Oh, let me tell you about baked shrimp—it’s one of my favorite go-to dishes when I need something quick yet bursting with flavor! This recipe is so simple, yet it feels like a treat every time I make it. I remember the first time I served baked shrimp at a dinner party; the aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s the perfect blend of garlic and lemon with a hint of paprika that makes these little gems irresistible. Plus, they cook up in just 20 minutes! Trust me, once you try this baked shrimp, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s delightful, healthy, and just downright delicious!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp – Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating. Fresh or frozen works fine, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw them beforehand.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – This adds a lovely richness and helps everything stick together; I love using a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its flavor!
- 4 cloves garlic – Minced garlic is a must for that punchy flavor. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
- 1 lemon – You’ll want it juiced for that bright, zesty kick. I always go for fresh lemons because the flavor is unbeatable!
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – This gives a subtle warmth and a beautiful color to the shrimp. You can use smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor if you like!
- Salt and pepper – Adjust to your taste. I usually start with a pinch of each and add more as needed.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving; it’s like the cherry on top of this delicious dish!
How to Prepare Baked Shrimp
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it sets the stage for perfectly cooked shrimp. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference in ensuring they’re succulent and not rubbery!
Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced cloves of garlic, the juice of 1 lemon, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This marinade is where all the magic happens, infusing the shrimp with flavor that’s simply irresistible!
Coat the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to add your 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss them in the marinade until they’re completely coated. This step is crucial because every shrimp needs that delicious garlicky goodness to really shine through when they bake!
Bake the Shrimp
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a lovely pink color and are opaque throughout. Keep an eye on them—overcooked shrimp can get tough, and nobody wants that!
Garnish and Serve
Once done, take them out and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and freshness. These baked shrimp are fantastic served on their own, or pair them with some fluffy rice or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious baked shrimp recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the specific brands or ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with:
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 24g
This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with protein and low in carbs, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, lemon, and paprika creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Healthy Option: With low calories and high protein, this baked shrimp is a guilt-free indulgence that fits perfectly into any diet.
- Minimal Cleanup: One bowl for the marinade and one baking sheet means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal!
- Versatile: Serve it as a standalone dish, over rice, or tossed with pasta; it’s adaptable to whatever you’re in the mood for!
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and fresh garnish make this dish not just tasty but beautiful, perfect for impressing guests!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked shrimp turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest shrimp you can find. If possible, buy them the same day you plan to cook. Fresh shrimp have a better flavor and texture!
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they bake. They cook quickly, and as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, and nobody wants that!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the marinade to your liking! If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Want a citrusy zing? A bit of lime juice can be a fun twist!
- Even Layering: When spreading the shrimp on the baking sheet, make sure they’re in a single layer without overlapping. This ensures they cook evenly and get that nice, roasted finish.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the shrimp to sit for a minute after baking before serving. This little rest time helps the juices redistribute, making them even more succulent!
- Experiment with Herbs: Don’t hesitate to throw in some fresh herbs like thyme or dill along with the parsley for an extra flavor boost. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of baked shrimp! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this baked shrimp recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun and delicious ways to switch things up and make it your own:
- Spicy Twist: If you love a kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade. It’ll give your shrimp a fiery flavor that’s sure to please!
- Herb Infusion: Try mixing in fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or dill with the parsley. Each herb brings its own unique flavor and can elevate the dish in delightful ways!
- Lemon Garlic Butter: Swap out olive oil for melted butter for a richer taste. Just combine the melted butter with garlic and lemon juice for a decadent twist that’s oh-so-delicious!
- Veggie Boost: Don’t hesitate to toss in some veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully with the shrimp. Just add them to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal!
- Coconut Curry: For a tropical flair, mix some coconut milk and curry powder into the marinade. It’ll transform your baked shrimp into a flavorful, exotic dish!
- Asian Inspired: Add soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame oil to the marinade for an Asian twist. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a beautiful finish!
These variations are just the beginning, so feel free to get creative with your flavors! Each twist brings something new and exciting to the table, keeping your baked shrimp experience fresh and fun.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious baked shrimp (which is rare in my house!), storing them properly is key to keeping that amazing flavor intact. First, let the shrimp cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it with the date so you know when you made them!
When the craving hits and you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple. I recommend popping them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, just until heated through. This helps to maintain that delightful texture without making them rubbery. If you’re in a pinch, you can also microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but be careful not to overdo it! Nobody wants tough shrimp. Enjoy every last bite, and remember, great shrimp is worth saving for later!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Baked Shrimp: 5 Simple Steps to Tasty Perfection
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious baked shrimp recipe that is quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: baked shrimp
