/translucent to pink and opaque, forming a loose “C” shape (if they curl into tight “O”s, they’re overdone). The flesh should be firm to the touch but still slightly springy. An instant-read thermometer should register 120°F (49°C) at the thickest part.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead: mix the garlic oil up to 2 days in advance (store covered in fridge), clean shrimp up to a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready. The cooked shrimp can be served at room temperature for up to 2 hours if needed.

What size shrimp works best?
Large (26/30 count) or jumbo (21/25 count) shrimp work best for this recipe as they’re meatier and less likely to overcook. Smaller shrimp will cook too quickly before the parmesan can properly brown.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes! For a skillet version, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high, add shrimp in a single layer, cook 2 minutes per side, then add garlic and other ingredients, topping with cheese at the end to melt.

9. Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors in the most delightful way. In just 15 minutes of active time, you can transform basic ingredients into an impressive dish that’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to elegant dinner parties. The magical combination of garlic and parmesan creates a flavor explosion that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp beautifully, while the quick roasting method ensures perfect texture every time.

Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, need a quick dinner idea, or want to elevate your seafood game, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The versatility means you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks, over pasta for a complete meal, or alongside our Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup for a comforting dinner.

Once you try this garlic parmesan shrimp recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. The irresistible aroma while it bakes will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, and the delicious results will have them asking for the recipe. Give it a try tonight and discover how easy it is to create impressive, flavorful seafood at home!