Looking for a simple yet delicious meal? Baked shrimp in garlic butter sauce is a treat you must try! You’ll find tender shrimp coated in rich garlic butter, ready to impress anyone at your table. In this guide, I’ll share easy steps, tips, and variations to make this dish your own. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this baked shrimp recipe brings joy to any dinner. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredients List
For this baked shrimp in garlic butter sauce, you’ll need:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor. The shrimp brings a sweet, ocean taste. The garlic adds a strong aroma. Butter gives richness, while lemon juice brightens everything up.
Measurement Conversions for Ingredients
Here are some handy conversions to help you:
– 1 lb = 16 oz
– 1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons
– 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
These conversions ensure you measure correctly. This way, you can achieve the perfect balance in your dish.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
Feel free to mix things up! Here are some options:
– Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch.
– Substitute fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a unique twist.
– Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different flavor.
These optional ingredients let you personalize the recipe. Experimenting with flavors keeps cooking exciting! For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Garlic Butter Mixture
To start, gather your ingredients. You need large shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice cooking environment.
Next, melt the unsalted butter in a bowl. Add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, sweet paprika, and dried parsley. Mix in salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want heat. Stir these ingredients until they blend into a smooth garlic butter. This mixture gives the shrimp a rich flavor.
Baking the Shrimp
Now, arrange the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp. Make sure every shrimp gets coated for the best taste.
Spread the shrimp evenly in the dish. This helps them cook evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are done. Do not overcook them. This keeps them juicy and tender.
Serving the Baked Shrimp
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. You can sprinkle more parsley on top for a nice look. Serve the baked shrimp right from the dish. Add fresh lemon wedges for a bright touch.
I love serving this dish with crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce. Enjoy this delightful meal while it’s still warm! For a detailed recipe, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
How to Choose Fresh Shrimp
To pick the best shrimp, look for a few signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the sea, not fishy. The shells should be shiny and firm. Check for any dark spots or blackening on the shells. Choose shrimp that are still in their shells for the best flavor and texture. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught. They tend to have a better taste compared to farmed shrimp.
Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp
Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. To avoid this, keep a close eye while baking. Shrimp cook fast, usually in 8-10 minutes. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. If you want to be extra sure, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for shrimp is 120°F (49°C). If you follow these tips, your shrimp will stay juicy and tender.
Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices
Adding herbs and spices can take your baked shrimp to new heights. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil add brightness. For more depth, try using spices like cumin or coriander. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavor. You can also add a pinch of zest from the lemon for extra zing. Mixing these flavors creates a delightful experience that you and your guests will love.
For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
To make spicy garlic butter shrimp, add more heat. Use extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This will give the dish a fun kick. The shrimp will blend nicely with the spicy butter.
Lemon Herb Shrimp
For a fresh twist, try lemon herb shrimp. Add zest from a lemon and use fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. This will brighten the dish and add depth. The lemon will balance the richness of the butter.
Shrimp with Parmesan Cheese
If you love cheese, this variation is for you. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the shrimp before baking. The cheese will melt and create a crispy, savory layer. It adds a wonderful flavor that pairs well with the garlic butter.
These variations let you explore different tastes while keeping the essence of the original recipe. You can find the full recipe for baked shrimp in garlic butter sauce above. Enjoy the journey of flavors!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Baked Shrimp
To store leftover baked shrimp, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the shrimp. Use a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. Frozen shrimp can last up to three months.
Reheating Tips for Best Flavor
When reheating baked shrimp, do it gently. You want to keep them juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them, but be careful. Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking.
Meal Prep Ideas Using Baked Shrimp
Baked shrimp are perfect for meal prep. They can fit into many dishes. Try adding them to salads for a protein boost. You can also mix them into pasta for a hearty meal. Another idea is to use them in tacos. Just add some fresh toppings like avocado and lime. Baked shrimp also taste great in a stir-fry. Mix with veggies and serve over rice or noodles.
For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp Delight.
FAQs
How to make Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce?
To make Baked Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, sweet paprika, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Next, place the cleaned shrimp in a baking dish and pour the garlic butter over them. Spread the shrimp out for even cooking. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley. For the full recipe, check the details above.
What should I serve with Baked Shrimp?
Baked Shrimp pairs well with many sides. I love serving it with crusty bread. The bread soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also serve it with rice or pasta for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. Try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables work great too, adding color and taste.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain and pat them dry. Using thawed shrimp helps the garlic butter soak in better. This way, you still get that tasty flavor in every bite.
You now have all the details to make baked shrimp in garlic butter. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips. Remember to choose fresh shrimp and not to overcook them. Customizing your dish with spices or cheese can add a fun twist. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. With these easy steps, you can impress anyone! Enjoy your cooking journey with this delicious shrimp recipe.
