Shrimp Oreganata is one of my favorite Italian dinners, made with a few simple pantry ingredients, you can transform your shrimp dinner into the extraordinary!
Shrimp oreganata is a classic Italian-American dish that highlights the flavors of shrimp with a herbaceous and tangy breadcrumb topping. Typically, the shrimp are butterflied or split open and topped with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and olive oil. This topping is generously sprinkled over the shrimp, which are then baked or broiled until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
The name “oreganata” derives from the Italian word for oregano (“origano”), which plays a central role in the seasoning of the dish. The combination of garlic, herbs, and cheese gives the shrimp a savory depth of flavor while the lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that balances the richness of the dish.
Shrimp oreganata is often served as an appetizer or a main course alongside pasta or a simple green salad. It’s known for its simplicity and ability to showcase the natural sweetness of the shrimp while enhancing it with the flavorful breadcrumb topping. This dish is popular in seafood restaurants and home kitchens alike, offering a taste of Italy with a New World twist that delights seafood lovers everywhere.
Ingredients Needed For Easy Shrimp Oreganata Recipe
Here are the simple ingredients needed for Shrimp Oreganata.
- Shrimp: Large shrimp are butterflied or split open to hold the flavorful topping.
- Breadcrumbs: Used as a base for the topping, providing a crunchy texture.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Oregano: Complements the garlic and parsley with its earthy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Enriches the breadcrumb topping with its nutty and salty taste.
- Lemon zest: Freshly grated lemon zest provides a citrusy freshness that balances the dish’s richness.
- Olive oil: Binds the breadcrumb mixture together and helps in crisping up the topping during baking or broiling.
How To Make Shrimp Oreganata
To make Shrimp Oreganata, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Clean and devein large shrimp, leaving the shells on for flavor and presentation if desired.
- Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Top the Shrimp: Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each shrimp, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake or Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, broil for a few minutes at the end to achieve a crispy topping.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the Shrimp Oreganata hot as an appetizer or main dish, garnished with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Pro Tips For Recipe For Shrimp Oreganata
Here are some pro tips to enhance your Shrimp Oreganata recipe:
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, large shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Quality breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese will also elevate the dish.
- Prep Shrimp Properly: Ensure shrimp are cleaned and deveined well. Leaving the shells on can add flavor during baking but can also be removed before serving for easier eating.
- Even Coating: When preparing the breadcrumb mixture, ensure each shrimp is generously coated. Press the topping gently onto the shrimp to help it adhere.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors. Taste the breadcrumb mixture before applying it to the shrimp and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon zest as needed.
- Baking Technique: Bake the shrimp just until they are cooked through to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery. A golden brown and crispy topping is ideal.
- Broiling Option: For an extra crispy topping, broil the shrimp for the last couple of minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp Oreganata is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges to brighten the flavors.
- Variation: Experiment with adding additional herbs like thyme or basil to the breadcrumb mixture for different flavor profiles.
Following these tips will help you create a delicious and impressive Shrimp Oreganata dish that will delight your guests or family.
Shrimp Oreganata Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Oreganata? It’s best to use fresh shrimp for this recipe as they will have better texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I prepare Shrimp Oreganata ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the breadcrumb mixture and even coat the shrimp ahead of time. However, it’s best to bake them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked? Shrimp cook quickly, usually in 8-10 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C). They should turn opaque and pink with a firm texture. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming tough.
Can I make Shrimp Oreganata without breadcrumbs? Breadcrumbs are essential for the crispy topping in Shrimp Oreganata. You can try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture.
What side dishes pair well with Shrimp Oreganata? Serve Shrimp Oreganata with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the flavors well.
How should I store leftovers? Store leftover Shrimp Oreganata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven briefly to maintain crispiness.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan? Parmesan cheese adds a distinct flavor, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different taste.
Can I grill Shrimp Oreganata instead of baking? Baking is recommended for this recipe to achieve the crispy breadcrumb topping. Grilling may not give the same texture but can be attempted with careful monitoring.
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Shrimp Oreganata
Description
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/8 cup fresh oregano
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 whole lemon, zest and juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Clean and devein large shrimp, leaving the shells on for flavor and presentation if desired.
- In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the breadcrumb mixture generously over each shrimp, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, broil for a few minutes at the end to achieve a crispy topping.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the Shrimp Oreganata hot as an appetizer or main dish, garnished with additional chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Equipment
- Skillet, or Cast Iron Pan
- Cooking Spary, or Cooking Oil
Nutrition
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