Description
A quick and flavorful recipe for oven-baked shrimp, seasoned with garlic, lemon, chili powder, and smoked paprika, resulting in tender, juicy shrimp perfect for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) large raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, fresh or properly thawed frozen
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, preferably extra virgin
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) chili powder
- ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste, freshly ground recommended
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat completely. Ensuring the oven is fully preheated helps the shrimp cook evenly and achieve the desired tender texture.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large baking dish, combine 1 pound (450 g) of shrimp with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, minced garlic (2-3 cloves), 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice, ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) chili powder, and ½ teaspoon (1.25 ml) smoked paprika. Mix well so that every shrimp is coated thoroughly with oil and seasonings.
- Season the shrimp: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the shrimp mixture. Toss again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed, enhancing the natural flavor without any bland spots.
- Arrange the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer within the baking dish. Placing them without overlapping prevents steaming and promotes proper cooking and texture.
- Bake the shrimp: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven. Bake the shrimp for about 8–10 minutes. Watch for visual signs of doneness: shrimp should turn pink and become opaque. Avoid overcooking, which causes rubbery texture. Checking near the 8-minute mark is advisable.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a fresh flavor and improves the dish’s appearance.
Notes
- Make sure the shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen for even cooking.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they become rubbery and lose their tenderness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor.
- You can substitute parsley with basil or cilantro based on preference.
- Serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
