SKILLET SHRIMP PARMESAN

Skillet Shrimp Parmesan image

Herb-spiced panko forms the best-ever crust on these lightly fried shrimp. They are arranged atop a bed of bubbling marinara sauce, then topped with mozzarella and nutty Parmesan cheese before being broiled until browned and gooey. Basil, crushed red pepper, and more Parmesan finish this outstanding Italian-American dish. To bulk up the meal, serve it with a refreshing Caesar salad and lots of crusty warm bread.

Provided by Justin Chapple

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups panko, crushed by hand
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 pound shelled and deveined large shrimp, tails removed
Canola oil, for frying
One 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Basil leaves, for garnish
Crushed red pepper, for serving

Steps:

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour and a pinch each of salt and black pepper; shake to mix. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. In another large resealable plastic bag, combine the panko, oregano, parsley, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; shake to mix.
Working in batches, add the shrimp to the bag of flour and shake to coat. Transfer the floured shrimp to the beaten eggs and turn to coat. Lift the shrimp from the egg, letting the excess drip back into the bowl, then add to the bag of panko and shake to coat. Transfer the breaded shrimp to a baking sheet or plate.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat 1/4 inch of oil over medium-high heat until little bubbles appear when you insert a wooden chopstick or the end of a wooden spoon. Carefully add half the breaded shrimp and fry, flipping once, until well browned, about 3 minutes total; reduce the heat if the shrimp browns too quickly. Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
Position the oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler to high. Carefully pour the oil into a heatproof container and let the skillet cool slightly.
Add the marinara to the skillet and cook over medium heat until bubbling. Arrange the fried shrimp in the skillet in an even layer, then sprinkle the mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan on top. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots. Garnish the shrimp Parmesan with basil leaves and serve with crushed red pepper and additional Parmesan, for sprinkling.