Garlicky Baked Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with the rich flavor of garlic, creating a meal that is both simple and satisfying. In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare an impressive dinner that impresses family and friends alike. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp while infusing it with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for something quick on a weeknight, this dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. Get ready to savor this mouthwatering seafood delight that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Garlicky Baked Shrimp
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture; make sure they are peeled and deveined.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor; use about five cloves to really enhance the dish.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness; it also helps to sauté the garlic without burning.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors; it balances the richness of the shrimp.
For the Seasoning:
- Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy note; use about one teaspoon to complement the other flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a kick of heat, feel free to add these; they’re optional based on your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your shrimp cook evenly while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish
Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil. This will prevent sticking and help achieve a nice golden color.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly blended.
Step 4: Add Shrimp
Toss the cleaned shrimp in the bowl with the garlic mixture until they are fully coated. Ensure each piece gets that delicious flavor!
Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish
Spread the marinated shrimp evenly in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them—overcooking can lead to rubbery texture.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra lemon juice for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight
How to Serve Garlicky Baked Shrimp
This Garlicky Baked Shrimp is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp mixture up to two hours in advance. Simply combine the shrimp with garlic, butter, and seasonings in a bowl. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Storing: Leftover Garlicky Baked Shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within three days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.
Suggestions for Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Use Fresh Ingredients
When preparing garlicky baked shrimp, always opt for fresh shrimp rather than frozen. Fresh shrimp not only offers better flavor and texture but also ensures that the dish is more vibrant. Thawing frozen shrimp can sometimes result in a watery consistency, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, use fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste. Pre-minced garlic may seem convenient, but it often lacks the pungency and depth of flavor that fresh garlic provides. Investing in quality ingredients will elevate your garlicky baked shrimp to a whole new level.
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery and dry, ruining your garlicky baked shrimp dish. To prevent this, monitor the cooking time closely. Shrimp cooks quickly—usually within 8 to 10 minutes in the oven at a high temperature. You want them to be opaque and slightly firm when fully cooked. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution; it’s better to undercook slightly as they will continue cooking in residual heat after being removed from the oven. Keeping an eye on your shrimp will ensure they remain juicy and flavorful.
Don’t Skip the Marinade
Marinating your shrimp is crucial for infusing flavor into your garlicky baked shrimp. A simple mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings can significantly enhance taste. Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes helps flavors penetrate deeply. Skipping this step may leave your dish bland and unexciting. Remember that time spent marinating is time well-invested in achieving a delicious result.
Use an Appropriate Baking Dish
Selecting the right baking dish can impact how evenly your garlicky baked shrimp cook. A shallow dish allows for better airflow around the shrimp, promoting even cooking and browning. Avoid overcrowding; give each piece some room to breathe while baking. If your dish is too deep or crowded, you might end up with unevenly cooked shrimp that are soggy instead of crispy and delightful.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Garlicky Baked Shrimp?
To create a delicious batch of garlicky baked shrimp, you’ll need fresh shrimp, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and parsley for garnish. You can also add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat! The freshness of each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing flavor profile. Ensure that all ingredients are ready before starting to streamline your cooking process.
How long should I bake Garlicky Baked Shrimp?
The baking time for garlicky baked shrimp typically ranges from 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You want to keep an eye on them as they cook quickly. When done correctly, they should appear opaque and firm to the touch without being rubbery or dry. Always check them towards the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlicky Baked Shrimp?
While it’s best to use fresh shrimp for optimal flavor, you can use frozen shrimp if necessary. Make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. The thawing process allows any excess moisture to escape; otherwise, it could lead to a watery final dish. When using frozen shrimp, aim for high-quality products that have been properly handled.
What side dishes pair well with Garlicky Baked Shrimp?
Garlicky baked shrimp pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs or a light salad featuring mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette. Rice pilaf or quinoa also complement this dish nicely by absorbing its rich flavors without overpowering them.
Conclusion
In summary, creating mouthwatering garlicky baked shrimp requires attention to detail regarding ingredient freshness and proper cooking techniques. Avoid common pitfalls like overcooking or skipping marination steps for the best results. By selecting an appropriate baking dish and ensuring even spacing while cooking, you’ll achieve perfectly succulent seafood every time. Pairing this delightful dish with complementary sides enhances both flavor and presentation. Enjoy crafting this crowd-pleasing recipe that showcases bold flavors!
Garlicky Baked Shrimp
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlicky Baked Shrimp is a quick, flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up tender shrimp coated in rich garlic-infused olive oil, brightened with fresh lemon juice and aromatic herbs. This versatile recipe shines as a main course, whether served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties, this garlicky shrimp dish combines simplicity with gourmet taste, leaving your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the cleaned shrimp in the mixture until well-coated.
- Arrange shrimp evenly in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 113g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 385mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes before baking.- Pair with your choice of side dishes like rice or salad for a complete meal.- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices.
