Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing butteriness and garlic goodness together in a way that makes you question why you’ve been living without it. Picture this: succulent shrimp, perfectly baked, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce that fills the kitchen with an aroma so enticing that even your neighbor’s cat might show up begging for a taste. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in, ideally paired with crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Now, I remember the first time I made Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp. It was a rainy Sunday, and I was craving comfort food but didn’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove. With just a few simple ingredients, I conjured up what has since become my go-to recipe for gatherings and solo dinners alike. The delightful blend of flavors and textures never fails to impress. So grab your apron and get ready for an adventure in flavor!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture. Fresh or frozen works well.
• Unsalted Butter: This will create a rich base for our garlic sauce; feel free to swap some with olive oil if you prefer.
• Fresh Garlic: Mince about five cloves; fresh garlic gives an unbeatable aroma and flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the butter.
• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish. Dried parsley can substitute if needed.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a hint of spice; adjust according to your heat tolerance!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your shrimp bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Grab a baking dish (something around 9×13 inches works) and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or some melted butter—because why not add more flavor?

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. Add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant—about one minute should do it! Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Place your shrimp in the prepared baking dish. Pour that glorious garlic butter sauce over them while channeling your inner chef—make sure each succulent piece gets coated.

Step 5: Bake Away

Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven! Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remember not to overcook them; nobody likes rubbery shrimp!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Once done, remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for that pop of color! Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice—your choice!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every buttery bite while basking in compliments from anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prepare your shrimp by cleaning and deveining them, then toss them in garlic butter. Place shrimp in a single layer on a baking dish before sliding it into the oven.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe! Swap out regular shrimp for jumbo shrimp, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or mix in some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to elevate the flavors.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, use the oven at a low temperature to keep the shrimp tender and juicy without overcooking.

Sharing this recipe with friends led to an unforgettable dinner party where everyone raved about how succulent the shrimp were—definitely a moment that made me feel like a culinary rockstar!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp?

To prepare Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp, you will need fresh shrimp, unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt. You can enhance the flavor by adding red pepper flakes for some heat or using chicken broth instead of water to infuse more depth. Ensure that your shrimp are deveined and peeled before cooking. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How long does it take to bake Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp?

Baking Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp is quick and easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp in the baking dish with the garlic butter mixture. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them as they cook. This speedy preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp. However, it is essential to thaw them completely before baking. To do this safely, place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain and pat them dry before mixing with the garlic butter. Using thawed shrimp ensures even cooking and allows better absorption of flavors from the butter and garlic.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp?

Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp pairs beautifully with various sides. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread is also an excellent option for dipping into the buttery sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement this dish perfectly.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp:

Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp is a delightful and quick meal perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh shrimp, garlic, and butter, you can create a flavorful dish that impresses family and friends alike. Remember to monitor cooking time closely to retain the shrimp’s tenderness. Pair this dish with rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your culinary creation!

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Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp

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Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp is a delightful, quick dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering comfort and sophistication in every bite. Serve it warm with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to savor every drop of the buttery goodness.

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add garlic and sauté for about one minute. Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Place shrimp in the prepared dish and pour garlic butter sauce over them, ensuring even coating.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: - For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes according to taste. - Substitute parsley with basil or cilantro for different flavor profiles. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to maintain tenderness.