Shrimp is such a versatile protein. They are really quick cooking, and they take on the flavors of whatever dishes they are in so well. I have tons of shrimp recipes here. You should try my Shrimp Boil if you are looking for a show-stopping meal to serve. Poach Shrimp to use for shrimp cocktail or cold salads, or just stay here and make this easy Baked Shrimp that will be a go-to dinner for you in no time. Baked Shrimp is the kind of dinner I like to make on a night that I have very little time to cook, but I want to enjoy a really delicious meal. I can have the main protein and some simple side dishes ready in no time at all, and the whole family is happy.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make shrimp in the oven you just need some shrimp and some seasonings. Here is a rundown of what to collect:
Shrimp: This recipe is for extra large shrimp. Buy them already peeled and deveined, or do that prep yourself. Be sure not to buy pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe. Butter: Butter is a must for these delectable, savory shrimp. It adds flavor and fat to a lean protein. Garlic: I use 3-4 cloves of garlic for this shrimp, minced finely so that it can really add tons of flavor. Lemon: Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic flavor that brings the rest of the flavors to another level. Red Pepper Flakes: This is optional, because I know some of you might not like the heat, but I love the spicy bites that it gives this meal.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Cook Shrimp in the Oven
Once you learn how to make shrimp in the oven, you might make it this way all the time! It’s so simple. Follow these steps to make the best shrimp: it’s a bit crisp on the outside with amazing flavor and a tender, juicy inside.
Recipe Success Tips
Buy the right shrimp. Be sure to use raw, peeled shrimp if you are going to bake shrimp in the oven. Choose extra large sized shrimp for the timing of this recipe. Larger or smaller shrimp will work, but the cooking time will be different. Thaw it! If your shrimp is frozen, thaw it before baking for best cooking results. Frozen shrimp won’t bake properly using this recipe. Set up the oven. Make sure your oven rack is set in the center of the oven so that the shrimp cooks evenly. Give it a squeeze. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the shrimp after it comes out of the oven is the perfect finish.
How to Serve Baked Shrimp
Make a Super Simple Dinner. Imagine this: Baked Shrimp with a side of Garlic Butter Pasta and your favorite steamed vegetable (pictured below). It’s so easy it should be illegal, and it will be amazing. Shrimp is Perfect with Pasta. You can throw this garlicky shrimp into or onto so many pasta dishes. Try it with Creamy Lemon Pasta, Baked Feta Pasta, or Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. If you’re looking for creamy shrimp pasta, I have the most amazing recipe for you! Or try my Baked Shrimp Scampi – it’s similar to this recipe, but makes much more sauce! Have Baked Shrimp for Lunch. It doesn’t matter if you’re making lunch fresh, or packing it to take with you tomorrow. This shrimp is delicious either cold or hot. Add shrimp to a Ceasar Salad, or enjoy it with some Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for the perfect healthy mid-day meal. This is the absolute easiest shrimp recipe, and I know you’re going to enjoy so many amazing dinners with it. Make sure to Pin it for later! © Little Sunny Kitchen
