Experience the ultimate in quick and flavorful seafood with our incredibly easy Baked Shrimp recipe! Infused with rich, buttery garlic and bright lemon, this dish is a weeknight warrior, perfect for busy evenings. Whether served elegantly on its own, nestled over a bed of pasta, or alongside fluffy rice, this versatile recipe guarantees a delicious meal in a flash. Forget complicated preparations and endless cleanup – this is gourmet taste with minimal effort.
Shrimp is undeniably one of my favorite proteins for its remarkable speed and adaptability in the kitchen. If you’re craving a dish with a bit of a kick, you might love our Cajun Shrimp recipe, which comes together in just about 10 minutes. However, for a universally loved flavor profile that’s both comforting and vibrant, this Baked Shrimp stands out as an absolute go-to. It’s a testament to the fact that extraordinary meals don’t require hours of cooking.
You know I’m passionate about sharing recipes that simplify life without compromising on taste. And honestly, it doesn’t get much simpler or more satisfying than preparing shrimp for dinner. This particular recipe is a shining example of efficiency: it takes mere minutes to assemble, requires minimal dirty dishes, and delivers a fantastic source of lean protein. The resulting flavor is nothing short of incredible, making it a staple in our rotation that we return to time and time again. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious but are short on time and energy.
From the moment you start melting the butter to the first bite of perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey. The aroma of garlic sautéing in butter alone is enough to get your taste buds excited. Let’s dive into how you can bring this quick and delicious meal to your table tonight.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Shrimp
Crafting this mouthwatering baked shrimp dish requires only a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust, garlicky, and zesty flavor profile that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- Shrimp: For the best results, I recommend using medium to large shrimp, ideally with the tails still on. The tails not only add to the visual appeal but also enhance the flavor during baking. However, if you prefer a more convenient eating experience, feel free to remove the tails before cooking. Ensure your shrimp are raw, peeled, and deveined for ease of preparation. Whether fresh or frozen (and thawed), quality shrimp makes all the difference.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is my preference for this recipe. It gives you complete control over the total sodium content of your dish. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the amount of additional salt you add later. Butter is key to creating that rich, indulgent sauce that perfectly coats every piece of shrimp.
- Garlic: This recipe truly champions garlic! It calls for 4 cloves, minced, but I encourage you to adjust this quantity based on your personal preference. Love a strong garlic punch? Add an extra clove or two. Prefer a milder hint? Dial it back slightly. Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable here; it provides an unparalleled aromatic depth that garlic powder simply cannot replicate.
- Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy, and refreshing, fresh lemon juice is vital. The acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic, balancing the flavors beautifully. Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant, fresh taste that elevates this dish, so please opt for freshly squeezed.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are added to taste. I’m a firm believer that good seasoning can transform any dish, so don’t be shy! A generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will enhance all the other flavors. Taste as you go, especially after adding the lemon juice to the butter mixture, and adjust to your liking.
- Parsley: While optional, a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley at the end adds a burst of fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish. It’s a simple garnish that makes a big impact on both presentation and taste.
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a baked shrimp masterpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare the Best Baked Shrimp
Making this baked shrimp recipe is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. The key is to work quickly, as shrimp cooks very fast. Follow these instructions for perfect, succulent shrimp every time:
STEP 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute, or until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and slightly softened, but not browned. This gentle cooking extracts maximum flavor without burning the garlic.
STEP 2: Season the Sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, then season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a quick taste test and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, this is the foundation of your shrimp’s flavor, so make sure it’s perfect!
STEP 3: Coat the Shrimp. Place your raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp evenly in a single layer within a shallow baking dish. Pour the aromatic garlic butter mixture directly over the shrimp. Using a spoon or your hands (if cool enough), gently toss and stir the shrimp, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. Arrange the shrimp back into as much of a single layer as possible in the dish for even cooking.
STEP 4: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake the shrimp for approximately 8-15 minutes, or just until they turn opaque and pink. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp; smaller shrimp will cook faster. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as this can make them rubbery. Keep a close eye on them!
STEP 5: Garnish and Serve. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven. If using, sprinkle generously with fresh minced parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your quick labor!
Watch How It’s Made: Baked Shrimp Video
For a visual guide to perfecting this dish, be sure to watch the helpful video tutorial above. Seeing the steps in action can make all the difference, especially for new cooks!
Expert Tips & Serving Suggestions for the Best Baked Shrimp
To ensure your baked shrimp turns out perfectly every time, and to maximize your enjoyment, consider these helpful tips and versatile serving suggestions:
Achieving Perfect Doneness
The cooking time for shrimp is highly dependent on its size. Smaller shrimp will cook much faster, sometimes in as little as 5-7 minutes, while jumbo shrimp might take closer to 12-15 minutes. The most important advice is to keep a close eye on your shrimp. They are fully cooked when they turn opaque and pink throughout, and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape. If they form a tight ‘O’ shape, they are likely overcooked. Remove them from the oven immediately once they reach the desired color and texture to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Versatile Serving Ideas
This garlic butter baked shrimp is incredibly versatile. It can shine as an elegant appetizer, served with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce, or as the star of your main course. When serving as a main, consider pairing it with:
- Pasta: Toss it with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta for a classic shrimp scampi-style meal. A light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is a delightful addition.
- Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or a lemon-herb couscous for a satisfying and absorbent base.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible garlic butter go to waste! A warm, fresh slice of French bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, a simple green salad, or sautéed spinach for a well-rounded meal.
- Quinoa or Orzo: For a lighter, healthier option, quinoa or orzo pasta make excellent accompaniments.
Storage and Reheating
This recipe is truly best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, store them promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s crucial to do so very gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery. I recommend reheating in a skillet over low heat for just a few minutes, or briefly in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, until just warmed through. Avoid high heat and prolonged reheating.
Flavor Variations to Try
Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat, or experiment with other fresh herbs like dill or chives alongside the parsley. A splash of white wine can also be added to the butter sauce for an extra layer of sophistication.
Discover More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
If you’re a fan of shrimp and looking for more culinary inspiration, explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:
- Shrimp Fra Diavolo: For those who love a spicy, robust tomato sauce with their shrimp.
- Spicy Shrimp Bowls: A vibrant, customizable meal perfect for healthy weeknight dinners.
- Coconut Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa: A tropical escape with crispy shrimp and a refreshing salsa.
- Shrimp Pasta Salad: A light and refreshing dish, ideal for potlucks or a quick lunch.
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, saucy, and incredibly addictive, a restaurant favorite made at home.
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Baked Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw, peeled and deveined medium to large shrimp
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh minced parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Place the shrimp in a shallow baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp. Stir gently to ensure all shrimp are coated in the butter. Arrange in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-15 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Cooking time will vary based on shrimp size; do not overcook.
- Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.