Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp: An Easy & Flavorful Recipe for Juicy Perfection

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly simple yet extraordinarily flavorful baked shrimp recipe! We’re talking succulent, jumbo shrimp bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, with a hint of bright lemon and a touch of warmth from red pepper flakes. This dish is not only bursting with savory goodness, but it’s also astonishingly quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful starter to kick off your dinner or a complete meal when paired with your favorite sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad, this baked shrimp recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s an ideal option for anyone seeking a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why This Baked Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Each shrimp is generously coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh lemon and subtle shallot notes. The optional red pepper flakes add a delightful kick, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your palate.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: From prep to plate, this dish is ready in less than 15 minutes! It’s the ultimate solution for busy evenings when you crave a gourmet-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Quick and easy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor here.
• Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Shrimp are a powerhouse of essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of lean protein, rich in selenium (a powerful antioxidant), choline (important for brain health), and vitamin B12 (vital for nerve function and red blood cell production). Enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and beneficial for your well-being.
• Diet-Friendly Versatility: This recipe naturally fits into various dietary plans. It’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and completely gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with specific dietary needs or anyone looking for a lighter, healthier option.
• Simple Ingredients, Incredible Results: You only need a handful of common pantry staples and fresh jumbo shrimp to create a dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Shrimp

Creating extraordinary dishes starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best ones:

• Shrimp: The star of our dish! For the best results, use raw, jumbo-sized shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. While any size will work, jumbo shrimp tend to be meatier and less prone to overcooking. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Patting them dry with paper towels can also help achieve a better texture. Fresh shrimp from a reputable fishmonger will always yield the best flavor.
• Garlic: This recipe thrives on the robust flavor of fresh garlic. Skip the pre-minced jarred variety and opt for fresh cloves, finely minced. The pungent aroma and taste of fresh garlic are irreplaceable and elevate the entire dish. We recommend at least 4 cloves for a half-pound of shrimp, but feel free to add more if you’re a true garlic lover!
• Butter: Real butter is essential for the rich, creamy sauce that coats the shrimp. Both salted and unsalted butter work beautifully. If you’re using unsalted butter, remember to add a pinch more salt to the mixture. Butter not only adds incredible flavor but also helps to tenderize the shrimp and create that desirable golden-brown finish.
• Red Crushed Pepper Flakes: This ingredient is completely optional, but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle warmth and a touch of spice. Adjust the amount to your personal heat preference, or omit it entirely for a milder dish. A small amount adds complexity without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Shallot: Often described as a milder, sweeter cousin to the onion, a finely diced shallot adds a delicate layer of aromatic flavor to the butter sauce. If you don’t have shallots on hand, a small amount of finely minced yellow or white onion can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly more pungent.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is crucial for balancing the richness of the butter and garlic, adding a bright, zesty note that makes the shrimp sing. You’ll use lemon juice in the butter mixture and also slices for baking. Always use fresh lemon juice – bottled alternatives lack the vibrant flavor. Lime juice can be a good substitute if lemon isn’t available, offering a slightly different but equally refreshing tang.
• Fresh Parsley: Minced fresh parsley adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish. Stir it into the butter mixture or sprinkle it over the cooked shrimp for garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and the butter sauce. Always season to taste!

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Baked Shrimp

Follow these straightforward steps to achieve perfectly cooked, flavor-packed baked shrimp every time:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a robust 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). A hot oven ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from drying out.
2. Prepare the Flavorful Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, finely minced fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, finely diced shallots, and the optional red crushed pepper flakes. Whisk everything together thoroughly to ensure all the flavors are well integrated. This mixture is the heart of your dish’s incredible taste!
3. Arrange the Shrimp for Baking: Grab a cast iron skillet or any other oven-safe baking dish. Lay about 8 thin lemon slices evenly across the bottom of the skillet. These slices will infuse the shrimp with extra citrusy flavor and help prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp on top of each lemon slice. Season both sides of the shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Bake to Perfection: Pour the prepared butter mixture evenly over all the shrimp in the skillet, making sure each piece is coated. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for a short 5-6 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your shrimp. Keep a close eye on them; shrimp cook very quickly!
5. Serve Immediately and Enjoy: As soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re ready! Remove the skillet from the oven and serve your buttery, garlicky baked shrimp immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few extra lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Top Tips for Achieving the Juiciest Baked Shrimp

Follow these expert tips to ensure your baked shrimp are always tender, moist, and bursting with flavor:

• Prioritize Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients makes a world of difference. Always use real butter (not margarine) and fresh garlic cloves (avoid the jarred variety). Freshly minced garlic provides a much more potent and authentic flavor that truly shines in this dish.
• The Golden Rule: Do Not Overcook! This is the single most important tip for shrimp. Shrimp cook very quickly, often in just a few minutes. Overcooking, even by a minute, will turn them tough, rubbery, and dry. Watch them closely: they are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque throughout. A slight C-shape indicates perfect doneness; an O-shape means they’ve been overcooked.
• Properly Thaw Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s crucial to thaw them completely before baking. The best method is to transfer them to the refrigerator the night before. For a quicker thaw, place them in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes, or submerge them in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 10 minutes until thawed. Always pat them dry before seasoning.
• Always Taste Your Butter Mixture: Before pouring the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp, take a small taste. This allows you to adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon juice, or even a bit more garlic) to your preference, ensuring the sauce is perfectly flavored.
• Use a Hot Oven and Pan: A high oven temperature (400°F) ensures a quick cook, which is key for tender shrimp. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, preheating it slightly on the stovetop before adding ingredients can also help achieve a more even and faster cook, promoting a slight sear on the shrimp bottoms.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Baked Shrimp

This versatile baked shrimp recipe can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Appetizer: Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Main Course: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, quinoa, or a simple pasta dish.
• Light Meal: Toss with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a light and healthy dinner.
• Tacos or Wraps: Use as a filling for quick and flavorful shrimp tacos or lettuce wraps.

Exciting Recipe Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ideas to customize your baked shrimp:

• Spicy Kick: Increase the red crushed pepper flakes, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
• Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or oregano, either alongside or instead of parsley.
• Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp during the last minute of baking for a savory, cheesy crust.
• Smoky Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a subtle smoky depth.
• Wine Infusion: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of dry white wine to the butter mixture.

Can I Broil These Shrimp Instead of Baking?

Absolutely! Broiling is an excellent alternative if you’re short on time or prefer a slightly charred finish. For best results, position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element. Broil the shrimp for approximately 3-4 minutes, turning them once halfway through. Keep a very close eye on them, as broilers can cook very quickly and unevenly.

How Do I Know When The Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?

The key to tender shrimp is knowing when they’re done. As soon as the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and opaque color throughout, they are ready to eat. They will also curl into a gentle ‘C’ shape. If they form a tight ‘O’ shape, they’ve likely been overcooked and may be rubbery. A brief 5-6 minutes in a hot oven is usually all it takes!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover baked shrimp can be a delightful addition to salads or pasta the next day. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for short bursts until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them during reheating.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this baked shrimp, be sure to check out these other fantastic shrimp dishes:

• Southern Fried Shrimp
• Creamy Shrimp Risotto
• Spicy Shrimp and Grits
• Crispy Fried Coconut Shrimp

We hope you’ll give this easy and flavorful baked shrimp recipe a try! If you loved it, please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for more delicious recipes.