Nina Johnson
Golden, garlicky, and packed with flavor, Baked Shrimp is the kind of effortless dinner that never goes out of style. With minimal prep and a fast cook time, this dish transforms everyday shrimp into a buttery, citrus-kissed masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. The slight crisp on the outside, tender center, and burst of spices make it crave-worthy every time.
This recipe is not only quick but incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of rice, toss it with pasta, or pile it onto a crusty slice of bread. The beauty lies in the bold flavors built from pantry staples and the way the shrimp soak up all the seasonings during that short bake. It’s easy to double the batch, too—trust me, you’ll want leftovers.
What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?
For best results, opt for large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. Tail-on shrimp add a bit of flair for presentation but aren’t essential. Fresh shrimp is great if available, but frozen works just as well—just make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before baking. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they can become rubbery when baked.
Ingredients for the Baked Shrimp
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, bringing that naturally sweet, briny flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the seasonings into every bite.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses bold flavor as it bakes.
- Paprika: For a warm color and subtle smoky note.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but great for a hint of heat.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the buttery richness.
- Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a clean finish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the shrimp’s natural taste.
How To Make the Baked Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly while developing a slightly crisp top.
Step 2: Arrange the Shrimp
Spread the peeled and deveined shrimp evenly in a single layer in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Make sure they’re not overlapping for even baking.
Step 3: Flavor Base
In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour this buttery mixture all over the shrimp, coating them thoroughly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overbake—shrimp cook fast and can become rubbery if left in too long.
Step 5: Add the Bright Finish
Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Serving and Storing Baked Shrimp
Baked Shrimp is best served hot out of the oven while it’s still juicy and sizzling with buttery goodness. It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of toasted sourdough to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, spoon it over a crisp salad or into lettuce wraps.
To store, let the shrimp cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water or butter. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure the shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry to avoid excess water in the baking dish.
What size shrimp is best?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best as they stay juicy and don’t overcook as quickly.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper strips, or zucchini slices bake well alongside shrimp.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is preferred for bold flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch—use about 1 teaspoon.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil until just warmed through.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Baked Shrimp, you’ll want to check out these other satisfying dinner options:
• Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken for a comforting, cheesy favorite.
• Low Carb Greek Chicken Bowls when you want something fresh and filling.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta if you’re craving bold, zesty flavor.
• Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt for something indulgent and hearty.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce for next-level weeknight luxury.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it spicy or keep it classic? Did you serve it over pasta or something totally unexpected?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.
Baked Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Baked Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dinner recipe featuring juicy shrimp baked in garlic butter, seasoned with paprika, and finished with lemon and parsley. It’s perfect for busy nights and versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
