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If you want a quick and tasty dish, Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp is perfect. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that bursts with flavor. In this blog post, I will guide you step-by-step through the simple process of making this delicious shrimp dish. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you serve it to. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of lemon, garlic, and smoked paprika infuses the shrimp with a deliciously vibrant flavor.
- Healthy and Light: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this roasted shrimp dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
For this dish, you want to choose large shrimp. They cook fast and stay juicy. Peel and devein them to get rid of the shell and gut. Mince the garlic finely. It adds a strong flavor that pairs well with the shrimp. Use good quality olive oil for a rich taste.
Seasoning and Garnish
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon zest gives the dish a fresh kick. The juice adds brightness, making the shrimp taste lively. Smoked paprika gives a subtle smokiness. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. Don’t forget salt and pepper for balance. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and flavor.
Optional Serving Suggestions
– Lemon wedges
– Additional spices or herbs
Serve with lemon wedges. They add extra zing when squeezed over the shrimp. You can also mix in other spices or herbs if you like. Try red pepper flakes for heat or basil for a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the shrimp evenly.
2. Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining them. This makes them easy to eat.
Mixing Ingredients
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with:
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated with the marinade. This adds great flavor.
Roasting the Shrimp
1. Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them roast evenly.
2. Roast in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes. Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the shrimp sit for a minute.
4. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
Choosing the right shrimp
Use large shrimp for the best taste. Look for shrimp that are fresh and firm. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy. If you can, buy shrimp that are wild-caught. They often taste better than farmed shrimp.
Marinating time suggestions
For this dish, a short marinating time works well. Just 15 to 30 minutes will let the flavors soak in. If you’re in a rush, even 10 minutes is fine. Don’t marinate for too long, or the shrimp may become mushy.
Cooking Techniques
Oven vs. grilled shrimp
Roasting shrimp in the oven is simple and quick. It gives a nice, even cook. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, which is great too. If you choose to grill, use skewers to keep the shrimp from falling through.
Adjusting cooking time for different shrimp sizes
Cooking time varies with shrimp size. Large shrimp need about 8 to 10 minutes to cook. Smaller shrimp will take less time, around 5 to 7 minutes. Always watch for that pink color and opaque look.
Serving Tips
Pairing with sides
Serve the shrimp with a fresh salad or rice. Garlic bread is a tasty side too. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Presentation ideas
Make your dish look pretty! Use a large white plate to show off the shrimp. Scatter fresh parsley on top for color. Add lemon wedges on the side for a pop of yellow. It makes your dish inviting and pretty to eat.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Shrimp is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before marinating.
- Marinate for Flavor: For more robust flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator before roasting.
- Watch Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly; be careful not to overcook them. Pink and opaque shrimp are perfect, usually taking just 8-10 minutes in the oven.
- Garnish for Extra Zing: Garnishing with fresh parsley not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also adds a fresh flavor contrast to the lemon and garlic.

Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the taste of lemon garlic roasted shrimp in fun ways. Adding spices can create unique flavors. Try red pepper flakes for heat or cumin for a warm note. Experiment with fresh herbs too, like basil or cilantro.
Incorporating vegetables adds color and nutrition. Slice bell peppers or zucchini and mix them in. Roasting them with the shrimp gives a tasty blend of flavors. Carrots and asparagus also work well. Just cut them to a similar size as the shrimp for easy cooking.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe! The shrimp and spices do not contain gluten. Feel free to enjoy this dish without worry.
For low-carb or keto diets, this recipe fits nicely. Shrimp is high in protein and low in carbs. Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles for a light meal. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a healthy twist.
Serving Style
Lemon garlic roasted shrimp makes a great salad topping. Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado together. Add the shrimp on top for a fresh, tasty dish.
You can also integrate the shrimp into a pasta dish. Cook your favorite pasta and mix in the shrimp with some olive oil. This adds a burst of flavor and makes for a quick dinner. Don’t forget to sprinkle some lemon juice on top before serving!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftovers, place shrimp in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the shrimp fresh and prevents odors from mixing. When reheating, use the oven or a skillet. Heat them gently over low heat to avoid drying them out.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze both cooked and uncooked shrimp. For cooked shrimp, let them cool before freezing. Place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. For uncooked shrimp, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. This keeps them from sticking together. To defrost, place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water.
Shelf Life
Leftover shrimp can last up to 3 days in the fridge. If you freeze them, they can last for about 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using.
FAQs
Common Questions
How do you know when shrimp is done?
Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque. It should curl into a C shape. If it looks gray, it needs more time. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes in the oven.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Drain well and pat them dry before cooking.
Cooking Tips
What can I use instead of garlic?
If you don’t have garlic, try shallots or garlic powder. Shallots give a similar taste but are milder. Garlic powder can add flavor, but use less since it is stronger.
How to make it spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more if you want a stronger kick.
Alternative Ingredients
Can I substitute the olive oil?
Yes, you can use any oil you prefer. Grapeseed oil or avocado oil work well. They have high smoke points and mild flavors that won’t overpower the dish.
What’s a good replacement for parsley?
Basil or cilantro can be good substitutes for parsley. Both add a fresh taste to the dish. Chives also work if you want a mild onion flavor.
This blog post covers how to make delicious roasted shrimp. We discussed key ingredients like large shrimp, garlic, and olive oil. Seasonings like lemon zest and smoked paprika elevate the dish. I shared tips for perfecting the recipe, cooking techniques, and creative serving suggestions.
In summary, this roasted shrimp recipe is simple and adaptable. You can customize the flavors to suit your taste. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy your cooking journey and make this dish your ow
Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp
A quick and flavorful dish featuring shrimp marinated in garlic, lemon, and spices, then roasted to perfection.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 quarter cup olive oil
- 1 zest of lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated with the marinade.
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove from the oven and let sit for a minute before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.
Keyword garlic, lemon, roasted, shrimp
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