This Brown Sugar Lime Baked Shrimp is a tasty dish that comes together quickly. The shrimp get a sweet and tangy twist from the brown sugar and lime, making every bite a treat!
Honestly, it’s so easy to make that I feel like a chef! I pop the shrimp in the oven and enjoy the amazing aroma. Perfect served with rice or a fresh salad—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp is best for this dish. If you’re unable to find them, feel free to use medium-sized shrimp. For a seafood alternative, try using scallops or firm fish like salmon.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a mild sweetness. You can swap it with coconut sugar or even honey if you’re in a pinch. Just remember that honey is liquid, so use a little less lime juice if it gets too sweet!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides a bright flavor. If you’re out of limes, bottled lime juice can work too. Alternatively, lemon juice offers a similar tangy note.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko is ideal for achieving a crispy topping. If you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs will do. You might not get the same crunch, but the flavor will still be good!
How Do You Get Crispy Topping on Shrimp?
To achieve a delightful crispy topping on your baked shrimp, the panko breadcrumbs need some attention. Here are my tips for that perfect crunch!
- Before sprinkling the breadcrumbs, lightly drizzle them with olive oil. This helps them turn golden as they bake.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Keep an eye on the shrimp while they bake; this ensures that both the shrimp and breadcrumbs don’t overcook.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crispy shrimp ready to serve with a squeeze of lime!
Delicious Brown Sugar Lime Baked Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Topping:
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- For Serving: Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy for a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot, steady cooking temperature for the shrimp.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, mix together the brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely blended.
3. Marinate the Shrimp:
Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the marinade. Let them sit for about 10 minutes—the longer they soak, the more flavor they’ll absorb!
4. Prepare for Baking:
While the shrimp marinate, spray or lightly grease a baking dish or an oven-safe skillet with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking.
5. Arrange the Shrimp:
Carefully place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkling the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the shrimp creates a deliciously crispy topping.
6. Bake the Shrimp:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the shrimp bake uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. You want the breadcrumbs to become golden and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with lime wedges for a burst of extra flavor!
Enjoy your scrumptious Brown Sugar Lime Baked Shrimp with delightful sides like a fresh salad, steamed rice, or crusty bread! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is by transferring them to the refrigerator overnight or placing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
Is There a Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead. They may not provide quite the same level of crunch, but they’ll still add texture and flavor to the dish. You can also make your own by grinding stale bread into crumbs!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the shrimp and marinate them a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This will allow the flavors to develop even further!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of olive oil to keep them moist, trying to avoid overcooking them a second time.