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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’re in the right place! My Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp recipe is packed with flavor and so easy to make. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a dish that impresses everyone. I’ll walk you through each step, share useful tips, and even offer some fun variations. Let’s dive in and make your dinner a standout!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of lemon and garlic, along with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, creates a vibrant and delicious flavor profile that elevates the shrimp.
- Healthy Choice: Shrimp is a lean protein packed with nutrients, and this recipe uses healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious option.
- Versatile Dish: This roasted shrimp can be served on its own, tossed into a salad, or paired with pasta or rice, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– Zest of 1 fresh lemon
– Juice of 1 medium lemon
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Importance of Quality Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh shrimp tastes sweet and tender. Quality olive oil adds rich flavor. Fresh garlic gives a strong aroma. The lemon zest brings bright notes. Each ingredient plays a key role. You want your dish to shine, and it starts with what you use.
Tips for Selecting Fresh Shrimp
When buying shrimp, look for a few things.
– Appearance: The shrimp should be shiny and firm.
– Smell: Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy.
– Color: Choose shrimp that are pink or gray. Avoid any with dark spots.
– Texture: They should feel firm to the touch.
If you can, buy shrimp that is wild-caught. This often means better taste and quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will cook the shrimp well. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier later.
Making the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it looks smooth and well mixed. This marinade is key to making the shrimp tasty.
Marinating the Shrimp
Now, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Gently toss the shrimp to coat them in the marinade. Let the shrimp sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps them soak up all the lovely flavors.
Roasting the Shrimp
Spread the marinated shrimp in a single layer on your baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded. This helps them cook evenly. Place the tray in the oven and roast for 8-10 minutes. Watch closely until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the oven when they look perfect. Finally, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color before serving.
Tips & Tricks
How to Avoid Overcooking Shrimp
To keep shrimp tender, watch the cooking time closely. Shrimp cook fast, usually in about 8-10 minutes. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are ready. If you leave them too long in the oven, they will become tough. A simple rule is to check them at 7 minutes. If they look done, take them out.
Best Practices for Flavor Enhancement
To boost flavor, let shrimp marinate for 15 minutes. The marinade blends the garlic, lemon, and spices nicely. Fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness to the dish. You can also try adding herbs like dill or thyme for more depth. Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level. This way, you can make it just right for your taste.
Ideal Pairings for Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
Lemon garlic roasted shrimp pair well with many sides. Serve them with fluffy rice or creamy risotto. A fresh salad with greens and citrus complements the shrimp’s flavors. For a hearty meal, consider roasted veggies or crusty bread. These options balance the dish and make your meal wholesome.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Keep an eye on the shrimp while roasting. They only need about 8-10 minutes to cook through. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.
- Marination Magic: For even more flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the garlic and lemon to infuse deeper into the shrimp.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Garnish for Color: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. You can substitute it with cilantro or chives for a different flavor profile.

Variations
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for extra zing. Mix it well in the marinade. This spicy twist will excite your taste buds and make each bite pop with flavor.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
For a fun twist, thread the shrimp onto skewers. You can use wooden or metal ones. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Marinate the shrimp as usual. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes. This method gives you a great char and makes for an eye-catching dish.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Veggies
Add seasonal veggies for a complete meal. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. Toss the veggies in the marinade along with the shrimp. Place everything on the baking sheet. This way, you’ll have a colorful and healthy dish that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover lemon garlic roasted shrimp, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cool down first. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a better option. Always label the container with the date.
Reheating Tips
When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid overcooking. I prefer using a skillet on low heat for even reheating. Add a splash of olive oil for extra flavor while warming.
Freezing Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
Freezing lemon garlic roasted shrimp is easy. First, let them cool completely. Then, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water to speed up the process. This way, they will soak up the marinade well.
What should I serve with Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp?
Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with:
– Rice
– Quinoa
– Pasta
– A fresh salad
– Roasted vegetables
These sides balance the shrimp’s bright flavors and make a complete meal.
How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp cook quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl and store them in the fridge. This saves time and helps the flavors develop. Marinate the shrimp just before cooking for the best taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook a large batch and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat. This makes it easy to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week.
In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp. Fresh, quality shrimp enhance flavors and textures. I shared tips for prepping, marinating, and roasting shrimp perfectly. You learned how to avoid overcooking and discovered flavorful variations. We also covered safe storage and reheating methods.
I hope this guide helps you create a delicious dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cookin
Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
A delicious and easy recipe for roasted shrimp with lemon and garlic.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 zest fresh lemon
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To facilitate cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss the shrimp until they are completely coated in the flavorful mixture. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature so they can absorb all the wonderful flavors.
After marinating, spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced for uniform cooking.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the shrimp for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can quickly become tough if left in the oven too long.
Once done, remove the shrimp from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish before serving.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Keyword garlic, lemon, roasted, shrimp
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