If you’re craving a simple, tasty dish, look no further than garlic butter roasted shrimp. This meal is packed with flavor and quick to prepare. You just need a few fresh ingredients and a bit of time. I’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the best shrimp to perfecting that delicious garlic butter mix. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet delightful dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates the shrimp to a whole new level.
- Versatile Dish: It can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed in pasta for a complete meal, making it incredibly versatile.
- Healthy Option: Shrimp is a low-calorie protein source, and when paired with fresh ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp Quantity and Type
For this dish, you need 1 pound of large shrimp. I recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp. This saves time and makes eating easier. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen. Fresh shrimp often taste better but frozen works too. Just remember to thaw them before cooking.
Garlic and Butter Components
Garlic and butter are the stars of this recipe. You will need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. The butter gives a rich flavor. You also need 6 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic adds a bold taste. If you love garlic, feel free to add a bit more!
Seasoning and Garnishing Elements
For seasoning, use 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This adds brightness to the dish. You will also need 1 teaspoon each of paprika and dried oregano. Paprika gives a nice color and a hint of warmth. Oregano adds an earthy taste. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. For garnishing, use chopped fresh parsley. It brightens the dish visually and adds freshness. Lastly, serve with lemon wedges. They add zing when squeezed over the shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the shrimp cook evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking.
Making the Garlic Butter Mixture
Next, grab a mixing bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. Then, toss in 6 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of paprika and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. This mixture will coat the shrimp and give them great flavor.
Coating and Arranging the Shrimp
Now, add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the garlic butter mixture. Toss the shrimp until they are well coated. This is where the magic happens. The shrimp absorb all those tasty flavors. After coating, arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded. This helps them roast nicely.
Baking Time and Temperature
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them. They cook fast! Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the shrimp rest for a couple of minutes. This step allows the flavors to settle.
Tips & Tricks
How to Select Fresh Shrimp
When choosing shrimp, look for a few key signs. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Their shells should feel firm and shiny. The color varies but should be bright and clear. Avoid shrimp with black spots or a strong odor. If you can, buy shrimp that is wild-caught. They often taste better than farmed shrimp.
Perfecting the Garlic Butter Flavor
To make the best garlic butter, use fresh garlic. Mince it finely to release its strong flavor. Mix it well with melted butter for even taste. Adding lemon juice brightens the dish. Paprika and oregano give depth and warmth. Taste your mixture before adding shrimp. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. A little extra garlic never hurts!
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Shrimp
For a great presentation, serve roasted shrimp on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Lemon wedges add a fresh touch and flavor. Pair the shrimp with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. You can also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier meal. Feel free to add a side salad for balance.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Shrimp is Best: Always use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your shrimp an extra kick!
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp while baking. They only need about 8-10 minutes to cook, and overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair the shrimp with a fresh salad or over pasta for a complete meal. The garlic butter sauce is perfect for dipping crusty bread!
Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
You can add heat to this dish if you love spice. To make spicy garlic butter shrimp, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This will give your shrimp a nice kick. It pairs well with the rich garlic butter flavor.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies
Adding veggies to your shrimp makes it a complete meal. Try bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini. Chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with the shrimp in the garlic butter mix. Spread everything on the baking sheet and bake together. The veggies will soak up the flavors too.
Alternative Seasonings and Herbs
You can switch up the flavors with different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh thyme or basil for a new twist. You can also use lemon zest for a bright flavor. Experiment with your favorite seasonings to find the mix you love best. Each variation will give you a unique dish to enjoy.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Shrimp
After you enjoy your garlic butter roasted shrimp, store leftovers in a tight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep their flavor and texture.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat shrimp, use a pan on low heat. Add a little butter or oil to help. Stir gently until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds each. Check the shrimp often. You want them warm, not overcooked.
Freezing Instructions
If you have more shrimp than you can eat, freeze them! Place cooled shrimp in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method is fast and easy. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the garlic butter stick better.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you want to replace butter, try olive oil. It adds a nice flavor too. You can also use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil works well if you like a hint of sweetness. Each option will give you a different taste.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp cook fast. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in the oven. You can also check if they curl into a C shape. If they curl into an O shape, they might be overcooked.
This blog post covered key parts to make great garlic butter shrimp. We looked at ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and seasoning. I shared easy steps for prepping and baking. Plus, I offered tips to pick fresh shrimp and flavor it right. You can try spicy versions or add veggies too. Lastly, I shared how to store leftovers, reheat, and freeze.
Enjoy your tasty shrimp dish! Keep experimenting with flavors and share your result
