Name: Baked Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 lbs extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

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This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor. Tender, juicy shrimp are roasted to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a bright pop of lemon—ready in just over 20 minutes. It's the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again, especially when served with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that golden sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, cleanup is minimal. The shrimp come out perfectly tender and juicy, while the sauce is savory, zesty, and slightly spicy (if you like a little kick). It's ideal for busy weeknights, but impressive enough for dinner guests. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything—pasta, rice, salad, or a warm baguette.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1¼ lbs extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. (Alternatively, melt the butter with garlic in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.)
Stir the lemon juice into the butter mixture.

Pour the garlic lemon butter over the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss the shrimp gently to coat, then spread them back into an even layer.
Bake for 9–13 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm, spooning the buttery sauce over the shrimp.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.

Use lime: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Add veggies: Toss in halved cherry tomatoes or asparagus before baking for a complete meal.
Serve over pasta: Spoon the shrimp and sauce over linguine or angel hair for a light pasta dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender.
Freezing is not recommended, as cooked shrimp can become rubbery when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

What size shrimp should I use?

Extra-large shrimp (16/20 count) are ideal for this recipe. Adjust bake time slightly for smaller or larger shrimp.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Fresh, raw shrimp are best, but if using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the baking time to just 5–6 minutes to avoid overcooking.

What kind of butter is best?

Unsalted butter allows you to better control the saltiness, but salted butter can also be used. Adjust seasoning to taste.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overbaking to prevent toughness.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any sides or bread served with it are also gluten-free if needed.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil, though flavor and richness may vary slightly.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, salad, or warm crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger baking dish to ensure the shrimp cook evenly in a single layer.

Does this recipe work well for meal prep?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce and clean the shrimp ahead of time to save minutes before cooking.

Conclusion

Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a go-to recipe for a quick yet elegant meal. With succulent shrimp and a rich, zesty sauce ready in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether served with pasta, bread, or veggies, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Baked Shrimp

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Print Recipe

This Baked Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is an easy, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp baked in a rich, zesty sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner and ideal for serving with crusty bread to soak up every drop!

Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 ¼ lbs extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined

¼ cup butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish in a single layer.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Alternatively, melt butter with garlic in the microwave.
Stir lemon juice into the butter mixture.
Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss shrimp to coat and spread into an even layer.