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Looking for an impressive yet effortless seafood dish? These garlic and Parmesan roasted shrimp deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen time. The combination of fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and perfectly roasted shrimp creates an elevated dish that's ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both special occasions and weeknight meals.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity - when you start with quality ingredients and proper technique, extraordinary flavors naturally follow. The high-heat roasting method creates perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Select large or jumbo (16-20 count), peeled and deveined shrimp for best results
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced - essential for authentic flavor
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano provides the best melt and flavor
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil forms the marinade base
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Preparation Method
- Creating the Marinade:
- Mix minced garlic with olive oil, dried Italian herbs, and fresh lemon zest. Season with kosher salt and black pepper until well combined.
- Preparing the Shrimp:
- Coat shrimp thoroughly in marinade mixture. Refrigerate 1-3 hours. Before cooking, bring to room temperature and toss with grated Parmesan.
- Roasting Method:
- Arrange on baking sheet with space between pieces. Roast at 400°F for 8 minutes until pink and just curled.
Temperature Guidelines
Maintaining a 400°F oven temperature ensures proper caramelization while preventing overcooking. This high heat creates the perfect balance of exterior browning and interior tenderness.
Selecting Shrimp Size
Larger shrimp varieties work exceptionally well for roasting, maintaining better texture and moisture. The 16-20 count size provides optimal results.
Serving Options
These versatile shrimp pair beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or fresh greens. The roasting creates a flavorful sauce that's perfect for soaking up with artisan bread.
Advance Preparation
Prepare the marinade and shrimp up to 3 hours ahead. Add Parmesan just before roasting for optimal results.
This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients, properly prepared, can create an exceptional dish. The combination of fresh garlic, quality Parmesan, and precise cooking technique delivers consistently impressive results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook this dish using frozen shrimp?
- Absolutely! For best results, let the shrimp fully defrost overnight in the fridge before you start cooking.
- → Can I marinate the shrimp longer than a few hours?
- Not a good idea—because of the acidic marinade, leaving the shrimp longer than 3 hours can make them start to 'cook' prematurely.
- → What’s a good pairing for this dish?
- It’s fantastic served with rice, tossed pasta, or some fresh crusty bread to soak up every bit of flavor.
- → Can I prep this meal ahead of time?
- Sure thing! Marinate them in advance, but only cook when you’re ready to serve so they stay fresh and tender.
- → How can I tell when the shrimp are cooked through?
- Cooked shrimp turn pink, curl into a loose 'C' shape, and feel firm to the touch—not rubbery.