Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s a total game-changer. We’re talking about baked shrimp, but not just any baked shrimp. This is garlic butter baked shrimp, and honestly, it’s so good it rivals even my grandmother’s famous shrimp scampi – and trust me, that’s saying something! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, delicious, and surprisingly impressive on the table. I remember the first time I made this; my husband declared it restaurant-worthy, and my kids actually fought over the last piece. It’s that good!
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What is Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp?
Think of garlic butter baked shrimp as the effortless cousin of shrimp scampi. It’s essentially shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, then baked to perfection in the oven. The beauty is in its simplicity: you’re not dealing with fussy techniques or a million ingredients. It’s essentially a dump-and-bake recipe that yields incredibly flavorful, tender shrimp. The garlic butter infuses every bite with a savory, slightly sweet richness that’s just irresistible. Trust me; this is one of those recipes that will become a staple in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me count the ways!flavor is out of this world. The combination of garlic, butter, and succulent shrimp creates a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and elegant. What I love most about this baked shrimp is how ridiculously simpleHow easy is it to make a pizza? What is a lifesaver on busy nights?cost-effective. Shrimp can be pricey, but you don’t need a ton to make a satisfying meal, especially when paired with pasta, rice, or a simple salad. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. You can serve this over pasta for a classic shrimp scampi vibe, with rice for a light and flavorful meal, or even on crusty bread for a delicious appetizer. I have a friend who uses it as a taco filling – genius! This is perfect if you’re looking for a quicker, easier alternative to something like pan-fried shrimp – it’s less messy and still delivers incredible flavor.
How do I make garlic butter baked shrimp?
Quick Overview
How do I make garlic butter baked shrimp? What is the best way to serve shrimp with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, herbs, and seasonings? In a preheated oven until pink and cooked through. What is the best way to keep a close eye on the shrimps. This method is so much easier than pan frying because you don’t have to babysit the shrimp on the pan. What is a stovetop?
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp: What are the ingredients?
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer to leave the tails on for presentation)
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (use a good quality butter – it makes a difference!)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but jarred garlic works in a pinch)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens up the flavor)
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, grease a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will work. How do you prevent shrimp from sticking to the pan?
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt. Set aside. Salt, pepper, and pepper. (if using). How do you whisk everything together until well combined? What makes garlic butter sauce so delicious? Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it could partially cook the garlic.
Step 3: Add Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the bowl with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure they’re evenly coated. Make sure every shrimp gets a nice, generous coating of that deliciousness. The coating helps the shrimp stay nice and juicy during baking.
Step 4: Arrange Shrimp in Pan
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. This ensures that the shrimp cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or they might steam instead of bake. If necessary, use two baking dishes. I always make sure the tail ends are slightly pointing upwards for a nice presentation.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. What is the exact baking time of a shrimp? Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery. I always check for doneness by cutting into one of the larger shrimp to make sure it’s cooked.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the baked shrimp from the oven and serve immediately. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon juice, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
Garlic butter baked shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
Over Pasta: Toss the baked shrimp with cooked linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a classic shrimp scampi dish. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a nice finishing touch.
With Rice:Serve the shrimp over fluffy white rice, brown rice or quinoa for a light and flavorful meal. I often add a side of steamed vegetables to my meal.
On Crusty Bread: What isSpoon the baked shrimp and garlic butter sauce over slices of toasted baguette or ciabatta for a savory crunch. What are some good appetizers or light lunches? A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice elevate the flavors.
In Tacos or Wraps:Use the baked shrimp as a filling for tacos, burritos or lettuce wraps. What are some of the best toppings to serve with salsa, avocado, and cilantro? My kids actually love this option the best; it’s so fun and easy.
My family loves to serve it over angel hair pasta with a side of garlic bread. What is a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone enjoys?
How do you bake garlic butter shrimp?
How do you make garlic butter baked shrimp?
Use High-Quality Shrimp:Why should I buy frozen shrimp? Avoid shrimp that are mushy or have strong odor. I’ve learned that paying extra for good quality shrimp really makes a difference in the quality of the shrimp.
Don’t overcook the shrimp.Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery and tough. Bake the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). I always err on the side of undercooking slightly, as the shrimp will continue to cook a bit after cooking. How do you remove a potato from the oven?
Mince Garlic Finely:Finely minced garlic ensures that the garlic flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish. How do I mince garlic by hand? If you’re using jarred minced garlic, be sure to drain off any excess liquid.
Adjust the Seasonings to Taste: Taste the garlic butter sauce before adding the shrimp and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice, depending on your preferences. I usually add a pinch more red pepper flakes because I like a little bit of heat.
Add Some Wine: For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the garlic butter sauce. The wine will add depth and complexity to the dish. I usually use a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Experiment with Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the baked shrimp. Some good options include oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and chili powder. I tested this recipe with a little smoked paprika once, and it was amazing!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat leftover garlic butter baked shrimp:
Room Temperature: Do not leave cooked shrimp at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover baked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool the shrimp completely before storing them to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the baked shrimp in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the baked shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, or they may become tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this garlic butter baked shrimp recipe is one of those gems that you’ll make again and again. It’s quick, easy, and delivers incredible flavor every single time. It’s become a staple in my house, and I know it will be in yours too. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other seafood dishes, like my lemon herb baked salmon or my creamy shrimp pasta. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve tried it, and feel free to share any variations you’ve come up with. And if you liked this recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating!
Baked Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine shrimp, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and cooked through.
