If you are craving a quick and flavorful seafood dish, this Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines tender, juicy shrimp with a vibrant blend of garlic, lemon, and smoky spices, all baked to perfection for an effortlessly elegant meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or surprising friends, this recipe delivers a satisfying taste experience with minimal fuss. Get ready to enjoy shrimp that’s bursting with flavor and beautifully tender every single time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component brings its own unique contribution—from the brightness of fresh lemon juice to the warmth of smoked paprika—to create an unforgettable seafood delight.
- Large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Olive oil, preferably extra virgin: Adds richness and helps evenly distribute seasoning across every piece.
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced finely: Brings aromatic depth and a subtle bite that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice: Lends a zesty brightness that balances the richness and spices.
- Chili powder: Offers a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a warm, smoky undertone that enhances the overall complexity.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors to their fullest potential.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle spice and freshness with every bite.
- Chopped parsley or basil: A vibrant garnish that brightens the dish and adds fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven for Perfect Shrimp
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important that the oven is completely preheated so the shrimp cook evenly and develop that ideal tender texture. Rushing this step can lead to unevenly cooked shrimp, so be patient—it’s well worth it.
Step 2: Combine Shrimp with Marinade
In a large baking dish, toss together the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure every shrimp is thoroughly coated. This marinade not only flavors the shrimp but also helps keep them juicy during baking.
Step 3: Season Generously with Salt and Pepper
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the shrimp. This ensures a balanced flavor profile where the subtle sweetness of the shrimp shines through alongside the spices, without any dullness.
Step 4: Arrange the Shrimp in a Single Layer
Lay the shrimp flat in a single layer on the baking dish, avoiding overlap. This arrangement is key to preventing the shrimp from steaming, which can make them soggy instead of perfectly baked.
Step 5: Bake to Pink and Opaque Perfection
Place the dish on the oven’s middle rack and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye around the eight-minute mark; the shrimp will turn pink and opaque when done, with a firm but tender bite. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so timing is everything here.
Step 6: Garnish with Fresh Herbs and Serve
Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. This final touch adds a fresh, herbal aroma and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil, which adds a refreshing herbal note and lively color that contrasts beautifully with the warm shrimp. A light drizzle of extra lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside garlic butter pasta, a crisp green salad, or fluffy rice pilaf. Roasted vegetables or crusty bread also complement the shrimp’s rich, zesty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp over warm tortillas with avocado and fresh salsa for a shrimp taco night. Alternatively, stack the shrimp on a bed of creamy polenta or quinoa salad for an impressive yet easy main course presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll remain fresh for up to two days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the shrimp completely and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and use within one month for best quality. When thawed, the shrimp might be best used in cooked dishes rather than reheated on their own.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes or briefly in a hot skillet. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the shrimp to become tough and rubbery. Quick reheating helps preserve the tender texture and flavors of the original dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before baking to prevent excess moisture, which can affect cooking and texture.
What type of shrimp is best for baking?
Large raw shrimp that are peeled and deveined work best because they cook evenly and quickly, resulting in tender, juicy bites.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Watch the shrimp closely starting at 8 minutes. They cook very fast and are done when they turn pink and opaque. Removing them promptly prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the chili powder if you prefer a milder dish, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe has quickly become one of my top go-to meals because it is both incredibly flavorful and so easy to put together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it brings a gourmet touch right to your table. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Oven Baked Shrimps recipe offers a quick, flavorful way to enjoy succulent shrimp with a perfect blend of garlic, lemon, and spices. Ideal for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner, these shrimp are baked at high heat to achieve a tender, juicy texture with a subtle smoky and spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) large raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, fresh or properly thawed frozen
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, preferably extra virgin
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) chili powder
- ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste, freshly ground recommended
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat completely. Ensuring the oven is fully preheated helps the shrimp cook evenly and achieve the desired tender texture.
- Prepare Shrimp Mixture: In a large baking dish, combine 1 pound (450 g) of shrimp with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, minced garlic (2-3 cloves), 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) chili powder, and ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) smoked paprika. Mix well so that every shrimp is coated thoroughly with oil and seasonings.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the shrimp mixture. Toss again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed, enhancing the natural flavor without any bland spots.
- Arrange Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer within the baking dish. Placing them without overlapping prevents steaming and promotes proper cooking and texture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven. Bake the shrimp for about 8–10 minutes. Watch for visual signs of doneness: shrimp should turn pink and become opaque. Avoid overcooking, which causes rubbery texture. Checking near the 8-minute mark is advisable.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a fresh flavor and improves the dish’s appearance.
Notes
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to get the perfect texture on the shrimp.
- Avoid overlapping the shrimp in the baking dish to prevent steaming and uneven cooking.
- Check the shrimp at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
- You can substitute parsley with basil or cilantro based on preference for garnish.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
