Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp: The Ultimate Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Garlic butter baked shrimp: just the name alone conjures up images of succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a rich, flavorful sauce. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? This recipe is your answer! Forget complicated preparations and hours spent in the kitchen; with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality appetizer or main course ready in under 30 minutes.

While the exact origins of garlic butter baked shrimp are difficult to pinpoint, the combination of garlic and butter has been a culinary staple for centuries, enjoyed across various cultures. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – allowing the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through, enhanced by the pungent aroma of garlic and the richness of butter. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.

People absolutely adore garlic butter baked shrimp for several reasons. The taste is undeniably addictive – the savory garlic butter perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the shrimp. The texture is also a major draw; the shrimp are tender and juicy, while the garlic butter sauce is smooth and luxurious. And let’s not forget the convenience factor! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or any time you want a delicious and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. So, are you ready to experience the magic of garlic butter baked shrimp? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

Okay, let’s get started! The key to amazing garlic butter shrimp is, of course, the garlic butter. We want it bursting with flavor, so don’t skimp on the garlic!

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan or in the microwave, melt the butter completely. If using the microwave, do it in 30-second intervals to prevent splattering.
2. Add the garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. If you’re using the microwave, transfer the melted butter to a small bowl first.
3. Sauté the garlic (optional): If using a saucepan, gently sauté the garlic over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic will taste bitter. If using the microwave, you can skip this step, as the residual heat from the melted butter will infuse the garlic.
4. Incorporate the remaining ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat (or keep the bowl handy). Add the chopped parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the butter and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more lemon juice for tanginess or a pinch more salt to bring out the flavors.

Preparing the Shrimp

Now that our garlic butter sauce is ready, let’s get the shrimp prepped. Using good quality shrimp makes a huge difference, so try to find some that are fresh and plump.

1. Prepare the shrimp: If your shrimp isn’t already peeled and deveined, now’s the time to do it. To peel, simply remove the shell, leaving the tail on or off, depending on your preference. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the oven.
2. Marinate the shrimp (optional): For extra flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in a portion of the garlic butter sauce for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the shrimp to absorb the delicious flavors of the garlic, parsley, and lemon. Reserve some of the garlic butter sauce for drizzling later. If you choose to marinate, make sure to do it in the refrigerator.

Baking the Garlic Butter Shrimp

Alright, time to bake these beauties! Baking is a super easy and hands-off way to cook shrimp, and it ensures they’re perfectly tender and juicy.

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little bit of olive oil. This will prevent the shrimp from sticking to the dish.
3. Arrange the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, as this will steam the shrimp instead of baking them. If necessary, use two baking dishes.
4. Drizzle with garlic butter sauce: Pour the remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, making sure each shrimp is coated evenly. If you marinated the shrimp, you can use the marinade as part of the sauce.
5. Bake the shrimp: Bake the shrimp for 8-12 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your shrimp, so keep a close eye on them. You want them to be cooked through but still tender. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery.
6. Check for doneness: To check if the shrimp are done, cut into one of the larger shrimp with a knife. If it’s opaque throughout and no longer translucent, it’s ready.

Serving the Garlic Butter Shrimp

The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s plate up this deliciousness and enjoy!

1. Garnish (optional): Once the shrimp are cooked, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
2. Serve immediately: Serve the garlic butter baked shrimp immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
3. Serving suggestions: These shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
   • With crusty bread: Serve the shrimp with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful garlic butter sauce. This is a classic and satisfying combination.
   • Over pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, for a quick and easy meal.
   • With rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
   • In tacos or wraps: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos or wraps, along with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, salsa, and guacamole.
   • As an appetizer: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping.
   • With vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
4. Lemon wedges: Don’t forget to serve the shrimp with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. The lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the garlic butter perfectly.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your garlic butter shrimp is absolutely perfect:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and lemon juice will make a huge difference in the flavor of the dish.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and tough. Keep a close eye on them while they’re baking and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking: Taste the garlic butter sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes.
• Use a good quality baking dish: A good quality baking dish will distribute heat evenly and prevent the shrimp from sticking.
• Serve immediately: Garlic butter shrimp is best served immediately while it’s hot and juicy.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook the shrimp, simply reheat the sauce and proceed with the recipe.
• Add other herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
• Spice it up: If you like spicy food, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce.
• Add a splash of white wine: For a richer flavor, add a splash of dry white wine to the garlic butter sauce.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a cheesy and savory twist.
• Coconut Shrimp: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before baking for a tropical flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Herb Shrimp: Add other fresh herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, to the garlic butter sauce for a more complex flavor.
• Shrimp Scampi: Serve the garlic butter shrimp over linguine pasta with a generous amount of sauce for a classic shrimp scampi dish.

Enjoy your delicious garlic butter baked shrimp! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This garlic butter baked shrimp recipe isn’t just another shrimp dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the incredibly simple preparation to the unbelievably delicious results, it’s a weeknight dinner champion and a crowd-pleasing appetizer all rolled into one. The succulent shrimp, bathed in that rich, garlicky, buttery goodness, is truly irresistible. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up all that amazing sauce. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. Or, for a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

Looking for variations? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully. For a more Mediterranean twist, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh oregano over the shrimp before baking. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of complexity. You can even experiment with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to create your own signature flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

* Appetizer: Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
* Main Course: Serve over rice, pasta, or polenta.
* Salad Topping: Add to a Caesar salad or mixed green salad.
* Tacos: Use as a filling for delicious shrimp tacos.
* Grain Bowls: Incorporate into your favorite grain bowl recipe.

Variations to try:

* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
* Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp after baking.
* Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
* Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce.
* Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary.

I truly believe this garlic butter baked shrimp recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious, easy-to-make food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, elegant dinner parties, or casual get-togethers. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible dish. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Please, please, please let me know how it turns out. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing your culinary creations. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to rate the recipe once you’ve tried it! Your rating helps other readers discover this amazing garlic butter baked shrimp recipe.