If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive seafood dish, this Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Succulent shrimp drenched in a flavorful blend of butter, olive oil, and spices, then baked to perfection in just minutes — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but requires almost no effort. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, offering the perfect balance between buttery richness, a touch of heat, fresh herbs, and citrus brightness. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish come alive:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show, ensuring tender, juicy bites every time.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds a luscious richness that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a mild fruity flavor and helps the spices stick.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Lifts the dish with a bright, tangy finish.
How to Make Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for cooking shrimp quickly while giving them just enough heat to develop a lightly crisp exterior without drying out. Preheating ensures even cooking from the moment the shrimp go in.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a 9×13 baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter and olive oil over the shrimp, then sprinkle with kosher salt and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together so that each shrimp is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. Spread the shrimp out in a single layer to make sure they cook uniformly and turn that irresistible pink and curled shape.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the shrimp in your preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye here: as soon as your shrimp turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they are done. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so timing is key for perfectly tender results every time.
Step 4: Finish With Freshness
Once the shrimp come out of the oven, sprinkle them with chopped parsley and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. This final step adds refreshing brightness and a herbaceous finish that complements the richness of the butter perfectly. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
While the parsley and lemon juice in the recipe provide a fresh touch, you can also experiment with other garnishes like a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan, chopped chives, or a dash of smoked paprika to add color and dimension. A light drizzle of garlic aioli or a dollop of cocktail sauce can also elevate your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a simple quinoa salad. For something heartier, garlic butter noodles, steamed asparagus, or roasted vegetables bring balance and texture to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Serve the shrimp on skewers as an appetizer or spoon them over warm crusty bread for an elegant bruschetta. You could even incorporate them into tacos topped with avocado and cabbage slaw for a fun fusion twist. No matter how you present it, this recipe is versatile enough to shine in any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep them juicy, avoid piling them too deep, and try to eat leftovers as soon as possible to enjoy their best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing baked shrimp isn’t ideal because they can become rubbery when reheated, but if you must, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a sealed bag or container. Use within one month for best quality, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp tough and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the baking process.
What if I don’t have red pepper flakes? Can I substitute something else?
You can use a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to add heat, or simply skip the spice altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?
While it’s not mandatory, deveining improves the texture and removes any gritty parts, resulting in a cleaner taste and more pleasant eating experience.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients. Just be sure not to overcrowd the baking dish so the shrimp cook evenly and stay tender.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it includes no gluten-containing ingredients. Just double-check any garnishes or sides you serve alongside to keep the entire meal safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe is such a joy to prepare and eat — it turns ordinary shrimp into something dazzling in just minutes. The mix of buttery richness, zesty lemon, and a touch of spice creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to become a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how quickly simple ingredients can come together for a stunning dish everyone will love.
Print
Easy Oven Baked Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for oven-baked shrimp, combining the richness of butter and olive oil with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, finished with fresh parsley and lemon juice for a bright, delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the shrimp evenly.
- Prepare Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle melted butter and olive oil over the shrimp, then sprinkle with kosher salt and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly in the flavorful mixture, then spread them out in a single layer to allow for even cooking.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Monitor them closely; they’re done when they turn pink and curl into a C shape, indicating they are perfectly cooked without becoming rubbery.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss lightly if desired, and serve the shrimp warm for a simple yet elegant dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best results.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become tough and chewy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
