Baked shrimp is one of the easiest and most flavorful seafood dishes you can make at home. Succulent shrimp are coated in garlic butter and herbs, then baked to perfection in the oven, creating a juicy, tender, and aromatic dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, baked shrimp delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

This dish is naturally quick-cooking, making it ideal for busy cooks. The combination of buttery richness, fresh garlic, lemon zest, and a hint of spice elevates the shrimp to an irresistible level. Serve it with rice, pasta, crusty bread, or a crisp salad to complete a wholesome and elegant meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.

2. Juicy, tender shrimp: Baking prevents overcooking while keeping shrimp plump.

3. Rich flavor: Garlic butter infused with herbs creates a decadent taste.

4. Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main course, or part of a seafood platter.

5. Low-carb and gluten-free: Naturally fits many dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

Optional Serving Add-Ons

Cooked rice or pasta
Garlic bread
Steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus)

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a shallow baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine:

Melted butter
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Paprika
Lemon zest
Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
Salt and black pepper

Whisk together until fully blended.

Step 3: Toss the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a large bowl and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Toss until each shrimp is evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Spread the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or dish. Make sure they are not crowded to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–12 minutes, depending on shrimp size, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Do not overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.

Step 6: Add Lemon and Parsley

Remove shrimp from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Baked Shrimp

Use large shrimp: They stay juicy and are easier to serve.

Pat shrimp dry: Ensures the garlic butter sticks well and prevents excess water.

Single layer baking: Avoids steaming the shrimp instead of baking.

Fresh garlic and lemon zest: Gives the dish its brightest flavor.

Optional spice: Add paprika or cayenne for a mild heat.

Flavor Variations

Parmesan Garlic Shrimp

Sprinkle grated Parmesan over shrimp before baking for a cheesy crust.

Herb Butter Shrimp

Add thyme, rosemary, or dill for an aromatic touch.

Spicy Cajun Shrimp

Mix Cajun seasoning into the garlic butter for a zesty kick.

Honey-Lemon Shrimp

Drizzle honey with lemon juice for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.

Freezing: Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over garlic butter pasta or rice.
Pair with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Serve as an appetizer with crusty bread to soak up garlic butter.
Include in a seafood platter with crab legs and scallops.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that works for any occasion. Its juicy shrimp, rich garlic butter, and subtle lemon brightness make it irresistible.

With minimal prep, this dish brings restaurant-quality seafood to your table, perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or a cozy date night. It’s versatile, simple, and packed with bold flavors that everyone will love.