Why Make This Recipe
This Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe is easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s full of flavor, takes little effort, and is perfect for any day of the week. You’ll get plump, juicy shrimp with a savory Parmesan and garlic crust, baked until golden. It’s light but satisfying, and tastes like a fancy restaurant dish, but you make it in your own kitchen easily.
How to Make Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Making Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is simple. You will prepare the shrimp, coat them in a tasty mixture, arrange them on a baking sheet, and then bake them until they are perfect.
Ingredients of Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Fresh Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off).
- Garlic & Herbs: Fresh garlic, minced; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and flavor); Dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- Cheese & Flavor Boosters: Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!); Olive oil (extra virgin preferred); Lemon juice (freshly squeezed); Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick).
- Seasoning Essentials: Salt; Black pepper.
Directions of Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Prepare the Shrimp
- Thaw & Pat Dry: If your shrimp is frozen, thaw it completely. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. This helps get a golden crust.
- Combine Flavorings: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you want.
Coat & Arrange
- Toss the Shrimp: Add the dry shrimp to the bowl with the flavor mixture. Toss gently to cover each piece of shrimp evenly.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until the shrimp is fully coated with the cheesy mixture.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleaning.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to the correct temperature for the recipe.
- Bake the Shrimp: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are no longer clear, turn pink, and are cooked through. Watch them closely; overcooked shrimp can be tough. The garlic Parmesan coating should be golden and smell good.
- Garnish & Serve: Take the shrimp from the oven, top with fresh chopped parsley, and serve right away.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- You can serve Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in many ways.
- Pasta Perfection: Mix it with your favorite pasta, a little olive oil, and extra Parmesan for a quick meal.
- Garlic Bread Companion: Serve it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the tasty juices.
- Simple Sides: Pair it with a light green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli.
- Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Serve it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you want a gluten-free option.
- Appetizer Extraordinaire: Use toothpicks and serve it as a fancy appetizer for a party.
How to Store Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Store any leftover Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat it within 1-2 days for the best taste. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to avoid overcooking.
Tips to Make Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Place shrimp in a single layer with space between them for even cooking. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Pat Shrimp Dry: This is very important! Too much moisture will steam the shrimp instead of making them golden and crispy.
- Fresh Garlic and Parmesan Make a Difference: Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan taste much better than pre-minced garlic and pre-grated cheese.
- Watch Cooking Time Closely: Shrimp cooks fast. Check often to avoid tough shrimp. They will continue to cook a little after you take them out of the oven.
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning if you like it spicy.
- Herbaceous Twist: Try other fresh herbs like fresh dill or chives for a different flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Add a little orange zest with the lemon juice for a brighter, more complex taste.
- Smoky Flavor: A small amount of smoked paprika can give your shrimp a nice deep flavor.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely first, ideally in the refrigerator overnight. Then, pat them very dry with paper towels before you season them. This helps them cook evenly and get a good brown color.
Q2: How do I know when the Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is cooked through?
A2: Shrimp cooks very fast. It’s ready when it becomes opaque (no longer clear) and pink all the way through, and the meat looks firm. Large shrimp usually take 8-12 minutes in a hot oven. Do not overcook, or the shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
Q3: Can I prepare the Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp ahead of time?
A3: You can mix the sauce and coat the shrimp up to an hour before and keep it in the fridge. For the best texture and taste, it’s best to bake the shrimp fresh and serve it right away. The Parmesan coating will be crispiest when it’s hot from the oven.

Classic Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Fresh Shrimp
- 1.5 lbs Fresh Shrimp Large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
Garlic & Herbs
- 4-5 cloves Fresh garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish and flavor)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Cheese & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Seasoning Essentials
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Thaw any frozen shrimp completely, then pat them very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the dry shrimp to the flavor mixture and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until the shrimp is fully coated with the cheesy mixture.
Baking
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are no longer clear, turn pink, and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent tough shrimp; the garlic Parmesan coating should be golden and fragrant.
Serving
- Remove the shrimp from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
