Jumbo Shrimp Parmigiana Recipe
with Tomato Sauce & Melted Mozzarella Cheese
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Ingredients
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Shrimp
Breading and dredging
Tomato sauce
Assembly & finishing
Method
Shrimp
- 1
Prepare shrimp
Rinse shrimp and pat dry with paper towels. Place shrimp in a bowl and toss with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Let sit 5–10 minutes while preparing breading and sauce.
Breading and dredging
- 2
- 3
Bread the shrimp
Working one at a time, dredge each shrimp first in flour (shake off excess), then dip into beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place breaded shrimp on a tray while you heat the oil.
- 4
Shallow fry shrimp
Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry shrimp in batches (do not overcrowd) 1–1.5 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. The shrimp will finish cooking in the oven under cheese, so avoid overcooking.
Tomato sauce
- 5
Make the sauce
In a medium saucepan, warm 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and sauté 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp sugar (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low and cook 10–12 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly & finishing
- 6
Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a shallow baking dish or use a small cast-iron skillet.
- 7
Assemble shrimp parmigiana
Spread a thin layer (about 1/3 cup) of the warm tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange the fried breaded shrimp in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon remaining sauce over each shrimp (about 1–2 tbsp per shrimp), then top each shrimp with a slice or a generous pinch of shredded fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp grated Parmesan evenly over the top and add a light pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
- 8
Bake to melt cheese
Bake in the preheated oven 6–8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and shrimp are cooked through (internal temp ~120–130°F for shrimp; they will be firm and opaque). For a browned top, set oven to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- 9
Garnish and serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil. Let rest 2 minutes, then serve hot over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread to soak up sauce.