1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare the Base Start by preheating your oven to 220°C / 430°F for all types, which ensures even cooking and helps develop that crunchy topping. Pour 3/4 cup of dry white wine and half of the 75g melted unsalted butter into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes to reduce the liquid, creating a flavorful base that infuses the prawns with extra taste. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like using chicken broth instead of wine, this step still works great to build a solid foundation for your baked prawns.

2-Second Step: Marinate the Prawns Take your 500g of peeled and deveined jumbo prawns and toss them with the remaining melted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. This simple mix lets the flavors soak in, even if the butter hardens a bit it’s all good! For variations, if you’re using smaller shrimp, reduce the cook time to avoid overcooking, making this shrimp recipe adaptable for different ingredient sizes or preferences.

3-Third Step: Make the Crunchy Topping In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1.5 tbsp olive oil. Mix until everything is evenly coated, which will give you that irresistible crispiness on top. This step is key for achieving the texture in baked shrimp tossed in zesty lemon butter sauce, and you can tweak it with herbs for added flavor if desired.

4-Fourth Step: Assemble and Bake Once the wine mixture has reduced, carefully remove the pan from the oven and add the marinated prawns in a single, snug layer. Evenly spread the crunchy topping over the prawns to ensure full coverage. Bake for 12 minutes at the preheated temperature, allowing the prawns to cook through while the topping turns golden. If you’re making this for a group with varying tastes, consider adding extra seasonings here to customize.

5-Final Step: Finish and Serve Switch your oven to broil on high and let it go for 1-2 minutes to lightly brown the topping, watching closely to prevent burning. Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and serve right away with lemon wedges and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. This baked prawns dish pairs wonderfully with sides, and for more baking inspiration, check out our guide on high-altitude baked donuts for tips on oven techniques. Remember, the total prep time is just 10 minutes, and cook time is 15 minutes, making it ideal for working professionals.