Looking for an impressive seafood dish that requires minimal effort? This Shrimp Scampi Bake delivers restaurant-quality flavor with just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time. The succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with hints of tangy mustard and bright lemon creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce!
Ingredients
- 900g (2 pounds) medium raw shrimp, shelled, deveined, with tails attached
- 230g (1 cup) butter
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) Dijon mustard
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) chopped garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Step 1:
Gather all ingredients. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Step 2:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped garlic, and fresh parsley. Stir occasionally until the butter melts completely, then remove from heat.
Step 3:
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure all pieces are coated.
Step 4:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough quickly.
Step 5:
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 285mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 25g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Shrimp Selection: Look for shrimp that are firm, translucent, and odorless. While tails-on shrimp make for a more attractive presentation, you can use tail-off shrimp for easier eating.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and just begin to curl into a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Even Cooking: Arrange shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. If necessary, use a larger baking dish or two separate dishes.
- Room Temperature: Let shrimp sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking to ensure more even cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-minced jarred varieties.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to the butter mixture while it’s heating.
Variations and Substitutions
- Wine Addition: Add 60ml (¼ cup) of dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to the butter mixture for a more traditional scampi flavor.
- Spice It Up: Include ¼-½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Try different fresh herbs such as dill, basil, or tarragon instead of or in addition to the parsley.
- Citrus Options: Substitute lime juice for lemon juice, or add some orange zest for a different citrus profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
- Make It a Meal: Toss in 450g (1 pound) of cooked pasta before baking for a complete one-dish meal.
Common FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them completely first. Place frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before pouring over the shrimp. However, the shrimp should be cooked just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the best way to serve shrimp scampi?
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad makes a perfect accompaniment.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s not recommended, as pre-cooked shrimp will likely become overcooked and rubbery when baked. If you only have pre-cooked shrimp, add them to the hot butter sauce and warm through rather than baking.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Perfectly cooked shrimp are pink, opaque, and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The butter may solidify when cold, but this is normal.
- Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave on 50% power in short intervals to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing as the texture of the shrimp may become compromised upon thawing and reheating.
- Make-Ahead Components: The butter sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
- Serving Suggestions: For a make-ahead meal plan, prepare side dishes like rice, pasta, or vegetables in advance, and then quickly bake the shrimp just before serving.
This Shrimp Scampi Bake is more than just a recipe—it’s a culinary lifesaver when you need something impressive with minimal effort. The rich butter sauce infused with garlic, mustard, and lemon creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the tender shrimp. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to a special dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. The best part? It comes together so quickly that you’ll have more time to enjoy with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen!
