Imagine the enticing aroma of garlic wafting through the air, mingling with the briny scent of succulent shrimp as they roast to perfection in your oven. This Oven Garlic Shrimp dish is a symphony of flavors, where each bite bursts with buttery goodness and a hint of zest, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a cozy dinner at home.
Picture this: it’s a bustling weeknight, and you want something quick yet impressive to serve your guests. The joy of pulling out a sizzling tray of Oven Garlic Shrimp and watching everyone’s eyes light up is unmatched. With its ease and deliciousness, this dish promises not just a meal but an unforgettable experience that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.
Why Does Everyone Love Oven Garlic Shrimp?
Deliciously simple: With just 10 minutes of prep, you'll have a mouthwatering dish that impresses.
Flavor-packed: The combination of melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley creates an irresistible garlic butter sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Customizable: Add red pepper flakes for a kick or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste!
Versatile option: Serve it as a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer for guests—everyone will rave about it!
Crowd-pleaser: This dish is sure to please both seafood lovers and novices alike, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Oven Garlic Shrimp Ingredients
- For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Fresh, large shrimp are best for that juicy bite in your Oven Garlic Shrimp.
- For the Garlic Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted) – This rich butter base enhances the flavor and creates a luscious sauce for your shrimp.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic brings a bold aroma and depth that elevates this dish to a new level.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) – A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your Oven Garlic Shrimp.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – The acidity of lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Add these for a hint of heat that can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
- salt to taste – Seasoning is key; start with a pinch and adjust as needed for perfect flavor.
- black pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth and complements the buttery sauce beautifully.
How to Make Oven Garlic Shrimp
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Get your oven ready for action! This temperature ensures that your shrimp will cook perfectly, turning pink and tender while soaking in all the delicious flavors.
2. Mix the garlic butter ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 6 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, and optional ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Add the shrimp.
Toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the garlicky buttery goodness. The more even the coat, the more flavor you’ll enjoy!
4. Transfer to a baking dish.
Pour the shrimp mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out in a single layer for even cooking. This step allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Bake in the preheated oven.
Let your shrimp bake for 10-15 minutes until they are pink and opaque—cooked to perfection! Keep an eye on them; they should be just firm enough to bounce back when touched.
6. Garnish before serving.
Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley if desired for that vibrant touch and extra flavor!
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Oven Garlic Shrimp
- Perfect Shrimp Size: Use large shrimp for a satisfying bite; smaller shrimp may overcook and become rubbery.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh garlic and parsley to elevate the flavor of your Oven Garlic Shrimp; dried herbs won’t pack the same punch.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so give them room to shine!
- Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your shrimp; they cook quickly! Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent overcooking.
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preference. Less for mild heat, more for a spicy kick in your Oven Garlic Shrimp!
How to Store and Freeze Oven Garlic Shrimp
- Fridge: Store any leftover Oven Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They will last up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in the oven or a skillet over low heat to preserve tenderness.
- Fresh Herbs: If you’ve added parsley, use it fresh as it doesn’t store well. For best flavor, add fresh herbs right before serving.
Oven Garlic Shrimp Your Way
Feel free to get creative and personalize this dish to suit your taste buds!
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat. The fiery touch can elevate the flavor profile, making each bite a tantalizing experience.
- Citrus Burst: Substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a zesty twist. This brightens up the dish and complements the shrimp beautifully, creating a refreshing contrast.
- Herb Medley: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of parsley. Each herb brings its unique character, giving your garlic shrimp an aromatic freshness that’s hard to resist.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the minced garlic to 8 cloves for an intense garlic flavor. The rich aroma will fill your kitchen and leave you craving more of that savory goodness.
- Creamy Delight: Mix in ¼ cup of cream cheese with the butter for a rich, creamy sauce. This will create a luscious texture that coats the shrimp perfectly, making every bite indulgent.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some asparagus or cherry tomatoes before baking for added color and nutrition. The veggies will soak up the garlic butter, enhancing their flavor while adding delightful crunch.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a golden crust. This cheesy layer will add a delightful richness that harmonizes beautifully with the succulent shrimp.
Make Ahead Options
This Oven Garlic Shrimp recipe is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner or appetizer without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the garlic butter mixture—comprising ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 6 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and seasonings—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine these ingredients in a mixing bowl and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. When it's time to serve, just toss your prepped shrimp (1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp) with the garlic butter mixture, spread it in a baking dish, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes until they are perfectly pink and opaque. This way, you can save time while ensuring your Oven Garlic Shrimp remains as flavorful as ever!
Oven Garlic Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for this recipe?
When selecting shrimp, look for large shrimp that are firm and have a mild ocean scent. Fresh or frozen, ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking to achieve that perfect tender texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the shrimp in the garlic butter mixture up to 30 minutes ahead of time. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, simply spread it out in a baking dish and follow the cooking instructions for a scrumptious meal.
What’s the best way to store leftover oven garlic shrimp?
Leftover oven garlic shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This keeps them moist and flavorful!
Can I freeze oven garlic shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked shrimp mixed with the garlic butter mixture! Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and it will last for about 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
What if my shrimp are overcooked?
Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, which is less than ideal! To avoid this, watch closely during baking: they should turn pink and opaque after about 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If your shrimp start curling tightly or feel tough, you've likely gone too far—aim for that delicate balance!
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This delicious oven garlic shrimp recipe serves four people, making it perfect for a family dinner or as an impressive appetizer when hosting friends. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, so it's a delightful yet light option!
Oven Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer the shrimp mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with additional parsley if desired.
