Oven Baked Shrimp Simple

This easy oven baked shrimp recipe makes juicy shrimp with just four ingredients and minimal fuss The shrimp come out tender every time and are perfect for a fast weeknight meal or an impressive main dish for guests

My family always requests this dish whenever we need something quick and tasty for dinner and it is the first thing gone at our summer parties

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined with tails on Shrimp cook fast and stay juicy in the oven so look for plump firm shrimp either fresh or fully thawed for best results
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the shrimp roast instead of steam Choose extra virgin olive oil for the boldest flavor
• Salt: Brings out the sweetness in the shrimp and brightens every bite Use a flaky sea salt if possible for a nice finish
• Black pepper: Adds zing and warmth Freshly ground black pepper is always best but use whatever is handy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and make sure the rack is in the middle so the shrimp cook evenly without drying out

Dry and Season the Shrimp:

Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels This ensures a light sear and keeps them from steaming Drizzle over the olive oil sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss until each shrimp glistens Add a dash more oil if the shrimp still look dry

Arrange on the Baking Dish:

Place the shrimp in a single layer in a nine by thirteen inch casserole dish or on a baking sheet Leave a little space between them so the heat circulates and roasts the shrimp evenly

Bake the Shrimp:

Slide the pan into the oven Bake for six to eight minutes The shrimp are done when they turn opaque white and pink and gently curl but are not tightly wound

Serve:

Remove promptly from the oven and transfer to a plate Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides

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Baking the shrimp this way brings out their natural sweetness I look forward to making these every summer by the lake with my family and the lemon garnish always reminds me of my grandmother who served fresh citrus with every seafood meal

Storage Tips

Oven baked shrimp will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about three to four days They reheat beautifully either cold or quickly in a skillet To freeze spread out the cooked and cooled shrimp in a single layer on a tray once frozen move them to a sealed bag or container They keep well for up to three months Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap olive oil with avocado oil or melted butter for a slightly different flavor If you have only frozen shrimp just make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry for the best texture Add extra dried herbs smoked paprika or a sprinkle of chili flakes for more flavor Use lime wedges or orange slices if you want to switch up the citrus garnish

Serving Suggestions

Serve these shrimp over a bed of rice tossed with pasta or alongside a crisp green salad They are fantastic in tacos or added to a summer grain bowl For a party arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a spicy dipping sauce for easy appetizers

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Cultural Context

Baked shrimp is a modern twist on classic American shrimp dishes like shrimp cocktail or shrimp scampi Baking is often preferred because it is hands off and reliable giving you evenly cooked shrimp every time This versatile recipe is equally at home on a busy weeknight as it is at a festive cookout

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep shrimp from drying out in the oven?

Coat shrimp evenly in olive oil, arrange in a single layer, and avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw the shrimp fully and blot off excess water before baking for best texture and flavor.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are ready when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose 'C' shape, usually within 6–8 minutes.

→ What seasonings work well with baked shrimp?

Salt and pepper are classic, but you can add garlic, paprika, chili flakes, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Place cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Is it necessary to flip the shrimp while baking?

No, as long as shrimp are arranged in a single even layer, flipping is not required for even cooking.