Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years, and lemme tell you – there’s nothing worse than rubbery, overcooked shrimp. Today, I’m gonna share my tried-and-true method for baking frozen shrimp at 350°F that’ll give you perfect results every single time!
Quick Answer
For frozen shrimp at 350°F
- Small shrimp: 10-12 minutes
- Large shrimp: 12-14 minutes
- Extra-large shrimp: 14-16 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp: 16-18 minutes
The Complete Guide to Baking Frozen Shrimp
Getting Started: Prep Work
Before we dive in, here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen shrimp (any size)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Preheat Your Oven
- Set temperature to 350°F
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper
-
Prepare the Shrimp
Pro tip: Don't thaw shrimp in hot water - it'll mess up the texture!- Thaw shrimp in cold water (15-20 mins)
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Remove shells if desired (I usually keep tails on for presentation)
-
Season Those Bad Boys
- Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil
- Sprinkle with:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Toss until evenly coated
Baking Times by Size
Here’s my foolproof timing chart (tested multiple times in my kitchen!)
| Shrimp Size | Time at 350°F | Signs of Doneness |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 10-12 mins | Pink & opaque |
| Large | 12-14 mins | Pink & opaque |
| Extra-large | 14-16 mins | Pink & opaque |
| Jumbo | 16-18 mins | Pink & opaque |
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Don’t Overcrowd: Keep shrimp in single layer
- Check Early: Start checking 2 mins before recommended time
- Look for the C: When shrimp form a “C” shape, they’re done (if they’re in a tight “O”, they’re overcooked)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Skipping the Pat-Dry Step
- Wet shrimp = steamed shrimp = not good!
-
Overcooking
- Trust me, nobody likes rubber bands for dinner
-
Wrong Temperature
- Stick to 350°F – it’s the sweet spot!
Serving Suggestions
We love serving our baked shrimp with:
- Cocktail sauce
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Melted butter
- Over pasta
- In tacos
FAQ
Q: Can I cook frozen shrimp without thawing?
A: You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Thawed shrimp cook more evenly.
Q: How do I know if they’re done?
A: They should be pink with red tails and the flesh should be slightly opaque.
Q: Can I use this method for fresh shrimp?
A: Yup! Just reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!):
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freeze: Not recommended for already cooked shrimp
- Reheat: Briefly in microwave or cold in salads
Health Benefits
Let’s talk about why shrimp is awesome:
- High in protein
- Low in calories
- Rich in omega-3s
- Good source of iodine
Making It Your Own
Feel free to experiment with seasonings:
- Cajun style
- Garlic and herb
- Lemon pepper
- Taco seasoning
Final Thoughts
Baking frozen shrimp at 350°F is pretty much foolproof when you follow these guidelines. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s become my go-to method for quick and delicious seafood dinners. The key is really in watching those cooking times and not walking away from the oven – trust me on this one!
Remember, cooking times might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on your first batch and adjust accordingly. And hey, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to slightly undercook (you can always add more time) than to overcook!
Now go forth and bake some amazing shrimp! Would love to hear how yours turned out in the comments below
#cooking #seafood #easyrecipes #dinnertime #foodie
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
HOW TO DEVEIN AND PEEL SHRIMP-
Peel shrimp by removing the shell and legs. Devein the shrimp by running a sharp knife down the middle of the back and gently removing the black vein, use a paper towel to hold the veins.
In this recipe, we just season with the classic salt and pepper but you can use any of your favorite homemade seasonings depending on what flavors you like!
HOW TO COOK SHRIMP IN OVEN-
Here is our guide to classic baked shrimp. You can add your favorite seasoning to the shrimp or keep it simple as we did. This is a great way to make shrimp to serve with cocktail sauce.
- Prep baking sheet– Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Thaw shrimp– Defrost shrimp and completely pat dry. Devein the shrimp and remove the tail, optional.
- Season shrimp– In a small bowl toss shrimp in the olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread the shrimp evenly, in a single layer in the baking pan.
- Bake– Bake for 8-10 minutes, until opaque.
- Top with fresh parsley and sprinkle with black pepper. If you want, add some lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.