20-Minute Healthy Baked Shrimp Scampi
A quick, restaurant-quality shrimp dish baked with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce and topped with a buttery, crunchy panko crust. High in protein and low in carbs, this flavorful baked shrimp scampi comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or easy meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 small baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced
- ¼ cup white wine
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons light butter softened (not melted)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven for Perfect Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures the shrimp cooks quickly, locking in moisture while allowing the panko topping to turn golden and crisp. Position the oven rack in the center to guarantee even cooking and avoid over-browning the topping.
- Prepare the Shrimp Bed: Take 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp and arrange them evenly in a small baking dish. Lay them flat without overlapping so each shrimp can cook uniformly. A single layer ensures that the buttery, lemon-garlic sauce touches every piece, maximizing flavor absorption.
- Season the Shrimp: Spray the shrimp lightly with olive oil spray for a subtle richness and to help the panko adhere. Then sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the shrimp. Seasoning at this stage ensures every bite is flavorful from the inside out.
- Add Lemon and White Wine: Pour the juice of 1 fresh lemon over the shrimp to infuse a bright, zesty flavor. Follow with 1/4 cup of white wine, which adds a gentle acidity and depth to the dish while keeping the shrimp moist during baking. Tilt the dish slightly to let the liquid spread evenly among all shrimp pieces.
- Sprinkle Fresh Garlic: Generously sprinkle 3 cloves of minced garlic over the shrimp. Garlic provides a fragrant aroma and rich, savory flavor that complements the lemon and wine perfectly. Use a knife or microplane to mince finely for an even distribution that ensures every bite carries a garlicky punch.
- Prepare the Panko-Butter Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of softened light butter. Use a fork or spoon to mash them together into a paste-like consistency, resembling wet sand. This mixture will create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp.
- Apply the Topping Evenly: Sprinkle the panko-butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Gently press it down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure it sticks to the shrimp surface without sinking into the lemon-wine sauce. This step guarantees a crunchy, flavorful crust on every piece.
- Bake Until Golden and Juicy: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Avoid opening the oven frequently; the consistent heat allows the shrimp to cook through and the topping to crisp up beautifully. The shrimp should turn opaque and slightly pink, and the panko topping should be golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, check the shrimp. They should be firm to the touch but not rubbery, fully cooked through, and glistening with the buttery, lemony sauce. If needed, you can broil for 1-2 minutes to achieve extra crunch on top, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the shrimp from the oven and allow it to rest for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or over cooked spaghetti for a complete meal. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or lemon zest to add color and a final burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- This dish cooks quickly, so prep all ingredients in advance to save time.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor; frozen shrimp work too, but thaw completely and pat dry.
- Adjust the amount of garlic, lemon, and wine according to your taste preference.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crunchy topping—avoid replacing with regular breadcrumbs, which can become soggy.
- Olive oil spray helps prevent sticking and adds a touch of healthy fat without overloading calories.
