If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, let me introduce you to my baked shrimp recipe! It’s so simple that even the most kitchen-challenged among us can pull it off without a hitch. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked on how easy it is to whip up such flavorful shrimp in no time. The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment or skills—just some fresh shrimp and a few pantry staples!
This recipe is perfect for beginners, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro chef yet. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while these shrimp bake is simply irresistible! Get ready to wow your friends or family with this easy and tasty seafood dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make my delicious baked shrimp. These ingredients are super simple and easy to find, making this dish perfect for any home cook!
- 1 pound large shrimp – Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture. I love using fresh shrimp, but frozen works too—just thaw them out before cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This adds a lovely richness to the shrimp. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also try flavored olive oil for a little extra kick!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic, but freshly minced is always best!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This spice gives the shrimp a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness. I use regular paprika, but smoked paprika will add an even deeper flavor if you like.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Just a splash of lemon juice brightens everything up! Fresh is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season! A bit of salt and freshly cracked pepper makes a world of difference.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – This adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Plus, it looks pretty on the plate!
How to Prepare Baked Shrimp
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps to prepare your baked shrimp. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because it helps the shrimp cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. If you’re worried about accuracy, I recommend using an oven thermometer to make sure you hit the right temperature. A well-preheated oven is your best friend in this recipe!
Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything up nicely. Now, it’s time to add in your shrimp! Toss them in the bowl and make sure they’re all coated really well with the mixture. I like to use my hands for this part because it feels satisfying, but a spatula works just fine too. Just be gentle so you don’t break them!
Bake the Shrimp
Now, take a baking sheet and spread the shrimp out in a single layer. This is key! If they’re too crowded, they won’t cook properly, and nobody likes soggy shrimp. Bake them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. It’s a beautiful transformation, I promise!
Garnish and Serve
Once your shrimp are cooked to perfection, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add a lovely pop of color, but it also gives a fresh flavor boost! Serve these tasty shrimp alongside rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Everyone will be asking for seconds, I guarantee it!
Nutritional Information Section
Before you dig in, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these delightful baked shrimp. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. But hey, it’s always good to have a rough idea, right?
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
So, there you have it! This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein. Enjoy your shrimp guilt-free, knowing you’re savoring a healthy meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this baked shrimp recipe is a game changer! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:
- Quick Preparation: You can have this delicious meal ready in just about 20 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something tasty.
- Super Easy to Make: With minimal steps and ingredients, it’s a breeze even for beginners. You really can’t mess this one up!
- Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of garlic, paprika, and lemon juice creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s sure to impress. Your taste buds will be dancing!
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with rice, salad, or even pasta! This shrimp can adapt to whatever you’re in the mood for.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free option that fits perfectly into a balanced diet.
- Impressive Presentation: Just a sprinkle of parsley makes this dish look gorgeous on the plate. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation. It’s that good!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked shrimp turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks. Trust me, these little insights can make a big difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is probably the most common mistake. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them! As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. If they start curling up too much, it’s a sign they’re overcooked. You want them tender, not rubbery!
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste your marinade before adding the shrimp! If it needs a little more zing, add a bit more lemon juice or paprika. It’s all about making it your own!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, go for fresh shrimp and fresh garlic. The flavors are so much brighter, and you’ll really notice the difference in the final dish!
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When spreading the shrimp on the baking sheet, make sure they’re in a single layer with a little space in between each one. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely caramelization!
- Experiment with Spices: If you want to switch things up, try adding different spices or herbs. A pinch of cayenne for heat, or some Italian seasoning for an herbal twist can make it exciting!
- Let It Rest: After you take the shrimp out of the oven, let them sit for a minute before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful.
- Serve Immediately: Baked shrimp are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still warm. They might lose some of that delightful texture if they sit too long!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of baked shrimp! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about my baked shrimp recipe is how adaptable it is! You can get creative and change it up based on what you have in your pantry or your personal taste preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Herb Explosion: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill to the marinade. These herbs bring a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. It’ll give your shrimp a delightful kick that’s sure to wake up your taste buds!
- Citrus Burst: Switch out the lemon juice for lime juice, or even orange juice for a sweeter twist. The citrus will brighten the dish and add a unique flavor profile!
- Asian Flair: Replace the olive oil with sesame oil and add a splash of soy sauce or a touch of ginger for an Asian-inspired baked shrimp. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal!
- Garlic Butter Dream: Instead of olive oil, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic. It’ll create a rich, buttery sauce that makes every bite of shrimp even more indulgent!
- Parmesan Crust: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp during the last few minutes of baking. It’ll create a deliciously crispy, cheesy topping!
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini on the baking sheet with the shrimp. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the shrimp and make your dish even more colorful and nutritious!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and don’t hesitate to experiment with other flavors you love! Cooking is all about making it your own, so have fun and enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat your baked shrimp to keep that flavor and texture intact.
First off, let your shrimp cool down to room temperature. Once they’ve cooled, you’ll want to transfer them to an airtight container. This is super important to keep them fresh! They should be good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid any funky smells from other foods in your fridge.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven or a skillet over medium heat. You can preheat your oven to about 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re warmed through. If you’re using a skillet, add a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and heat them gently—this way, they won’t dry out.
Microwaving is an option too, but be careful! If you go that route, heat them in short intervals of about 30 seconds, checking in between. You don’t want rubbery shrimp! Just warm them up until they’re nice and cozy.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your baked shrimp even after the first serving. Happy eating!

Baked Shrimp: 7 Easy Steps for a Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious baked shrimp recipe perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are well coated.
- Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink.
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with rice or a salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: baked shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, seafood dish