Baked Shrimp

Ready in under 30 minutes, baked shrimp is an impressive, effortless dish that showcases the elegant flavor of plump, succulent shrimp. A rich garlic-and-lemon butter sauce accents and elevates the shrimp rather than hiding its naturally sweet taste. Like these other juicy shrimp recipes, this recipe is perfect for seafood lovers.

This oven-baked shrimp rivals some of our most popular shrimp recipes because of its ability to do double duty. It works as a main course or as hors d’oeuvres among other fancy appetizers. As a main course, baked shrimp is perfect for last-minute dinner plans with friends or a speedy weeknight dinner that’s far tastier and faster than takeout. The protein-rich entree pairs well with cooked vegetables, a garden salad or pasta. The possibilities are limitless!

Ingredients for Baked Shrimp

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• Shrimp: Since shrimp are the star of this recipe, don’t be afraid to go big! Jumbo shrimp (26 to 30 per pound) are our favorite type of shrimp for this recipe. Don’t worry if your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined. It’s easy to learn how to clean shrimp at home.
• Butter: Butter and shrimp are a classic combination (which is why they’re featured in shrimp scampi recipes). Butter’s rich flavor contrasts with the sweetness of the juicy shrimp.
• Lemon juice: Lemons add acidity and brightness to balance the rich butter sauce.
• Garlic: Garlic is a delightful aromatic that pairs beautifully with butter and lemon. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount of garlic to suit your tastes.
• Herbs and spices: There’s no need to overcomplicate the flavors here. A simple blend of salt, pepper and dried oregano is all you need to season these oven-baked shrimp.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges add a fresh finish to baked shrimp.

Directions

Step 1: Toss the shrimp mixture

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the shrimp in an ungreased 13×9-2-inch baking dish.

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In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano.

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Drizzle the mixture over the shrimp, and toss to coat.

Step 2: Bake the shrimp

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Bake until the shrimp turn pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.

Editor’s Tip: Judge the shrimp’s doneness based on color and shape rather than your oven’s timer. Shrimp are finished cooking when they turn pink, opaque and curl into a soft C shape. They are usually overcooked if they have a dull, matte color or curl into a tight O shape.

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Recipe Variations

• Add veggies: If you want more ways to love roasted vegetables, try adding sliced zucchini, broccoli florets, carrot slices, bell peppers or mushrooms. Keep in mind that some veggies have longer cooking times, so you may want to roast them for several minutes before adding the shrimp to the pan. Alternatively, you can cut the veggies thin and small so they’ll cook at the same rate as the shrimp.
• Turn up the heat: Add spice to the shrimp by including a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño to the butter mixture.
• Include more herbs and spices: Love basil? Adore paprika? You can add it to baked shrimp. Consider the spices in the recipe as a starting point. Thyme, chili powder, cayenne, chives, dill or cilantro are just a few herbs and spices to consider. Or use one of our favorite spice blends, like the seasoning from this Cajun shrimp recipe.

How to Store Baked Shrimp

Store baked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and plan to enjoy them within two to three days. To reheat the shrimp, warm them in a 350° oven until heated through. You can also reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat. Microwaving shrimp isn’t the best option, as it leads to overcooked shrimp.

Baked Shrimp Tips

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How long do you bake shrimp?

Bake shrimp for 8 to 10 minutes in the oven, or until they turn pink and opaque. However, this time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the shrimp.

What do you serve with oven-baked shrimp?

If you’re serving oven-baked shrimp as an appetizer, pair them with other impressive party appetizers like steamed mussels or creamy crab dip. If you plan to enjoy baked shrimp as a main course, serve it with creamy lemon rice or lightly dressed pasta like balsamic roasted vegetable primavera. Round off the meal with your favorite vegetable side dishes and a loaf of rosemary focaccia to create a memorable meal.