Description

This Cheesy Baked Tiger Shrimp recipe offers a delightful combination of succulent tiger shrimp baked to perfection with a rich and creamy cheesy topping, infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, this easy-to-make baked shrimp dish delivers impressive flavors with minimal effort, ideal for seafood lovers looking for a quick yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 pound tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheesy Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the shrimp evenly and melting the cheese beautifully.
Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined tiger shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated with the marinade.
Arrange shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in a greased baking dish to allow for even cooking and to ensure the shrimp cook through properly.
Make cheesy topping: In a separate bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped parsley, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to form a creamy, flavorful cheese mixture.
Top shrimp: Spoon the cheesy mixture evenly over each shrimp in the baking dish, covering them generously to create a rich layer of cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through (pink and opaque) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve warm as an appetizer or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

You can substitute tiger shrimp with any large shrimp available.
For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the cheesy topping mixture.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.