Baked Shrimp

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Baked Shrimp is one of those effortless dishes that feels elegant and comforting all at once. Tender shrimp are coated with a perfectly balanced blend of garlic, butter, lemon juice, and a touch of spice, then baked to perfection. The result? A sizzling tray of juicy, flavorful shrimp with golden, lightly crisp edges and a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner, an appetizer, or part of a bigger spread, this dish never fails to impress.

What’s especially great about Baked Shrimp is how quickly it comes together. You can go from prepping to serving in under 20 minutes, which makes it ideal for weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but light enough to keep things fresh, and pairs well with a variety of sides or dips. Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe — no fancy techniques required, just quality ingredients and a hot oven.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Shrimp Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, from prep to plate.
• Flavor-Packed: Garlic, butter, lemon, and a hint of heat create a restaurant-worthy taste.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or toss with pasta or salad.
• Healthy Option: Low in carbs, high in protein, and can be made keto or gluten-free.
• Minimal Cleanup: One baking dish is all you need.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Baked Shrimp

Proper preparation can make all the difference when making Baked Shrimp. Here’s a breakdown of the tools you’ll need and why each one is essential:

• Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: Choose a ceramic or metal pan large enough to spread the shrimp in a single layer. This ensures even baking and caramelized edges.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium bowl helps coat the shrimp evenly with the butter, garlic, and seasoning blend.
• Microplane or Garlic Press: Freshly grated garlic adds stronger, richer flavor than jarred or powdered options.
• Citrus Juicer: Helps extract every drop of juice from fresh lemons for that zesty brightness.
• Measuring Spoons: For consistent seasoning and balance.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Great for tossing and later serving the shrimp without all the excess butter pooling on the plate.

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Preparation Tips

• Use Fresh or Thawed Shrimp: If you’re starting with frozen shrimp, make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before baking. Excess moisture can prevent browning.
• Tail-On vs Tail-Off: Tail-on shrimp look more elegant for serving, while tail-off may be better for tossing into pastas or salads.
• Even Coating: Mix your butter, garlic, and seasonings thoroughly before adding the shrimp to ensure every piece gets the flavor love.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Shrimp should be in a single layer in the baking dish for even cooking.
• Watch the Oven Closely: Shrimp cook fast! Overbaking leads to rubbery texture. As soon as they turn opaque and pink, they’re ready.

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Ingredients for This Baked Shrimp Recipe

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, based on preference)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional Add-ons:

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Zest of 1 lemon, for added citrus aroma
• Grated Parmesan, for sprinkling right before baking

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

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Step 2: Make the Flavor Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well blended and aromatic.

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Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Add the cleaned, peeled shrimp to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until each shrimp is well coated with the buttery seasoning mixture.

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Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Transfer the coated shrimp to the prepared baking dish in a single, even layer. Drizzle any remaining seasoning mixture over the top for extra flavor.

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Step 5: Bake the Shrimp

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.

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Notes

• Fresh is Best: While frozen shrimp work great, using fresh shrimp when available will enhance both texture and flavor.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit entirely for a milder version.
• Add Cheese: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle Parmesan over the shrimp before baking—it melts into a golden, savory crust.
• Use the Juices: The buttery garlic sauce at the bottom of the dish is liquid gold. Serve it with crusty bread or pour over rice or pasta.
• Double the Batch: This recipe can easily be scaled for a crowd—just use a larger pan and increase ingredients proportionally.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking the Shrimp: The most common error. Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left in the oven too long. As soon as they’re pink and curled, they’re done.
• Crowding the Pan: If shrimp are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of bake. Use a larger pan if needed for even roasting.
• Using Cold Butter: Cold or unmelted butter won’t blend well with the other ingredients. Melt it for a smooth, even coating.
• Skipping the Drying Step: Wet shrimp won’t brown properly. Pat them dry with paper towels after thawing or rinsing.
• Forgetting the Garnish: A bit of parsley and lemon juice at the end adds a final pop of freshness—don’t skip it!

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What to Serve With Baked Shrimp?

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Butter Pasta
   A simple pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a little grated Parmesan makes an ideal base to soak up all that buttery shrimp flavor.
2. Crusty Bread or Baguette
   Use it to mop up the garlicky lemon butter sauce left in the pan — it’s way too good to waste.
3. Steamed White Rice or Jasmine Rice
   Mild and fluffy rice helps balance the bold, buttery notes of the shrimp while soaking up the sauce.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers adds texture and color to your plate.
5. Cauliflower Mash
   For a low-carb alternative, creamy cauliflower mash works beautifully with shrimp and butter sauce.
6. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
   If you’re going for a lighter or keto-friendly meal, spiralized zucchini makes a refreshing substitute for pasta.
7. Mixed Green Salad
   A crisp salad with vinaigrette brings contrast and crunch to this rich shrimp dish.
8. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Slightly smoky and sweet, grilled corn is a summery side that complements the bold garlic-lemon flavor.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover baked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or butter until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make shrimp rubbery.
• Freezing: Not recommended once cooked — shrimp tend to lose their texture when reheated from frozen. If you must freeze, do so before baking.
• Make Ahead: You can marinate the shrimp in the butter-garlic mixture up to 6 hours in advance and bake when ready.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings total)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 480mg

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the size of shrimp and any added extras like Parmesan or side dishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.

2. How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. This usually takes just 8–10 minutes in a 400°F oven.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the shrimp and marinade in advance and refrigerate them for up to 6 hours. Bake just before serving for best texture.

4. What size shrimp should I use?

Large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) work best for baking as they retain a plump, juicy texture without overcooking.

5. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Not recommended. Pre-cooked shrimp will overcook and dry out in the oven. Start with raw shrimp for best results.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check spice blends or butter if using flavored brands.

7. What can I substitute for butter?

You can use ghee, vegan butter, or even olive oil for a dairy-free option, though butter gives the richest flavor.

8. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Absolutely. Try adding cherry tomatoes, asparagus tips, or thin zucchini slices to bake alongside the shrimp.

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Conclusion

Baked Shrimp is one of those rare dishes that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and flexible. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dinner or a casual appetizer, this recipe brings big taste with minimal effort. The buttery garlic-lemon sauce makes it irresistible, while the quick bake time makes it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute hosting. Pair it with your favorite sides and you’ve got a complete meal that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier.

Ready to make it? You’re just a few ingredients and one hot oven away from something truly delicious.

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