Baked Shrimp Recipe

Whenever I’m craving something quick, delicious, and a little bit fancy, I reach for my trusty shrimp and lemon combo that never fails to deliver on flavor and ease.

This baked shrimp recipe combines simplicity and amazing flavor. By using fresh shrimp, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, you create a light yet satisfying dish.

The lemon butter sauce that bathes the shrimp in the recipe is the easiest sauce you can make, and it has the flavor wallop of a sauce that takes some time to prep.

Baked Shrimp Recipe Ingredients

• Large Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic flavor, beneficial antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creaminess; contains vitamins A, D, E, and K.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh tartness enhances flavor; high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat and spiciness while boosting metabolism.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat; rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
• Fresh Parsley: Freshness and color with a boost of vitamins A and C.

Baked Shrimp Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced

How to Make this Baked Shrimp Recipe

1. Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the shrimp, minced garlic, melted butter, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything well until the shrimp are nicely coated.

3. Put the shrimp mixture onto a baking sheet with a rim, and arrange the mixture in a single layer so that it cooks evenly.

4. Disperse the lemon slices across and about the shrimp to give it a more lemony flavor.

5. Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and lemon slices.

6. Move the baking sheet to the preheated oven.

7. Shrimp can be baked for 8-10 minutes until they take on a pink and opaque appearance. This is also the perfect time to bake lemon slices, which should come out slightly caramelized around the edges from the heat of the shrimp.

8. Take the shrimp from the oven and place them on a plate for serving.

9. Use the freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.

10. Serve without delay and hot, if desired with warmed bread or in the manner of pasta. Enjoy!

Baked Shrimp Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Garlic press or mincer
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Baking sheet with a rim
8. Basting brush (optional, for olive oil)
9. Spatula or tongs

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use shrimp that have been frozen. Just make sure they are completely thawed and dried off before you cook them.
• Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?A: Shrimp should be baked until they are just pink and opaque, which is usually 8-10 minutes at 400°F. One must keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
• Q: Can I substitute margarine for the butter?A: Yes, you can use margarine, but it may slightly change the flavor. Butter is preferred for its richness.
• Q: What if I want more spice?A: You can increase the number of red pepper flakes to suit your taste, or for some extra heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Q: Is there a substitute for fresh parsley?A: You can use dried parsley, but you need to use half as much because it is more concentrated in flavor than fresh parsley.
• Q: Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?A: A different citrus profile can be created using lime or orange, but lemon is the first choice for its bright, tangy flavor.
• Q: What’s a good side dish to serve with baked shrimp?Serve with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad to enhance the shrimp’s flavors.

Baked Shrimp Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Garlic: Replace the 4 minced garlic cloves with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Unsalted butter: Use the same amount of olive oil or coconut oil instead.
Juice of lemon: Substitute with 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
Chopped parsley: use 2 teaspoons of dried parsley in place of fresh parsley.
Opt for avocado oil or canola oil instead of olive oil.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients For the best flavor, ensure that you use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh parsley. Pre-packaged lemon juice and dried parsley won’t give the dish the same vibrant taste.

2. Marinate for More Flavor After coating the shrimp in the garlic, butter, and seasoning mixture, let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the shrimp a more intense taste.

3. Ensure Even Cooking To ensure the shrimp cook evenly, make sure they are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overlapping shrimp can result in uneven cooking and texture.

4. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp Keep an eye on the shrimp as they bake. Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, take them out of the oven.

5. Add Extra Zest Grate a bit of lemon zest over the shrimp just before serving for an extra burst of citrus flavor. It enhances the dish’s freshness and aroma.