Name: Shrimp Oreganata Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on; ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; Lemon wedges for serving

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If you’ve ever wanted to impress guests or indulge in a bit of coastal Italian comfort, Shrimp Oreganata is your ticket to dinner glory. This lively, aromatic dish combines tender shrimp, a crunchy herbed breadcrumb topping, and a bright hit of lemon that makes every bite pop. Not only is it gorgeous and flavorful, but it comes together in under half an hour—making Shrimp Oreganata a stellar choice for both weeknights and special occasions. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients are at the heart of every memorable Shrimp Oreganata. Each one plays a starring role, building a symphony of texture and flavor that will have your family asking for seconds.

Large shrimp (1 ½ pounds): Fresh, plump shrimp are the canvas—try to choose ones that have been peeled and deveined to save prep time and ensure a tender bite.
Italian-style breadcrumbs (½ cup): Provides that crave-worthy, golden crunch while delivering savory flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Lends a salty, nutty richness to the topping and helps it brown beautifully.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped (3 tablespoons): Adds vibrant color and freshness that wakes up the whole dish.
Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens everything up and balances the richness of the breadcrumbs and cheese.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Makes the topping deliciously crisp while infusing luscious Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): For savory oomph and irresistible aroma—don’t skimp!
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): The namesake herb of Shrimp Oreganata, adding that classic Italian zip.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle hint of heat that plays well with lemon and herbs.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Just enough to make every other ingredient shine.
Lemon wedges for serving: Essential for adding a fresh squeeze just before eating, enhancing flavor and presentation.

How to Make Shrimp Oreganata

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the temperature right makes sure your shrimp bake evenly and the topping turns perfectly golden. Trust me: a hot oven is your best friend for nailing that crispy breadcrumb finish every single time!

Step 2: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil and fresh lemon juice, then mix everything together until the texture resembles damp sand. This mixture brings together nutty, herby, citrusy notes—it’s what sets Shrimp Oreganata apart from other shrimp dishes!

Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp

Lay the shrimp in a single layer, cut side up, in a baking dish. Arranging them this way helps the topping stay put and ensures even cooking, so each shrimp gets maximum flavor and tenderness. Don’t crowd them—space means crispiness!

Step 4: Top and Press

Spoon a generous portion of the breadcrumb mixture onto each shrimp. Gently press the topping in place so it really clings and forms a lovely crust. This is your chance to make every shrimp look—and taste—like a showstopper!

Step 5: Drizzle and Bake

Give the whole dish a final light drizzle of olive oil. Slide it into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know your Shrimp Oreganata is ready when the shrimp are opaque and that gorgeous topping is golden brown. For a little extra color and crunch, you can broil them for the last minute or two—just keep a close eye out!

Step 6: Serve with Lemon

Remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately with plenty of fresh lemon wedges on the side. The burst of lemon complements the garlicky breadcrumbs and tender shrimp, making every bite sing with flavor.

How to Serve Shrimp Oreganata

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the vibrant, herby flavors inside. Lemon wedges are a must—let everyone squeeze their own for maximum zing. For a final flourish, a light dusting of extra Parmesan is always welcome!

Side Dishes

Shrimp Oreganata is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with twirly strands of pasta tossed in olive oil, fluffy rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. Crusty Italian bread is another classic companion—you’ll want it to soak up every last bit of the flavorful juices and crispy topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Shrimp Oreganata into a dazzling appetizer by skewering individual shrimp and serving them on a bed of arugula or endive. For dinner parties, plate them atop a small mound of lemony risotto or nestle them onto crostini for an elegant passed hors d’oeuvre. However you style it, this dish always steals the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Shrimp Oreganata (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days, though the breadcrumbs may soften a bit over time.

Freezing

Freezing Shrimp Oreganata is possible, but best done before baking—assemble the dish, then wrap tightly and freeze. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Already-cooked leftovers can be frozen in a pinch, but the texture of the shrimp and topping is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the leftover shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, and warm at 350°F until heated through. A quick blast under the broiler at the end can help bring back some crispiness to the topping. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the shrimp tough and the breadcrumbs soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Oreganata?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Too much moisture can prevent the topping from becoming crisp and flavorful.

What type Main Course

Italian-style breadcrumbs are the traditional (and super flavorful) choice, but feel free to use panko if you want extra crunch. You can also make your own by pulsing day-old bread with a little dried Italian seasoning and salt.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan?

Yes, you can swap out Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply leave it out. Add a little extra salt or some nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Can I prepare Shrimp Oreganata ahead of time?

You can! Assemble the shrimp with the topping in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or up to overnight. Pop it in the oven just before serving for effortless entertaining.

What’s the best way to prevent overcooking the shrimp?

The key is to watch closely as they bake. Shrimp cook quickly, so as soon as they become pink and opaque, and the topping browns, they’re ready. Overbaking can lead to a dry, rubbery texture, so err on the side of caution.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, elegant, and incredibly flavorful, Shrimp Oreganata is it. Whether you serve it for a romantic dinner or a festive gathering, you’ll be amazed by the warm compliments and empty plates. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved classic that’ll quickly find a place in your regular rotation!

Shrimp Oreganata Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Shrimp Oreganata is a delicious Italian-American seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp topped with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare breadcrumb mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in olive oil and lemon juice until mixture resembles wet sand.
Prepare shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish, cut side up. Spoon breadcrumb mixture over each shrimp, pressing it in place. Drizzle olive oil on top.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are opaque and topping is golden brown.
Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.