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Zesty Lemon Butter Shrimp offers both simplicity and flair on your table. Here you'll find tender shrimp bathed in a rich lemony butter sauce, topped with a crunchy cheese breadcrumb layer. It works beautifully for fancy gatherings or just regular dinners, winning hearts with its easy prep and amazing flavor.
Dish Highlights
This dish showcases the natural sweetness of shrimp, enhanced by tangy lemon and smooth butter. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds that delightful crunch, making every bite worth remembering. You can pair it with so many sides, which makes it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal you're planning.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: 450g, peeled, deveined and butterflied; always go for fresh ones.
- Unsalted butter: 75g, melted and split for sauce and seasoning.
- Dry white wine or broth: 180ml, simmered down for deeper taste.
- Lemon juice: 30ml, squeezed right before using.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, chopped very small.
- Panko breadcrumbs: 90g, for that extra crunch on top.
- Parmesan: 30g, grated into the crust mixture.
- Olive oil: 20ml, to mix with breadcrumbs.
- Salt and black pepper: As you like it.
Cooking Steps
- Heat Oven and Get Ready
- Turn your oven to 220°C. Get a baking dish out.
- Make Base Sauce
- Mix white wine or broth with half the melted butter. Pour this in your dish and let it cook down in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Flavor Your Shrimp
- Combine shrimp with the remaining melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Put Everything Together
- Spread your seasoned shrimp over the reduced sauce.
- Create Topping
- Combine panko, parmesan, olive oil and salt. Sprinkle this mix over your shrimp.
- Bake It Just Right
- Bake for 12 minutes. For a golden topping, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch it carefully.
- Ready to Eat
- Let it sit briefly. Top with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if you want.
Twists and Changes
You can switch things up easily with this dish. Try scallops or lobster tails instead of shrimp, or swap wine for broth. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work for special diets. Throw in some spinach or tomatoes to add color and boost nutrition.
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Tasty Side Pairings
This shrimp tastes amazing with roasted asparagus, citrus salad, or rice that soaks up all that yummy sauce. For a bigger meal, add creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for dipping. These sides really bring out the best in the shrimp and make dinner even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Sure, it's fine to use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they're fully thawed and patted dry to avoid extra moisture.
- → What can I use instead of white wine?
- Chicken broth is a great replacement for white wine. Veggie or seafood stock works too if you want something different.
- → How do I know when shrimp is done?
- Shrimp is ready when it turns pink and looks opaque. Don't overcook it, or it'll get rubbery.
- → Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
- You can make the sauce and breadcrumb mixture in advance, but cook the shrimp right before serving so they stay juicy.
- → What should I serve with this dish?
- It goes great with pasta, rice, or a green salad. Crusty bread is awesome for soaking up the tasty butter sauce too.