Just the thought of Baked Shrimp brings back a flood of memories from family gatherings where seafood played a starring role. It pairs beautifully with a creamy Italian pasta salad filled with fresh veggies, earthy chickpeas, and a zesty dressing.
A platter of succulent baked shrimp gracing the table alongside a colorful bowl of pasta salad, vibrant and inviting. They sing in harmony, making even the most mundane Tuesday dinner feel special.
I’m excited to share my take on this simple yet impressive dish. Baked Shrimp is easy to make and absolutely flavorful, making it a staple in my household.
Baked Shrimp is a dish composed of juicy shrimp baked with flavorful seasoning. It's quick to prepare, showcasing the natural sweetness of shrimp while enhancing it with spices, garlic, and a hint of citrus. This dish bursts with flavor and is perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
To create this seafood wonder, you’ll need a handful of fresh, quality ingredients:
2–3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp smoked Spanish paprika
1 tsp honey
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 tsp ground chipotle powder
Chopped fresh parsley or sweet basil, for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a dish that tantalizes the taste buds without overwhelming them.
Making Baked Shrimp is straightforward. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen, yet the end result will make it look like you’ve put in a lot of effort. Let’s dive into the step-by-step directions.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the shrimp cooks evenly and develops that gorgeous caramelization.
While the oven heats, let’s mix the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, honey, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder.
Stir until everything is well incorporated. The smell is a delightful preview of what’s about to come.
Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade. Make sure they are evenly coated. This is where the flavor magic happens! Let the shrimp marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb those bold flavors.
Next, take a baking dish and lay the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Spacing is crucial; it allows each shrimp to cook properly and get that satisfying texture.
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven. You’ll want to bake the shrimp for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when they turn pink and opaque. The aroma wafting through the kitchen will have everyone’s mouth watering.
Once baked, remove the shrimp from the oven, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or sweet basil on top for that final touch. A sprinkle of herbs elevates the dish, adding both color and a fresh flavor.
Here are a few helpful tips to consider:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp makes all the difference. If possible, buy them from a local fish market.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on the clock!
- Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper or chipotle powder to suit your taste.
- Add Citrus: For extra zing, consider adding some lemon or lime zest to the marinade.
- Serve Immediately: Baked shrimp is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve while it's piping hot!
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare when I serve it), store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their texture. It’s still delicious but might not be quite as divine as fresh.
Here are several ways to enjoy Baked Shrimp. Each item listed pairs perfectly with the dish:
1. Over Pasta: Spoon the shrimp over a bed of pasta, perhaps with a light lemon sauce. The flavors will meld beautifully.
2. With Rice: Serve the shrimp alongside a fluffy mound of jasmine or brown rice. The rice soaks up the delicious marinade.
3. Tossed into a Salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad. Toss in some avocado and a citrus vinaigrette for a vibrant dish.
4. As Part of a Taco Bar: Offer shrimp-filled soft tortillas topped with diced mango or avocado. Taco night just got a makeover.
5. With Crusty Bread: Serve the shrimp as an appetizer with toasted bread slices. The bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover juices.
Don't have shrimp? No worries. Here are some alternatives that work well with the same marinade:
1. Scallops: Substitute shrimp with scallops for a tender, sweet seafood option.
2. Chicken Breast: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Adjust cooking time as chicken might take longer.
3. Firm Tofu: For a vegetarian version, marinate and bake firm tofu. It absorbs flavors like a champ!
4. Fish: Try using white fish fillets like cod or tilapia. They bake quickly and add a different texture.
5. Lobster Tails: For a lavish treat, use lobster tails. Adjust the baking time, as they may require a bit longer.
Baked Shrimp is an easy dish packed with flavor and endless possibilities. As a food enthusiast, experimenting with this dish has been rewarding. I hope you find joy in preparing it as much as I did.
Serve it to your family or guests, and watch their faces light up with delight. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and can quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!
Just the thought of Baked Shrimp brings back a flood of memories from family gatherings where seafood played a starring role. It pairs beautifully with a creamy Italian pasta salad filled with fresh veggies, earthy chickpeas, and a zesty dressing.
While the oven heats, let’s mix the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, honey, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and chipotle powder.
Stir until everything is well incorporated. The smell is a delightful preview of what’s about to come.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I'm Rosa Crumley, a registered dietitian and food enthusiast from Pittsburgh, PA. With a love for chef-inspired recipes and a passion for creating delicious, balanced meals, I aim to bring gourmet flavors into your home kitchen. Through my blog, I share simple, flavorful dishes that anyone can cook!