Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add in the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a fragrant marinade.
Introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl, tossing them gently to ensure each shrimp is coated evenly with the marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for approximately 15 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Carefully spread the marinated shrimp out in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the shrimp for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are vibrant pink and opaque. Stir the shrimp once halfway through the roasting time.
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
For a delightful meal, serve the zesty shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or pair them with a crisp green salad.