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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? You’ve come to the right place! This Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp recipe is not just simple but packed with flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time. Plus, I’ll share tips to pick the freshest shrimp, variations to spice it up, and ways to store leftovers. Let’s dive in and make something amazing!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of lemon, garlic, and olive oil creates a zesty and aromatic flavor that enhances the shrimp beautifully.
- Healthy Option: Shrimp is a low-calorie protein source, and this dish is packed with healthy fats from olive oil and antioxidants from garlic.
- Versatile Serving: These roasted shrimp can be served as an appetizer, a main dish, or even tossed in salads and pastas for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
To make this dish, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll use:
– 1 lb large shrimp, deveined and shelled
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 lemon, zested and juiced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
These ingredients create a tasty base for the shrimp. The garlic adds depth, while lemon brings brightness.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
You can add some optional ingredients for an extra kick. Consider these:
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These extras enhance the dish. The red pepper flakes give it a spicy twist. Fresh parsley brightens the look and taste.
Tips for Selecting Fresh Shrimp
Choosing the right shrimp matters for the best flavor. Here are some tips:
– Look for shrimp that smell like the sea, not fishy.
– Choose shrimp that feel firm to the touch.
– Pick shrimp with a shiny, translucent appearance.
Fresh shrimp makes a big difference in taste and texture. Always buy from a trusted source to ensure quality.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To make the marinade, start with a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Then, pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add the zest and juice from 1 lemon. If you like a bit of heat, mix in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finally, add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything well. This mixture will bring great flavor to your shrimp.
Marinating the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large, deveined, and shelled shrimp. Toss them into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets coated evenly. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps the shrimp soak up all the flavors.
Roasting Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated shrimp in a single layer on the sheet. Then, roast the shrimp for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle toss for even cooking. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once ready, take them out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. For a final touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Enjoy your tasty dish!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Shrimp
To cook shrimp well, timing is key. Overcooked shrimp turn tough and rubbery. Aim for a cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes. Look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. If you toss the shrimp halfway, they cook evenly. This method ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
Best Practices for Marination
Marination adds flavor to shrimp. Use a simple mix of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Let the shrimp sit in this mix for about 15 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all those great flavors. Avoid marinating for too long, as it can change the texture of the shrimp.
Presentation Tips for Serving
Presentation makes your dish shine. Serve the shrimp on a rustic wooden board for a charming look. Add lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. You can also place the shrimp on a bed of arugula for a fresh touch. This not only adds flavor but also makes your meal pop visually.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: If you have time, marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes to 1 hour for an even deeper flavor infusion.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best taste and texture, opt for fresh shrimp instead of frozen. If using frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry.
- Variations on Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, or substitute with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the garlic-lemon sauce, or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Variations
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
To make spicy lemon garlic shrimp, add more heat. Use a full tablespoon of red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for extra kick. This version pairs well with rice or a fresh salad. The heat complements the lemon perfectly!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
For a tasty twist, turn this dish into lemon garlic shrimp pasta. Cook your favorite pasta while the shrimp roasts. Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Then, add the roasted shrimp. This creates a delightful meal that is both filling and refreshing.
Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
If you love grilling, try lemon garlic shrimp skewers. Marinate the shrimp as usual. Then, thread them onto skewers. Grill on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side. This method adds a smoky flavor that makes the shrimp even more delicious. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a bright finish!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Shrimp
After enjoying your lemon garlic roasted shrimp, store leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. They last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing the container. This helps prevent excess moisture.
Reheating Tips
When you want to enjoy your leftover shrimp, reheat them gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a tiny bit of olive oil or butter to keep them moist. Heat for about 2-3 minutes. Make sure not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out.
Freezing Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
If you want to save your shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. Let the shrimp cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them as mentioned before, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, make sure to dry them well. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and get a nice flavor.
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 to 10 minutes in the oven. You can also check if they curl up slightly. That means they are ready to eat!
What can I serve with lemon garlic roasted shrimp?
Lemon garlic roasted shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great ideas:
– Rice or quinoa for a filling meal
– A fresh salad for a light option
– Roasted vegetables for extra flavor
– Pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs
These sides will make your meal even more delicious.
Lemon garlic roasted shrimp is simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients, marinades, and easy cooking methods. You learned tips for selecting fresh shrimp and how to cook them just right. We also explored fun variations and best ways to store leftovers. Remember, the right shrimp and marinade make all the difference. Enjoy this dish as is, or try new twists. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and make it your ow
Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
A flavorful dish of shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic, then roasted to perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined and shelled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a marinade.
Add the shrimp to the bowl, tossing them in the marinade until evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
In a single layer, spread the marinated shrimp onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are pink and opaque, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the shrimp rest for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serve on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges and parsley.
Keyword garlic, lemon, roasted, seafood, shrimp
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