Shrimp Oreganata is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the fresh, sweet flavor of shrimp with the savory, herb-infused goodness of oregano, garlic, and breadcrumbs. This dish is baked to perfection and delivers a deliciously crispy topping while keeping the shrimp tender and succulent.
What is Shrimp Oreganata?
Shrimp Oreganata is a simple yet flavorful seafood recipe where shrimp are seasoned with a mix of garlic, oregano, olive oil, and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden brown and crisp. The dish is typically seasoned with lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding layers of flavor that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Traditionally, Shrimp Oreganata is baked in individual shrimp shells, but it can also be prepared using peeled shrimp for easier eating. The dish is beloved for its fresh, herbaceous taste, with crispy breadcrumbs offering a delightful crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Shrimp Oreganata
To make Shrimp Oreganata at home, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:
- Shrimp: Large, raw shrimp work best, preferably deveined with the shells left on for added flavor, though peeled shrimp can also be used.
- Breadcrumbs: Fresh Italian-style breadcrumbs are preferred for their soft, fluffy texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish a burst of savory flavor.
- Oregano: Fresh or dried oregano is essential for the herbaceous taste that defines this dish.
- Olive Oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil is key for drizzling over the shrimp.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds saltiness and a savory punch.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice enhances the freshness and balances the richness of the dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Oreganata
- Use Fresh Shrimp: The key to great Shrimp Oreganata is fresh shrimp. While frozen shrimp are a convenient option, fresh shrimp have a superior flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them in the oven. Overcooking will result in rubbery shrimp. Bake just until the shrimp are opaque and the breadcrumbs are golden.
- Breadcrumbs Make a Difference: Use fresh, dry breadcrumbs for the best texture. If you only have store-bought breadcrumbs, consider toasting them lightly in olive oil to boost the flavor.
- Add a Touch of Spice: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. This can balance out the dish’s richness and give it a nice kick.
- Broil for Crispiness: After baking the shrimp, finish them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get an extra crispy top.
- Season Generously: Oregano is the star of the show, but don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for the perfect balance of flavors.
Variations of Shrimp Oreganata
While Shrimp Oreganata is a delicious dish on its own, there are several fun variations you can try:
- Shrimp Scampi Oreganata: Combine the flavors of Shrimp Oreganata with the garlic butter sauce from Shrimp Scampi. This variation adds richness and a silky sauce.
- Shrimp Oreganata with Spinach: Add fresh spinach or arugula under the shrimp before baking for an added layer of greens and color.
- Vegetarian Oreganata: Replace shrimp with other seafood, like scallops or lobster, or try roasted vegetables for a vegetarian take on the classic dish.
- Crispy Shrimp Oreganata: For a crunchier texture, coat the shrimp in a thin layer of flour before adding the breadcrumb mixture.
How to Serve Shrimp Oreganata
Shrimp Oreganata is versatile in how it can be served. Here are a few ideas:
- With Pasta: Serve Shrimp Oreganata over a bed of linguine, spaghetti, or even zoodles for a gluten-free option. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness to the dish.
- As an Appetizer: Shrimp Oreganata makes a fantastic appetizer when served in individual portions, perhaps on small skewers or in shallow baking dishes. Pair it with a simple mixed green salad or a fresh caprese salad.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or a fresh loaf of Italian bread to sop up any extra garlic and olive oil drizzled from the shrimp.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve Shrimp Oreganata on a bed of arugula or mixed greens. The freshness of the greens will balance the rich flavors of the dish.
How to Store Shrimp Oreganata
Shrimp Oreganata is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Shrimp Oreganata in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Shrimp Oreganata can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the dish and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
- Reheating: To reheat Shrimp Oreganata, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Shrimp Oreganata Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before baking.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can substitute with crushed crackers, panko, or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
Can I make Shrimp Oreganata ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Shrimp Oreganata up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What type of shrimp should I use?
Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the best choice for Shrimp Oreganata, but you can also use jumbo shrimp or even smaller shrimp depending on your preference.
Can I add cheese to the breadcrumbs?
Yes! Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds a delightful flavor to the breadcrumb topping and is a common addition in Shrimp Oreganata recipes.
Shrimp Oreganata (Best)
Shrimp Oreganata is a classic Italian-American dish that brings together the fresh, sweet flavor of shrimp with the savory, herb-infused goodness of oregano, garlic, and breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 12 large shrimp (colossal shrimp)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons garlic chopped, divided
- 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped, divided, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons oregano, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoons red pepper, crushed, divided
- 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted, divided
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a baking sheet, line with aluminum foil and lightly spray with the cooking spray.
- Peel the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Use a knife and remove the vein but cutting the shrimp from the vein side.
- In a bowl, add shrimp, olive oil, oregano, crushed red pepper, wine, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and salt.
- Combine well and toss to coat and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, add melted butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, panko, remaining chopped parsley, chopped garlic, crushed red pepper. Combine well.
- Remove shrimp from the marinade and place on the baking sheet, cut 2 inches side up. Top each shrimp on the baking sheet with 2 tsp. panko mixture, lightly press.
- Place the tray in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Switch oven to broil and broil for about 1 to 2 minutes or until topping is crispy golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate.
- In another small bowl, combine remaining melted butter and lemon juice with the juices from the baking sheet.
- Top the shrimps with the lemony sauce and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 216Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 60mgSodium 340mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 6g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Conclusion
Shrimp Oreganata is an elegant and mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make yet impressively delicious. With its combination of succulent shrimp, savory herbs, garlic, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in Italian-American kitchens. Whether you serve it with pasta, on a bed of greens, or as an appetizer, Shrimp Oreganata is sure to be a hit at your table.
