Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp: 10 Min Masterpiece

Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp has a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited to share this amazing garlic butter shrimp recipe with you! I remember the first time I made it for a dinner party; the aroma of garlic, butter, and lemon filled my kitchen, and my guests couldn’t stop raving. The shrimp came out perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something so elegant. It’s become my go-to for a quick yet impressive meal. Let’s get this deliciousness in the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons! It’s truly a winner:

• Incredibly flavorful with a rich garlic butter sauce.
• It’s an easy garlic butter shrimp recipe that anyone can master.
• The shrimp come out perfectly tender and juicy every time.
• This is a quick garlic butter shrimp option for busy weeknights.
• Versatile enough for an appetizer or a main course.
• The lemon and paprika add a delightful brightness and hint of smokiness.
• Minimal cleanup, especially when using parchment paper.
• Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple dish.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to whipping up this fantastic garlic butter shrimp marinade. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined – choose large or jumbo for the best texture and flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – this is the base of our luscious sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – for an extra punch of lemon flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – gives a subtle smoky depth and lovely color.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste) – for just a hint of heat.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a burst of freshness and color at the end.
• Lemon wedges, for serving – perfect for an extra squeeze of brightness.
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes – essential to prevent burning if grilling or roasting on a rack.

How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

Let’s dive into creating these amazing garlic butter roasted shrimp skewers! It’s a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results, making it a favorite for many home cooks.

1. Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re grilling, aim for a medium-high heat, around 350°F-400°F (175°C-200°C).
2. Step 2: While the oven or grill heats up, let’s whip up that glorious garlic butter marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is beautifully combined. The aroma alone is incredible!
3. Step 3: Now, add your cleaned and deveined shrimp to that bowl of marinade. Gently toss them around until every single shrimp is coated in that luscious garlic butter goodness.
4. Step 4: Let those shrimp bathe in the marinade for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have a bit more time, refrigerating them for up to 2 hours will really let those flavors deepen.
5. Step 5: Time to skewer! Thread the marinated shrimp onto your soaked wooden skewers. I like to leave a little space between each shrimp so they cook evenly and get those nice crispy edges. This is a crucial step for how to make garlic butter shrimp that are perfectly cooked.
6. Step 6: If you’re oven roasting, arrange the shrimp skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the preheated oven and roast for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly on both sides, turning a beautiful opaque pink.
7. Step 7: If you opted for grilling, carefully place your skewers on the hot grill grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are just cooked through and pink. This method gives them a lovely smoky char.
8. Step 8: Once they’re perfectly pink and opaque, remove your garlic butter baked shrimp from the heat.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
10. Step 10: Serve these beauties immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Enjoy your perfectly roasted shrimp!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to make sure these garlic butter roasted shrimp are absolutely perfect every single time. Follow these to guarantee success!

• Don’t marinate the shrimp for longer than 2 hours, especially with the lemon juice, as it can start to “cook” the shrimp and make them tough.
• Soaking your wooden skewers is non-negotiable if you’re grilling or roasting directly on a rack. It prevents them from turning into tiny charcoal sticks!
• Ensure you don’t overcrowd the skewers. Giving the shrimp a little breathing room allows the heat to circulate evenly, resulting in beautifully roasted shrimp.
• Always cook shrimp until they just turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the most common mistake, leading to rubbery texture.

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp?

The real secret to the best garlic butter roasted shrimp lies in the balance of flavors in the marinade and not overcooking. Using fresh garlic, good quality butter, and just the right amount of lemon and spice creates that irresistible taste. Plus, a quick cooking time is key! For more culinary inspiration, explore our collection of recipes.

Can I make Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the garlic butter marinade and toss it with the shrimp a couple of hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. However, I recommend skewering them just before you’re ready to cook to prevent them from getting mushy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp?

The most common pitfall is overcooking, which is why is my roasted shrimp tough. Watch them closely; they cook quickly! Also, ensure your oven or grill is preheated to the correct temperature for even cooking. Finally, don’t skip soaking the skewers! For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

These delicious garlic butter roasted shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! They make a fantastic starter or a light main course. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh, crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra garlic butter sauce – it’s the perfect garlic butter shrimp side dish.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is tossed with pasta. Simply cook your favorite pasta al dente, then toss it with the hot shrimp and any extra sauce. This turns them into a quick and elegant garlic butter shrimp pasta dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. You could also serve them over creamy polenta or rice for a heartier meal. If you’re looking for other quick dinner ideas, check out our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.

Nutrition Facts for Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients for a light yet flavorful dish. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, based on approximately 3-4 shrimp per skewer:

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. For more information on how we calculate nutrition, please see our About Me page.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

Even though these garlic butter roasted shrimp are best enjoyed fresh off the heat, sometimes you have leftovers, or you might want to prep ahead. To store them properly, let the cooked shrimp cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. If you’re interested in other seafood preparations, our Romanian Fried Meatballs offer a different, yet equally delicious, flavor experience.

When you’re ready to reheat, the goal is to warm them through without overcooking. For a quick reheat in the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 5-7 minutes. This is often the best way to preserve their texture. If you’re short on time, you can reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The reheating garlic butter shrimp cooking time is much shorter than the initial cook, so keep a close eye on them! For a similar quick cooking method, try our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp

What temperature to roast shrimp in garlic butter?

For perfectly roasted shrimp, I recommend preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature helps the shrimp cook quickly and develop a nice slight crisp on the edges without drying out. It’s the ideal heat for this quick cooking method, ensuring the garlic butter sauce caramelizes beautifully. For more tips on cooking temperatures, you can consult resources on proper shrimp cooking techniques.

Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter roasted shrimp?

Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start. The best way is to place the frozen shrimp in a colander in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry afterward, as excess moisture can prevent the marinade from adhering well.

What makes my roasted shrimp tough?

The most common reason for tough shrimp is overcooking. Shrimp cook very quickly, often in just 8-10 minutes depending on their size. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. If they start to curl into a tight ‘C’ shape, they’re likely overcooked. Following this simple garlic butter shrimp recipe closely and watching the cooking time is key to avoiding this!

Can I add vegetables to my garlic butter shrimp skewers?

Absolutely! That’s a fantastic idea to make it a more complete meal. Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, or even zucchini slices work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut them into pieces that are similar in size to the shrimp so they cook through at roughly the same rate. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly if adding dense vegetables.

Variations of Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp You Can Try

While this basic recipe is fantastic on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to adapt these garlic butter roasted shrimp to your liking. For an extra zing, try adding a touch more lemon juice or even some orange zest to the marinade to create a lovely citrus twist. If you’re looking for a different cooking method, you can easily adapt this for a quick garlic butter shrimp stir fry by cooking the shrimp in a hot wok with the sauce, adding crisp vegetables like snap peas or broccoli florets towards the end. For a similar flavor profile, consider our Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry.

For a heartier meal, consider serving these alongside pasta, as in a classic garlic butter shrimp pasta dish. You can also experiment with different herbs like dill or chives in the marinade. If you want to make it a complete meal on a skewer, add chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. This recipe is so flexible, allowing you to create your own signature dish!

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