Introduction
Shrimp Scampi Bake is a comforting, oven-baked twist on the beloved Italian-American shrimp scampi. Traditionally sautéed in butter, garlic, and white wine, this version lets the oven do the work—delivering juicy shrimp in a golden, garlicky sauce with a crisp topping. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for a weeknight treat.
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Origin
The term scampi originally referred to a type of large prawn found in the Mediterranean. Italian immigrants in the United States adapted the dish, using readily available shrimp instead of scampi, pairing them with butter, garlic, lemon, and wine. The baked variation likely arose in American home kitchens, where casseroles and easy oven meals became popular in the mid-20th century.
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Cultural Significance
Shrimp Scampi represents the fusion of Italian heritage with American convenience. It’s often served at family gatherings, special dinners, or holiday buffets, symbolizing warmth, generosity, and a love of seafood. Its golden crust and rich aroma evoke a sense of indulgence and celebration.
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Ingredients & Quantities (Serves 4)
1 ½ lb (680 g) large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
3 Tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
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Optional Additions
A sprinkle of paprika for color
A touch of grated lemon zest for brightness
Substitute part of the butter with ghee for a nutty flavor
Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or thin asparagus spears to bake alongside
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Tips for Success
Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to prevent excess liquid.
Use good-quality butter for the richest flavor.
Don’t overbake—shrimp turn rubbery if cooked too long (aim for just pink and opaque).
For extra crunch, toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan before sprinkling.
Serve immediately for the best texture and aroma.
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Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, wine, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour evenly over shrimp.
4. Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley; sprinkle over the shrimp mixture.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and the topping is golden.
6. Optional: Broil for 1 minute for a crispier crust.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread or pasta to soak up the sauce.
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Description
This Shrimp Scampi Bake offers plump, tender shrimp bathed in garlicky lemon-butter sauce, topped with a crunchy Parmesan crust. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, while the golden topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the silky sauce beneath.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
Calories: ~330
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 22 g (of which ~10 g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: <1 g
Sodium: ~560 mg
(Values vary with portion size and ingredient brands.)
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Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi Bake combines the decadence of classic scampi with the ease of a one-pan dish. Its balance of buttery richness, tangy lemon, and savory crunch makes it an enduring favorite for both casual meals and elegant occasions.
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Recommendation
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), a light green salad, and warm baguette slices for dipping. It also works beautifully atop angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To make this dish lighter, reduce butter by half, swap breadcrumbs for almond meal, and add steamed vegetables for extra fiber. Even with these tweaks, you’ll enjoy all the classic scampi flavors—proof that indulgence and balance can happily coexist.
