Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re wondering whether you can cook shrimp in the oven – the answer is a big YES! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years, and let me tell you, oven-baked shrimp is one of my favorite methods It’s super easy, hands-off, and gives you perfectly cooked shrimp every single time
Why Choose Oven-Baked Shrimp?
Before we dive into the how-to’s, here’s why I love cooking shrimp in the oven:
- Even cooking – no more partially raw or overcooked spots
- Less mess than pan-frying
- Hands-free cooking (perfect when you’re multitasking!)
- Great for cooking larger batches
- Healthier option (uses less oil)
Quick Guide: Oven-Baked Shrimp at a Glance
Temperature 400°F (200°C)Cooking Time 8-12 minutes (depends on size)Basic Seasoning Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Shrimp in the Oven
1. Preparation
First things first let’s get everything ready
- Thaw your shrimp if frozen (I usually do this overnight in the fridge)
- Peel and devein the shrimp (unless already done)
- Pat them dry with paper towels
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
2. Seasoning Options
Here’s my go-to basic seasoning mix:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: dried oregano, onion powder
3. Cooking Times Based on Shrimp Size
| Shrimp Size | Count per Pound | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 31-35 | 6-8 minutes |
| Medium | 26-30 | 8-10 minutes |
| Large | 21-25 | 10-12 minutes |
| Extra Large | 16-20 | 12-15 minutes |
4. How to Tell When They’re Done
Your shrimp are ready when they:
- Turn pink and opaque
- Form a loose “C” shape
- Reach internal temp of 145°F
Pro tip: Don’t wait for them to curl into a tight “O” shape – that means they’re overcooked!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan (give ’em space to cook evenly!)
- Not patting them dry (leads to steaming instead of roasting)
- Cooking too long (nobody likes rubbery shrimp!)
- Using too much oil (just a light coating is perfect)
Yummy Flavor Variations to Try
-
Garlic Butter:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
-
Cajun Style:
- Cajun seasoning
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Lemon
-
Asian-Inspired:
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
Serving Suggestions
Here’s what I love serving with oven-baked shrimp:
- Rice or couscous
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh salad
- Pasta
- Crusty bread for soaking up those yummy juices!
Storage Tips
While shrimp is best fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But honestly, they’re so good, you probably won’t have any leftovers!
Final Thoughts
Cooking shrimp in the oven is seriously one of the easiest methods I’ve found. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but delicious. Plus, it’s pretty hard to mess up once you get the timing right!
Remember, the key to perfect oven-baked shrimp is:
- Don’t overcook
- Season well
- Give them space on the baking sheet
- Pat them dry before seasoning
Now that you know all my secrets to perfect oven-baked shrimp, whatcha waiting for? Get cooking! And hey, if you try this method, lemme know how it turns out in the comments below!
Happy cooking, y’all!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Ingredients for Baked Shrimp
Taste of Home
- Shrimp: Since shrimp are the star of this recipe, don’t be afraid to go big! Jumbo shrimp (26 to 30 per pound) are our favorite type of shrimp for this recipe. Don’t worry if your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined. It’s easy to learn how to clean shrimp at home.
- Butter: Butter and shrimp are a classic combination (which is why they’re featured in shrimp scampi recipes). Butter’s rich flavor contrasts with the sweetness of the juicy shrimp.
- Lemon juice: Lemons add acidity and brightness to balance the rich butter sauce.
- Garlic: Garlic is a delightful aromatic that pairs beautifully with butter and lemon. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount of garlic to suit your tastes.
- Herbs and spices: There’s no need to overcomplicate the flavors here. A simple blend of salt, pepper and dried oregano is all you need to season these oven-baked shrimp.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges add a fresh finish to baked shrimp.
How to Store Baked Shrimp
Store baked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and plan to enjoy them within two to three days. To reheat the shrimp, warm them in a 350° oven until heated through. You can also reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat. Microwaving shrimp isn’t the best option, as it leads to overcooked shrimp.
Taste of Home
Oven Roasted Shrimp ~ Kitchen Basics ~ Noreen’s Kitchen
FAQ
How long does it take for shrimp to cook in the oven?
Arrange shrimp in a single layer, then place baking dish in the middle rack of your oven. Allow shrimp to cook for about 8-10 minutes. There’s no need to flip them! The shrimp should be opaque and just cooked through, but you don’t want them overdone or rubbery.Jun 4, 2024
What is the best cooking method for shrimp?
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with the lemon zest, salt, and cayenne until it’s coated well.
- In a large frying pan or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is foaming, add the garlic and lemon juice. …
- Add the shrimp. Sauté until they cook through and turn pink, about 3 minutes.
How do you know when shrimp is done cooking in the oven?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns opaque and pinkish-white. It should also be firm to the touch and slightly curled. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery, so it’s important to avoid leaving them on heat for too long.