Crispy Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a delightful dish featuring jumbo prawns coated in a crunchy, flavorful topping and baked to perfection. The tangy lemon butter sauce adds a bright, buttery finish that makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) jumbo prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (or substitute chicken broth)
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan, finely shredded
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- Finely chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F), suitable for all oven types.
- Step 2: Pour the white wine and half of the melted butter into a 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) baking pan. Place the pan in the oven for 10 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Step 3: While the liquid is reducing, toss the prawns with the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s normal if the butter hardens during this step.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, and olive oil to create the crunchy topping.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread the seasoned prawns in a single but snug layer over the reduced sauce.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the prawns and bake for 12 minutes.
- Step 7: Switch your oven to broil (grill) on high and broil the prawns for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the topping browns slightly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
- Using chicken broth instead of white wine works well if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve with steamed rice or over pasta for a heartier meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven to keep the topping crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the crunchy topping and make the prawns rubbery.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before tossing with the butter mixture to avoid excess moisture that can affect the crispiness.
What can I serve this dish with?
This crispy baked shrimp pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
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Crispy Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Baked Shrimp in Lemon Butter Sauce is a delicious seafood dish featuring jumbo prawns baked to perfection with a zesty lemon butter sauce and a crunchy panko parmesan topping. The prawns are first marinated in a flavorful blend of butter, garlic, and lemon juice, then baked with a reduced white wine sauce and finished under the broiler for a perfect golden crust. This easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 500g (1 lb) jumbo prawns/shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (half of 5 tbsp)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Sauce Reduction
- 3/4 cup dry white wine (can substitute chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (remaining from 5 tbsp)
Crunchy Topping
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F), suitable for all oven types to ensure the shrimp bake evenly.
- Prepare Sauce Reduction: Pour the dry white wine and half of the melted butter (about 2 tbsp) into a 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) baking pan. Place the pan in the oven for 10 minutes to reduce the liquid, intensifying the flavor of the sauce.
- Marinate Prawns: In a mixing bowl, toss the prawns with the remaining melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Note that the butter may harden during mixing, which is normal.
- Make Crunchy Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, finely shredded parmesan cheese, salt, and olive oil. Mix well until the panko is evenly coated with oil and cheese, creating a crunchy topping mixture.
- Assemble for Baking: Remove the baking pan with reduced sauce from the oven and add the marinated prawns in a single, snug layer to the pan. Spread the crunchy topping evenly over the prawns.
- Bake Shrimp: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 12 minutes, allowing the prawns to cook through and the topping to crisp up.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch your oven to broil/grill on high. Broil the prawns for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully, to brown and crisp the topping without burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the rich lemon butter sauce.
Notes
- Note 1: Use fresh or properly thawed jumbo prawns/shrimp peeled and deveined for best texture and flavor.
- Note 2: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and crunchy topping; regular breadcrumbs may be used but result in a different texture.
- Note 3: If using a glass baking dish, ensure it is oven-safe up to 220°C (430°F) and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shrimp recipe, baked shrimp, lemon butter sauce, crispy shrimp, seafood dinner, panko shrimp, easy seafood recipe

