Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp Recipe

If there’s a weeknight supper that delivers a winning combo of tasty, fresh, and fast, it has to be Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp roasted in an aromatic bath of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and a flurry of herbs, all ready in under 20 minutes. This dish is pure satisfaction: zingy citrus, savory garlic, and a hint of butter create a pan sauce that you’ll want to mop up with every bit of bread you can find. Whether you’re hosting friends or need a vibrant dinner for two, you’ll fall in love with just how bright and effortless this recipe is—the kind of meal that feels special without any of the stress.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp is its reliance on a handful of kitchen staples—each one plays a key role, from the bold zing of lemon to the soft richness of butter. With simple, fresh ingredients, you get a rainbow of flavors and a gorgeous pop of color.

• Shrimp (large, peeled and deveined): These cook quickly and become deliciously tender while soaking up all the flavors.
• Fresh lemon juice: The citrus boosts the shrimp’s natural sweetness and brings everything to life.
• Garlic (minced): For a warm, aromatic bite that infuses the whole dish.
• Olive oil: Helps everything roast perfectly and keeps the shrimp juicy.
• Butter: Just a bit adds a luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to pour over everything.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds bright herby notes and a vibrant finish.
• Salt & pepper: Brings all those flavors into perfect harmony.
• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes: For a pop of gentle heat—sprinkle lightly if you like things spicy.

How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels, ensuring the seasonings cling and the shrimp don’t steam in the oven. Arrange them in a single layer in your favorite baking dish. Dry shrimp will pick up every bit of that lemony, garlicky goodness!

Step 2: Whisk the Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well so every flavor is evenly distributed. This sauce will coat the shrimp and help create that irresistible pan sauce in the oven.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the marinade evenly over the shrimp, using your clean hands or a spoon to toss and ensure every piece is nicely coated. Let them sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature so the flavors get cozy. Even a few minutes makes a huge difference!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque—watch closely, as overbaked shrimp can go rubbery fast! If you love a little extra color, turn on the broiler for the last minute.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Straight from the oven, sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and, if you like, a few extra cracks of black pepper and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Serve right away while the shrimp are hot and the sauce is bubbling.

How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp

Garnishes

Finish with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges. For a restaurant-worthy touch, a little lemon zest on top adds a wonderful aroma and a pretty sparkle.

Side Dishes

This shrimp is fabulous with warm crusty bread for sopping up the sauce, or you can pair it with fluffy rice, quinoa, or even alongside al dente pasta. For something lighter, a big, leafy salad with crisp greens and a citrusy vinaigrette fits perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp into an appetizer by skewering each shrimp and serving them on a platter with the pan sauce as a dip. Or, toss the hot shrimp over buttery linguine for a beautiful main course, garnished with extra herbs and lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The shrimp will stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to two days—just hold off on adding extra herbs until serving again so they stay fresh and bright.

Freezing

While you can freeze baked shrimp, keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit after thawing. Freeze in a single layer (with a bit of the pan sauce if possible) in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag, and enjoy within 2 months for best flavor.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp gently in the oven (at about 300°F/150°C) for just a few minutes, or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of extra lemon juice or butter. Avoid the microwave if you can, as shrimp can become tough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp?

Absolutely—you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking for the best roasting results.

What size shrimp work best?

Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal for even cooking and impressive presentation, but you can use smaller shrimp if that’s what you have. Just reduce the bake time by a minute or two, as they’ll cook faster.

Can I swap in other herbs or add vegetables?

Definitely! Try adding chopped fresh basil, dill, or cilantro for a twist. Quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes can be tossed in with the shrimp for a colorful upgrade.

Is Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp good for meal prep?

It’s a fantastic meal prep option—just keep the shrimp and sauce separate from grains or salad greens, and add fresh parsley and lemon right before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Simply replace the butter with more olive oil or your favorite vegan butter. The result is every bit as flavorful, with a melted, luxurious sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Shrimp: zesty, comforting, and beautifully simple. It’s the kind of dish that belongs in your regular rotation and always gets a round of applause. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such big flavors come together with so little effort!

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