Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Herb Baked Shrimp Scampi with Crispy Panko Topping?
It is an elevated version of the classic shrimp scampi that features shrimp baked in a garlic-herb butter sauce and topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
How should the shrimp be prepared before baking?
The shrimp should be peeled, deveined, and butterflied, while keeping the tails intact for a better presentation.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should marinate at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
What ingredients are used in the shrimp marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, dry white wine, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What ingredients are in the garlic-herb butter topping?
The topping is a mixture of room-temperature unsalted butter, minced garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, and panko breadcrumbs.
How should the shrimp be arranged in the baking dish?
Arrange them in a single layer with the cut side facing down and the tails curling upward in a 14-inch oval gratin dish.
How long does it take to bake the shrimp scampi?
The dish typically bakes for 10 to 12 minutes until the shrimp are cooked through and the butter is bubbly.
How do I make the panko topping extra crispy?
After the initial baking, switch the oven to broil and toast the topping for an additional minute, watching it closely to prevent burning.
What should I serve with this dish to soak up the sauce?
It is best served with fresh sourdough bread or over al dente pasta.
What role does the egg yolk play in the recipe?
The egg yolk helps bind the garlic-herb butter and panko mixture together, ensuring it stays on the shrimp during baking.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine is recommended for the best flavor balance.
How many shrimp are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 20 large shrimp.
What herbs provide the flavor in the garlic butter?
The recipe uses minced fresh parsley and minced fresh rosemary.
Can I add cheese to this scampi recipe?
Yes, Parmesan cheese is listed as an optional ingredient for serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a very mild heat from 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of minced garlic, which is approximately 4 cloves.
Does the recipe use lemon juice or lemon zest?
The recipe uses both 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
What type of breadcrumbs are used for the topping?
2/3 cup of panko breadcrumbs are used for their light and airy crunch.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
No, the butter should be at room temperature so it can be mashed and blended with the other topping ingredients.
What kind of shallots are needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced shallots for the herb butter mixture.
Can I leave the tails off the shrimp?
While you can remove them, the recipe recommends keeping them on for a more professional visual display.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick yet impressive meal perfect for weeknights.
What happens to the marinade after the shrimp is arranged in the dish?
Any remaining marinade should be poured over the shrimp before adding the butter topping to enhance the flavor.
What size baking dish is ideal?
A 14-inch oval gratin dish is recommended for this amount of shrimp.
How do I know the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they are opaque throughout and the topping is golden and bubbly.
What provides the brightness in this rich dish?
The fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh herbs cut through the richness of the butter.
Is the salt amount specific?
The recipe suggests adding kosher salt 'to taste' both in the marinade and the butter mixture.
Should I serve the shrimp with lemon wedges?
Yes, serving with fresh lemon wedges allows guests to add extra acidity as desired.
Can I use extra-large eggs for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one extra-large egg yolk.