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Are you ready to impress your taste buds? This Garlic Lemon Roasted Shrimp recipe is simple and bursting with flavor! With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a dish that feels fancy and tastes amazing. Iβll guide you through each step, so youβll serve perfect shrimp every time. Whether you want a quick dinner or a special meal, this recipe has you covered! Letβs dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal in a hurry.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and lemon creates a bright and zesty flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or toss it into pasta or salad for added protein.
- Healthy and Light: Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, making this dish a healthy choice without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
β 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
β 4 cloves garlic, minced
β 1/4 cup olive oil
β 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
β Zest of 1 lemon
For this recipe, I always choose large shrimp. They hold up well to roasting and have a great texture. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor that pairs well with the shrimp. Olive oil keeps the shrimp moist and helps the garlic brown nicely. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish, giving it a fresh taste.
Optional Ingredients
β 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
β Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
β Lemon wedges, for serving
Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. If you like spice, donβt skip this! Fresh parsley gives a nice pop of color and flavor. Lemon wedges on the side let you add more zing when serving.
Seasoning
β Salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper are key. They enhance all the flavors in this dish. Adjust to your taste to make it just right for you.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven
First, set your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). This temperature is key for roasting shrimp. It helps cook them quickly and evenly. If the oven is too hot, the shrimp may dry out. If itβs too cool, they wonβt cook right. Preheating ensures the shrimp roast perfectly.
Preparing the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, add these ingredients:
β 1/4 cup olive oil
β 4 cloves garlic, minced
β 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
β Zest of 1 lemon
β 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
β Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk these together until they blend well. This garlic lemon marinade is packed with flavor. The olive oil keeps the shrimp moist while roasting. The garlic and lemon add a bright taste.
Roasting the Shrimp
Now, add 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the bowl. Toss them gently until each shrimp is coated with the marinade. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. This step ensures they cook evenly. Roast the shrimp in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Enjoy the delicious aroma while they cook!
Tips & Tricks
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
To tell when shrimp are done, look for a few signs. First, they change from gray to pink. Second, they curl into a loose βCβ shape. If they curl too tightly, they may be overcooked. Cooking time is key. Roast shrimp for 8-10 minutes at 400Β°F (200Β°C).
Enhancing Flavor
To boost flavor, try adding spices or herbs. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil work well. You can also use a dash of paprika for smoky notes. For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. Lemon zest adds brightness, while a bit of cumin gives warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic lemon roasted shrimp pairs great with many sides. Serve with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. A fresh salad with greens and tomatoes adds crunch. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up juices. Lemon wedges on the side enhance the dishβs flavor.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp will have a slight ocean scent and a firm texture.
- Marinating Time: For enhanced flavor, let the shrimp marinate in the garlic lemon mixture for 15-30 minutes before roasting. This allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors.
- Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic lemon sauce. A side salad pairs well too!

Variations
Spicy Garlic Lemon Shrimp
If you love heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. You can add more if you like it really spicy. Mix it into the marinade. This will give the shrimp a nice kick. It pairs well with the garlic and lemon.
Herb-Infused Shrimp
You can change the flavor by using fresh herbs. Try adding chopped basil or thyme. Mix these herbs into the marinade with the garlic. This will add a fresh taste to the shrimp. Itβs a great way to change up the dish and impress your guests.
Shrimp Skewers
For a fun twist, make shrimp skewers. Use wooden or metal skewers. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers after marinating. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method gives a smoky flavor thatβs hard to beat. Enjoy them with a squeeze of lemon!
Storage Info
Leftovers
To store your leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cools down first. Keep the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing flavor.
Reheating Tips
When itβs time to reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat it to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about five to seven minutes. This method helps keep the shrimp juicy. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Stir gently to avoid overcooking.
Freezing Garlic Lemon Roasted Shrimp
If you want to freeze the shrimp, start with a cool-down. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When youβre ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Avoid using hot water to thaw, as this can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing can take time, so plan on it. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker results. Frozen shrimp may need a few extra minutes to cook. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What sides go well with garlic lemon roasted shrimp?
Great sides include:
β Rice
β Quinoa
β Steamed vegetables
β Garlic bread
β Salad
These dishes add flavor and texture. They also help make a complete meal. A light salad pairs well with the shrimpβs bold taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp ahead. Marinate it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. When ready, spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and roast. If you want to cook it later, store the marinated shrimp in an airtight container. This way, you save time and still enjoy the great flavor.
This blog covered everything you need to know about garlic lemon roasted shrimp. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect results. You can enhance flavors with optional ingredients or serve it in various ways. Plus, I shared how to store leftovers and reheating methods. Remember, cooking shrimp is simple, but attention to detail matters. Enjoy your flavorful dish with great sides for a complete meal. Now, get cooking and impress your friends and family with this tasty recip
Garlic Lemon Roasted Shrimp
A delicious and easy shrimp dish with garlic and lemon flavors, perfect for a quick meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 quarter cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon Zest of
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving Lemon wedges
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated in the garlic lemon marinade.
Spread the shrimp mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Keyword garlic, lemon, roasted, shrimp
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