Description
This simple and flavorful baked shrimp recipe features large shrimp coated in a savory garlic butter sauce with a hint of paprika and a kick of red pepper flakes. Quickly baked to perfection and finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, it makes a perfect weeknight meal or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the shrimp evenly.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer on a baking dish to allow for even cooking.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to create a flavorful sauce.
- Coat Shrimp: Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly, ensuring each shrimp is infused with the seasoning.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the shrimp from the oven and drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the top to add a refreshing citrus brightness.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for color and freshness, then serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to avoid rubbery texture.
- The crushed red pepper flakes add heat; omit or reduce if you prefer milder flavors.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
