Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 pounds raw shrimp, 26/30 count, thawed (tails on, peeled and deveined, preferably Icy Ocean brand)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika (regular or sweet)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (cut small or chopped)
- 1/2 of a lemon (zest plus juice)
Other
- 4 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
- Cooking spray (for greasing baking sheet)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the shrimp from sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Shrimp: If frozen, thaw the shrimp under cold running water. Ensure that both the inner and outer veins are completely removed. Use a small knife, shrimp deveiner tool, or the tip of a metal skewer to loosen the vein and pull it out gently. Rinse the shrimp thoroughly and wash your hands well afterward.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Place the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on a dinner plate. Add the garlic powder and paprika to the cheese.
- Add Lemon Zest: Rinse the lemon and pat it dry. Zest half the lemon using a zester or grater, taking care to only get the yellow part of the peel. Add the lemon zest to the cheese mixture.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Rinse and pat dry the fresh parsley. Cut it into small pieces with scissors or chop finely. Add the parsley to the cheese mixture and mix everything together with a fork to combine evenly.
- Melt Butter: Melt the salted butter in a microwave-safe measuring cup. The melted butter will be used to coat the shrimp before dredging in the cheese mixture.
- Coat the Shrimp: Set up an assembly line with shrimp, melted butter, cheese mixture, and the prepared baking sheet. Dunk a few shrimp into the melted butter, grasping them by the tail to coat both sides lightly. Then dredge each shrimp in the cheese mixture, coating all sides evenly. Place coated shrimp on the baking sheet. Repeat until all shrimp are coated.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The shrimp should be cooked through, opaque, and tender but not tough.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze the juice of the remaining half lemon over the baked shrimp for a fresh, tangy finish. Serve the shrimp over rice for a gluten-free meal or with crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
- Buy shrimp frozen with tails on, peeled, and deveined for best flavor and texture.
- Removing the vein improves both the appearance and taste of the shrimp.
- You can substitute sweet paprika with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal taste and texture rather than pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Make sure not to overbake the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, pasta, or fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover shrimp maintain best quality refrigerated and should be consumed within four days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free