Garlicky Baked Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with the robust flavor of garlic. This recipe not only boasts incredible taste but also offers a quick cooking time that fits perfectly into your busy schedule. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that your family and friends will rave about. The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen as this dish bakes will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is suitable for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing a cozy family dinner, Garlicky Baked Shrimp is sure to impress. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
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:
- Large Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen large shrimp; if using frozen, ensure they are thawed completely before cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to get the best flavor; minced garlic works great in this recipe.
- Olive Oil: This helps to keep the shrimp moist while enhancing the overall flavor; choose high-quality olive oil for the best results.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the garlic.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also brings a fresh herbaceous note; chop it finely before use.
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). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Season the Shrimp
Add the large shrimp to the marinade mixture in the bowl. Toss them gently until they are evenly coated in the flavorful blend.
Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish
Transfer the marinated shrimp into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Shrimp
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Remove from oven and transfer to plates immediately. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all shrimp are similar in size for consistent cooking times.
- Temperature Control: Allow shrimp to reach room temperature before marinating for better flavor absorption.
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, let shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking.
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 and marinate it in garlic, olive oil, and spices up to two hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If freezing, wrap individual portions securely in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they do not dry out.
Suggestions for Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Overcooking the Shrimp
One of the most common mistakes when preparing garlicky baked shrimp is overcooking. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes. When you overcook it, the shrimp becomes rubbery and loses its delicate flavor. To avoid this, keep a close eye on your shrimp while it bakes. They should turn pink and opaque, indicating they are done. Use a timer to check them at the minimum suggested cooking time. If you notice they are still translucent after that time, give them an additional minute or two but no more than that.
Skipping the Marinade
Another mistake is skipping the marinade. Marinating your shrimp in a garlicky mixture enhances flavor and tenderizes the meat. A simple marinade can include olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley or thyme. Allow the shrimp to soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step helps to infuse the shrimp with great taste and ensures that every bite bursts with garlicky goodness. Don’t rush through this vital step; it’s essential for achieving maximum flavor.
Not Preheating the Oven
Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking of garlicky baked shrimp. When you place shrimp in a cold oven, they will take longer to cook and may not achieve that perfect texture you desire. Always preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking. This ensures that your shrimp cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients
Using low-quality ingredients can ruin your garlicky baked shrimp dish. Freshness matters significantly when it comes to seafood, so opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp rather than those that have been sitting around too long. Additionally, use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced or powdered garlic for an authentic taste. The right ingredients can elevate your dish from average to extraordinary, making every bite unforgettable.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for garlicky baked shrimp?
When it comes to making garlicky baked shrimp, large or jumbo-sized shrimp works best due to their meaty texture and ability to hold up during baking. Look for wild-caught options if possible; they often have better flavor than farmed varieties. Fresh shrimp is ideal but frozen ones can work too; just make sure they are properly thawed before marinating and cooking. Additionally, shell-on or shell-off options both provide unique flavors and textures; choose based on your preference.
Can I customize my garlicky baked shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about garlicky baked shrimp is how versatile it is. You can easily add your favorite spices or herbs to suit your taste preferences. For example, consider adding chili flakes for some heat or substituting lemon juice with lime for a different zing. You might also incorporate vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers alongside the shrimp on the baking sheet for a complete meal in one go.
How long should I bake garlicky baked shrimp?
Baking time varies depending on the size of your shrimp and oven’s temperature settings but generally takes about 8-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them as they cook; they should turn pink and opaque when done. If you’re using larger jumbo shrimp, you may need closer to 12 minutes while smaller ones might only take around 8 minutes—just be careful not to overbake them.
Can I make garlicky baked shrimp ahead of time?
You can prepare certain elements of garlicky baked shrimp ahead of time but avoid baking until you’re ready to serve. You can marinate the shrimp several hours beforehand or even overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor absorption. However, once cooked, it’s best enjoyed immediately for optimal texture and taste; reheating may lead to overcooked shrimp which loses its delightful juiciness.
Conclusion for Garlicky Baked Shrimp
Garlicky baked shrimp is a fantastic dish that’s both flavorful and quick to prepare. By avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking or using low-quality ingredients, you can create a delicious meal everyone will love. Remember to marinate your shrimp well and always preheat your oven before baking for even cooking results. Feel free to customize this dish with different herbs and spices based on what you enjoy most. With these tips in mind, your next batch of garlicky baked shrimp will surely impress family and friends alike!
Garlicky Baked Shrimp
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Garlicky Baked Shrimp, a quick and easy dish that brings the essence of garlic and succulent shrimp together in perfect harmony. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. With its vibrant aroma, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or over rice for a satisfying meal. Enjoy a gourmet experience straight from your kitchen with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped parsley until well combined.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss gently until fully coated.
- Spread the marinated shrimp evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
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