If you’re hunting for a fast, flavor-packed dish that will impress absolutely everyone, Garlicky Baked Shrimp is your answer. With plump, juicy shrimp swiming in garlicky, buttery goodness, a whisper of smoked paprika, a hit of fresh parsley, and zippy lemon on top, this recipe is simple yet totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re prepping a cozy dinner or dazzling guests at your next get-together, Garlicky Baked Shrimp captures the spirit of effortless elegance—no fancy tools, no complicated steps, just pure, delicious results every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love recipes that celebrate bold flavors with minimal fuss? Each ingredient in Garlicky Baked Shrimp plays a starring role—whether it’s richness, zing, aroma, or a pop of color, these elements melt together for irresistible taste in every bite.
- Shrimp: Get large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for perfect texture that bakes up juicy and tender.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter makes the base for a luscious, garlicky sauce—plus, you control the salt.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings so much flavor and wonderful aroma—don’t skimp!
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon brightens everything up and balances the richness of the butter.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds beautiful color and a subtle smoky warmth that rounds out the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Sprinkle in for a touch of gentle heat, if you like things spicy!
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped parsley for a vibrant, herby finish and fresh green pop.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to make all those flavors shine.
- Lemon Wedges: For serving, a final spritz of lemon makes each bite sing.
How to Make Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher heat is key to keeping your shrimp tender while getting that beautiful “just-cooked” pop of texture. No one wants rubbery shrimp, so don’t skip the preheating!
Step 2: Mix Up the Garlicky Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, pour in the melted butter, then stir in your minced garlic, zippy lemon juice, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Season with salt and pepper. The aroma alone will tell you something amazing is about to happen!
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Scatter your shrimp in a snug, even layer in a baking dish, making sure none are overlapping. This way, every shrimp gets a nice soak in the garlicky, buttery mixture as it bakes—trust me, you don’t want to cheat them out of flavor!
Step 4: Add the Garlicky Baked Shrimp Sauce
Pour the golden garlic butter mixture right over the shrimp, making sure every single one is coated. Use a spoon to nudge butter into any nooks if needed. This is what infuses the shrimp with big, bold flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish in the hot oven and let the magic happen for 10 to 12 minutes. The shrimp should be pink and opaque, firm but not tough. Once they’re done, your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Right as your Garlicky Baked Shrimp comes out of the oven, sprinkle on the fresh parsley. The green really wakes up the dish! Serve immediately with generous lemon wedges for everyone to squeeze over the top.
How to Serve Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Garnishes
Garnishing is more than just a pretty touch here—it’s a flavor upgrade! Fresh parsley brings brightness, while lemon wedges let everyone give their Garlicky Baked Shrimp an extra burst of citrus. You could even add a dusting of smoked paprika for a little color flair on top.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for something to mop up all that garlicky, buttery sauce. Warm crusty bread is a classic choice, but Garlicky Baked Shrimp also shines spooned over fluffy rice or even atop pasta. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take things up a notch? Pile the shrimp into a shallow serving bowl for family-style sharing, or thread a few onto skewers for an elegant party appetizer. You can even serve Garlicky Baked Shrimp on little toasts or atop creamy grits for a Southern-inspired twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your shrimp completely before popping them in an airtight container. In the fridge, Garlicky Baked Shrimp will stay tasty for up to 2 days. Be sure to refrigerate promptly for best freshness and food safety.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, I recommend enjoying Garlicky Baked Shrimp fresh. Freezing might slightly change the texture, but if you do freeze leftovers, wrap tightly and use within a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently reheat shrimp in a covered skillet over low heat, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the shrimp tough. If possible, add a splash of butter to freshen up the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlicky Baked Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will soak up the garlicky butter better and bake up perfectly juicy.
What size shrimp should I use?
Large shrimp work best for this recipe because they cook evenly and have a great bite. Medium shrimp are fine too—just watch your baking time and check for doneness.
Is Garlicky Baked Shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is gluten-free, as long as you don’t serve it with bread made with wheat. Pair with gluten-free sides if you’re keeping things wheat-free.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Of course—you can get creative with herbs like basil or chives, or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat. The beauty of Garlicky Baked Shrimp is how easily it adapts to your taste.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
You can swap in sweet paprika or a pinch of chili powder for a similar color and mild flavor, though the subtle smoky undertone will be different. The shrimp will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, stunning main to brighten up any night, Garlicky Baked Shrimp is just begging to be on your table. Bursting with flavor and unbelievably easy, it’s a dish you’ll turn to again and again—so go ahead, give it a try and fall in love!
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Garlicky Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this succulent Garlicky Baked Shrimp recipe. Tender shrimp bathed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley. A simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Add the garlic butter: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with warm crusty bread or over rice/pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
