Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! Ya know what’s amazing? Perfectly cooked shrimp from the oven! After trying countless methods and timings, I’m super excited to share everything I’ve learned about baking shrimp at 400°F. Let’s dive right in!
Quick Answer: Bake shrimp at 400°F for 6-8 minutes for the perfect texture. But wait – there’s more to it depending on size and prep method!
Perfect Timing Based on Shrimp Size
Here’s a handy breakdown of cooking times (trust me, I’ve tested these extensively!):
- Small Shrimp (41/50 count): 5-6 minutes
- Medium Shrimp (31/40 count): 6-7 minutes
- Large Shrimp (26/30 count): 7-8 minutes
- Jumbo Shrimp (16/20 count): 8-9 minutes
Getting Your Shrimp Ready
1. Choosing Your Shrimp
Listen up! The type of shrimp you pick makes a huge difference:
- Fresh vs. Frozen (both work great!)
- Peeled vs. Unpeeled (I prefer peeled for easier eating)
- Deveined (definitely recommend this for better presentation)
2. Thawing Methods
Don’t skip this step! Here’s what works best
- Refrigerator Method: Pop ’em in the fridge overnight (my go-to method)
- Quick Thaw: Place in cold water for 30-60 mins (when you’re in a hurry)
3. Seasoning Ideas
Here’s what I love to use
- Basic Mix: Olive oil + garlic powder + salt + pepper
- Fancy Mix: Add paprika + herbs (thyme or rosemary)
- Pro Tip: Drizzle with good quality olive oil – it makes a HUGE difference!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
-
Preheat That Oven
- Set to 400°F
- Give it time to fully heat up (super important!)
-
Prep Your Pan
- Line with parchment paper (makes cleanup a breeze!)
- Light oil coating
- Pro tip: Don’t use a dark-colored pan – it can overcook the bottom
-
Arrange Those Shrimp
- Single layer only (no stacking!)
- Leave some space between each shrimp
- Trust me, overcrowding = steamed instead of roasted shrimp ♀️
-
The Baking Part
- Place in center rack
- Set your timer (use my size chart above)
- NO PEEKING! Keep that oven door closed
How to Know When They’re Done
Look for these signs:
- Pink color all over
- Opaque (not translucent)
- C-shape (not O-shape – that means they’re overcooked!)
- Internal temp of 145°F (if you’re using a thermometer)
Common Mistakes (I’ve Made Them All!)
- Overcooking – Biggest mistake ever! Results in rubber-like texture
- Not patting dry – Wet shrimp = steamed shrimp
- Incorrect sizing – Different sizes need different times
- Using frozen shrimp – Always thaw first!
Bonus Tips and Tricks
-
Make it a Meal
Add these to the pan:- Bell peppers
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
(Just start veggies earlier than shrimp)
-
Storage
- Best eaten fresh
- Can store in fridge for 2-3 days
- Reheat gently at 250°F (microwave = rubber city!)
FAQs From My Kitchen Adventures
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp directly?
A: Nope! Always thaw first for even cooking.
Q: Shell on or off?
A: Your choice! Shell-on takes slightly longer but keeps moisture better.
Q: Help! My shrimp got rubbery!
A: Probably overcooked. Remember: less is more with shrimp!
Wrapping It Up
There ya have it – everything you need to know about cooking shrimp at 400°F! It’s really not rocket science once you get the hang of it. Just remember: proper prep, right timing, and keep an eye on those little guys!
Remember to drop a comment below if you try this method – I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And don’t forget to share your own tips and tricks – we’re all learning here!
Happy cooking, everyone!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article?
Ingredients for Baked Shrimp
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- 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.
Step 1: Toss the shrimp mixture
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the shrimp in an ungreased 13×9-2-inch baking dish.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano.
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Drizzle the mixture over the shrimp, and toss to coat.