Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: a dish seemingly simple yet bursting with flavor, its origins are less precisely defined than its deliciousness. While pinpointing an exact birthplace is difficult, the dish’s components – shrimp, garlic, parmesan cheese – trace back to various culinary traditions. Shrimp, a staple in coastal cuisines worldwide, boasts a global history of consumption dating back millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests shrimp farming existed in ancient China as early as the Han Dynasty. Garlic, revered for its pungent aroma and medicinal properties, has a rich history, with evidence of its cultivation in Central Asia thousands of years ago. Its use spread throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, becoming a cornerstone of countless cuisines. Parmesan cheese, a hallmark of Italian culinary heritage, carries centuries of tradition, with its production methods refined over time to achieve the characteristic hard, granular texture and sharp, nutty taste.
The combination of these ingredients into the specific dish we know today, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, likely arose more recently, possibly within the last century, in the context of American and Italian-American cuisine. The rise of readily available frozen shrimp and pre-grated parmesan in the mid-20th century significantly contributed to the dish’s ease of preparation and subsequent popularity. It’s a testament to the power of simple, yet effective, flavor combinations. The dish’s appeal is further amplified by its versatility; it transforms easily from a casual weeknight meal to a sophisticated appetizer, depending on presentation.
Today, Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp enjoys widespread popularity, particularly in the United States. While precise consumption statistics are challenging to obtain for a dish as ubiquitous and often home-cooked as this one, its frequent appearance on restaurant menus and social media platforms suggests significant demand. The dish’s cultural significance lies in its accessibility – a relatively inexpensive protein source transformed into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Its inherent adaptability also adds to its appeal; it easily incorporates variations based on regional preferences or dietary needs. Adding bread crumbs for extra crunch, substituting different cheeses, or incorporating herbs like parsley or oregano are all common variations, highlighting the dish’s welcoming nature and its ability to become a personalized culinary experience.
Ingredients and Measurements
This recipe for Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp yields approximately 4 servings. Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Use a kitchen scale for the most precise results, especially when measuring the shrimp.
Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Ensure your shrimp are completely thawed before baking for even cooking. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave. The size of the shrimp will affect cooking time; larger shrimp may require a slightly longer baking time.
Garlic: 6 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is highly recommended for its superior flavor. If using pre-minced garlic from a jar, use a slightly smaller amount, as it often has a stronger flavor. You can also use a garlic press for easy mincing.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (40g) grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor and melts more smoothly. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose which can prevent it from melting properly.
Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your dish. If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of salt you add later.
Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (40g) panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crispy topping. Regular breadcrumbs can also be used, but they won’t be as light and airy.
Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat), 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference. Start with the suggested amounts and add more to taste if needed. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried, but reduce the amount by about half.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the shrimp and cheese. Bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but it won’t have the same vibrant flavor.
Optional additions: Consider adding a sprinkle of parsley for visual appeal and added freshness after baking. You can also substitute other cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a different flavor profile.
Equipment and Utensils
Creating delicious baked garlic parmesan shrimp requires the right tools. While seemingly simple, having the correct equipment will elevate your cooking experience and ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
First and foremost, you’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish. This size is ideal for a standard recipe serving 4-6 people. A smaller dish will result in overcrowding and uneven cooking, while a larger dish might lead to the shrimp drying out. Consider using a glass or ceramic baking dish as these distribute heat evenly. Avoid using dark-colored metal dishes, as they can absorb more heat and potentially burn the shrimp.
Next, you’ll need several essential utensils. A large bowl (at least 3-quart capacity) is necessary for mixing the marinade. A whisk will help you thoroughly combine the garlic, parmesan cheese, butter, and other ingredients, ensuring a smooth and flavorful coating for your shrimp. A measuring cup (liquid and dry) and measuring spoons are crucial for accurate ingredient measurements, especially when working with spices and liquids. Inaccurate measurements can significantly impact the final taste and consistency of your dish.
Tongs are invaluable for handling the shrimp. They prevent burns and allow for easy placement in the baking dish and removal once cooked. A spatula or serving spoon will be useful for transferring the cooked shrimp to a serving platter. For easier cleanup, consider lining your baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make washing up a breeze. Finally, a baking sheet can be placed underneath the baking dish to catch any spills or drips during baking, preventing messes in your oven.
Optional but recommended: A garlic press will make mincing garlic much faster and more efficient. A pastry brush can be used to evenly brush melted butter onto the shrimp for extra richness and flavor. Lastly, a kitchen timer is essential to ensure your shrimp bakes for the perfect amount of time and doesn’t overcook.
Remember to always wash and thoroughly dry your utensils and equipment before and after use for optimal hygiene and to prevent cross-contamination.
Preparation of Shrimp
Proper shrimp preparation is crucial for achieving perfectly baked garlic parmesan shrimp. Start with 1 pound of large shrimp (21-25 count per pound), peeled and deveined. You can purchase pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time, but ensure they are high quality and fresh. If you’re peeling and deveining them yourself, carefully remove the shells and the dark intestinal vein running along the back of each shrimp using a small, sharp knife or a toothpick. Thoroughly rinse the shrimp under cold running water to remove any lingering debris.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is a vital step often overlooked. Excess moisture will prevent the shrimp from browning properly and will result in a steamed, rather than baked, texture. Completely dry shrimp ensures a beautiful, crispy exterior when baked. Aim for a surface that’s almost completely free of moisture.
Once dry, inspect each shrimp for any remaining shells or impurities. Remove any that you find. This attention to detail will elevate the overall dining experience. Depending on your preference, you can leave the tails on or off. If leaving the tails on, ensure they are clean. If removing, use clean kitchen shears for a neat cut.
For even cooking, ensure all the shrimp are roughly the same size. If you have a mix of sizes, separate them into batches for baking. Smaller shrimp will cook faster than larger ones, and baking them together will result in overcooked smaller shrimp and undercooked larger ones. This careful sorting is key to achieving perfectly cooked shrimp throughout.
Finally, before proceeding to the baking stage, consider a quick marinade for extra flavor. A simple option is to toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will season the shrimp and help ensure they are moist and flavorful even after baking. Gently toss to coat evenly, ensuring each shrimp receives a light coating. Avoid over-marinating, as this can make the shrimp mushy.
Garlic Preparation and Infusions
The foundation of delicious baked garlic parmesan shrimp lies in properly preparing the garlic. We’ll explore two methods: roasting whole heads for a deep, mellow flavor, and mincing fresh cloves for a sharper, more immediate garlic punch. Choose the method that best suits your desired taste profile and time constraints.
Method 1: Roasting Whole Heads of Garlic
This method yields incredibly sweet and tender roasted garlic, perfect for a rich, nuanced flavor in your shrimp. Start with 2 large heads of garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully slice off the top 1/4 inch of each head, exposing the cloves. Drizzle generously with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring each clove is lightly coated. Wrap each head tightly in aluminum foil.
Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and easily squeezable. Once cool enough to handle, gently squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins. You should have approximately 40-50 roasted cloves. Reserve the roasted garlic; you’ll use it later in the recipe.
Method 2: Mincing Fresh Garlic
For a more pungent garlic flavor, you can use fresh, minced garlic. This method is quicker but provides a different flavor profile compared to roasted garlic. Start with 6-8 large cloves of fresh garlic. Peel the cloves and use a garlic press or finely mince them using a sharp knife. Be careful not to over-mince, as this can release more of the pungent compounds and potentially lead to a bitter taste.
If using fresh garlic, consider adding a pinch of salt to the minced garlic. This helps to draw out moisture and mellow the flavor slightly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before incorporating it into the shrimp mixture. This step is optional but recommended.
Garlic Infusions (Optional):
To further enhance the garlic flavor, you can infuse your olive oil with garlic. For a subtle infusion, gently heat 1/4 cup of olive oil with 2-3 minced garlic cloves over low heat for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes before using. For a more intense flavor, you can simmer the garlic in the oil for longer, but be careful not to burn it. Strain the oil before using to remove the garlic cloves. This infused oil can be used in place of plain olive oil in the shrimp recipe.
Remember to adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference and the size of your shrimp. Experiment with different combinations of roasted and fresh garlic to find your perfect balance of sweet and pungent flavors!
Sauce Preparation
The success of this Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp recipe hinges heavily on a flavorful and well-balanced sauce. We’ll be creating a rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp. Begin by gathering your ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, 4 cloves of garlic (minced finely – the finer the better!), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor), 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat mayonnaise creates a creamier texture), 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Avoid browning the butter; we want a smooth, light golden color. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial; cooking the garlic gently infuses the butter with its aromatic flavor without burning it and creating a bitter taste. Do not let the garlic brown; it should remain pale.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly until the mayonnaise is fully incorporated into the melted butter and garlic mixture. This creates a creamy base for our sauce. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Now, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients: the chopped parsley, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. Remember to taste and adjust before adding the shrimp; it’s easier to correct the seasoning at this stage.
Once you’re satisfied with the flavor and consistency of your sauce, remove it from the heat and set it aside. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. This delicious garlic parmesan sauce is now ready to be combined with your baked shrimp, creating a truly unforgettable meal. Keep the sauce warm until you’re ready to use it, as it’s best served warm and creamy.
Baking Process and Timing
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and a beautifully browned shrimp. Using a preheated oven is crucial for consistent results; placing cold shrimp into a cold oven will lead to uneven cooking and potentially rubbery texture.
While the oven preheats, prepare your baking dish. A shallow, oven-safe dish, such as a baking sheet or a small casserole dish, works best. Lightly grease the dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Avoid using too much oil, as this can lead to greasy shrimp. A light coating is sufficient.
Arrange the prepared shrimp (as detailed in the previous section) in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Do not overcrowd the dish; this will steam the shrimp rather than bake them, resulting in a less desirable texture. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer in each.
Evenly sprinkle the garlic parmesan mixture over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! The garlic parmesan blend is a key component of the flavor profile. Aim for approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture per pound of shrimp, adjusting to your preference.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque throughout and the edges are slightly browned. Overbaking will result in dry, tough shrimp, so it’s crucial to monitor the cooking process closely. Shrimp cook quickly, so start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark.
To check for doneness, gently pierce a shrimp with a fork. It should be easily pierced and opaque all the way through. If the shrimp is still translucent in the center, bake for an additional 1-2 minutes and check again. Never overcook the shrimp. It’s better to slightly undercook than overcook them.
Once cooked, immediately remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the shrimp rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful shrimp. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment of the warm, crispy, and flavorful dish.
Important Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp and the oven’s efficiency. Always monitor the shrimp closely during the baking process to ensure they are cooked perfectly.
Recommendations
For the best results when making Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, ensure your shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before baking. This helps them crisp up beautifully and prevents them from steaming instead of baking. Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; arrange the shrimp in a single layer for even cooking. Overcrowding will lead to steaming and less crispy results. Finally, keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.
Serving suggestions abound! These baked shrimp are fantastic served over pasta, particularly linguine or spaghetti. A simple bed of rice or quinoa also works well. Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a burst of brightness. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Leftover Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to avoid overcooking and drying them out. Avoid freezing these shrimp as the texture may suffer upon thawing.
Complementary dishes that pair perfectly with Baked Garlic Parmesan Shrimp include crusty bread for dipping into the delicious garlic parmesan sauce, a simple garlic bread, or a light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, would also complement the dish beautifully.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on a 4-serving recipe): Calories: 250-300 (depending on shrimp size and added ingredients), Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 15-20g (mostly from the Parmesan cheese and butter), Carbohydrates: 5-10g (depending on serving size). Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with your exact recipe ingredients.
