Zesty Shrimp Parmesan With Marinara Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden shrimp parmesan nestled in a vibrant marinara sauce promises an incredible culinary adventure.

Our recipe blends succulent seafood with rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this dish delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite of tender shrimp.

Cheese melts into a luxurious blanket, creating irresistible texture and depth.

Fragrant herbs and perfectly seasoned coating elevate this classic combination beyond ordinary expectations.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering moment of this delightful meal.

Ways To Tweak Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce

• Gluten-Free Shrimp: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Air Fryer Version: Spray breaded shrimp with cooking oil, air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
• Spicy Caribbean Style: Add cayenne pepper and paprika to breadcrumb mixture, serve with mango salsa instead of marinara for a tropical kick.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds, use coconut flour instead of wheat flour, and maintain same crispy coating technique.

Top Pairings For Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce

• Pair Sizzling Shrimp with Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of fried shrimp, its bright acidity complementing the marinara's tangy tomato base.
• Create Mediterranean Appetizer Spread: Serve alongside marinated olives, crusty Italian bread, and roasted red pepper dip to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile of the dish.
• Match with Refreshing Citrus Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the crispy, hearty shrimp, balancing the meal's texture and flavor.
• Elevate with Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce: Homemade garlic aioli adds creamy, garlicky depth that perfectly complements the crispy breaded shrimp and enhances the overall dining experience.

How To Store Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce Right

• Store leftover breaded shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in a single layer to prevent sogginess. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
• Carefully place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Warm for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Set air fryer to 370°F. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

FAQ Sheet For Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce

• Why is it important to pat the shrimp dry before breading?

Drying the shrimp removes excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better and creates a crispier, more golden-brown exterior when fried.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko, Italian-style, or homemade breadcrumbs. Each type will give a slightly different texture to the coating.

• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to check that the oil reaches 375°F, or drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil – it should sizzle immediately when the oil is ready.

Why Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce Is So Tasty

• Crisp and Crunchy Delight: Perfectly breaded shrimp delivers an irresistible texture that cracks beautifully with each bite, making it a sensational crowd-pleaser.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps transform this recipe into a speedy dinner solution that requires minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor impact.
• Restaurant-Quality Satisfaction: Home cooks can create a gourmet-style dish that rivals professional restaurant preparations, impressing family and guests with minimal culinary expertise.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable recipe works perfectly as an appetizer, main course, or party dish, pairing wonderfully with various sides like pasta, salad, or rice.

What You’ll Need For Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that becomes crispy and golden when breaded and fried.

• Flour: Helps create the first dry layer for coating the shrimp.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs stick to shrimp.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a crunchy, flavorful exterior for the shrimp.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Oregano, Garlic Powder: Add depth and classic Mediterranean-style seasoning to the breading.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat to the marinara sauce.

• Garlic: Provides an aromatic base for the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates the primary liquid component of the marinara.
• Basil: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, final touch to the marinara.

• Olive Oil: Used for both frying shrimp and creating the marinara sauce.

How To Make Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp for Coating

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior when fried.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

• First dish: all-purpose flour
• Second dish: whisked eggs
• Third dish: breadcrumbs with:
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

• Coating first in flour, shaking off excess
• Dipping into beaten eggs
• Rolling thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour olive oil into a large skillet, heating over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and reaches approximately 375°F.

Step 5: Fry Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Carefully place breaded shrimp into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns golden brown and develops a crispy texture.

Step 6: Drain Fried Shrimp

Remove shrimp using a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Create Marinara Sauce

Sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 8: Simmer Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Fresh basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 9: Finish Marinara

Stir in fresh chopped parsley during the final minute of cooking.

Step 10: Plate and Serve

Arrange crispy shrimp on serving plates and generously ladle warm marinara sauce over the top.

Step 11: Final Garnish

Sprinkle additional grated parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Tips For Shrimp Parmesan with Zesty Marinara Sauce Success

• Dry Shrimp Perfectly: Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture, guaranteeing a super crispy, golden-brown exterior that won't get soggy.
• Breading Station Setup: Arrange three separate shallow dishes with flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs to create a smooth, even coating process.
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil at 375°F for optimal frying, ensuring shrimp cook quickly without absorbing excess grease and remain light and crispy.
• Marinara Magic: Allow sauce to simmer uncovered, letting flavors develop and concentrate for a rich, robust taste that complements the crispy shrimp.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh parsley at the last moment to add brightness and a burst of fresh flavor to the final dish.

Shrimp Parmesan With Zesty Marinara Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp parmesan nestles in a rich, zesty marinara sauce that whispers Mediterranean comfort. Crisp cheese-crusted seafood and tangy sauce promise a delightful culinary journey you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp:

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup (60 g) grated parmesan cheese

Coating and Breading:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispy coating.
2. Create three separate shallow dishes: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, third with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
3. Dredge each shrimp first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, around 375°F.
5. Carefully place breaded shrimp into hot oil, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towels.
7. For marinara, sauté minced garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds until fragrant.
8. Add tomato sauce, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, simmering uncovered for 10-12 minutes.
9. Stir in fresh parsley during last minute of cooking.
10. Plate crispy shrimp and generously ladle warm marinara sauce over top.
11. Garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Thoroughly patting shrimp dry is crucial for achieving that irresistibly crispy golden-brown exterior that makes this dish truly spectacular.
• Seasoning Hack: Mix extra herbs and spices into breadcrumbs for a flavor-packed coating that elevates the shrimp’s taste profile beyond basic breading.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent oil heat around 375°F to prevent soggy or burnt breading, ensuring perfectly crisp shrimp every single time.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg