Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce (Prawns)

Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce is a delicious, easy-to-make dish where prawns (shrimp) are baked to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with a crispy breadcrumb coating. It’s a perfect dish for seafood lovers, combining tender shrimp with a flavorful, crunchy topping.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for presentation if desired)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crunchy Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

3. Arrange the Shrimp:

• Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. If using prawns with tails on, arrange them with the tails facing upward for a nice presentation.

4. Prepare the Crunchy Topping:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (if using), and the melted butter.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp.

5. Bake the Shrimp:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through, and the topping is golden brown and crunchy. If needed, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes to get an extra crispy topping.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Once out of the oven, garnish with more chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Serve the shrimp hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Tips:

• You can add more flavor by including some white wine or chicken broth in the garlic butter mixture before baking.
• For extra crunch, add more panko or even crushed crackers to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Crunchy Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce, a perfect combination of juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter, and a crispy, cheesy topping!