How To Bake Shrimp in The Oven

Baking shrimp has never been a tough job with the proper knowledge of cooking tips and the selection of proper ingredients and equipment. However, you need to have a proper selection of shrimp for the best results. Just follow the guidelines below to choose shrimp for baking:

1. Size

To make your baking process easy and result-oriented, you need to select medium to large shrimp (21-30 shrimp per pound) to make it work best for baking. Also, they hold their texture well and cook evenly.

2. Freshness

You should look for shrimp that smells fresh like the ocean. Also, it is a better technique to avoid those shrimps with a strong fishy odor. If you are planning to buy frozen ones, then you just need to make sure they are solidly frozen and not covered in ice crystals.

3. Shell-on or Shelled

Interestingly, shell-on shrimp normally hold more flavor during cooking, but peeled shrimp appear much more easier. So, it's up to you which one is suitable for you. Just decide this based on your recipe and preference.

4. Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised

Wild-caught shrimp offers better flavor, but farm-raised can be more affordable for most of the people. So, you should opt for sustainably sourced options when possible.

5. Deveined

Shrimp with the vein removed save preparation time and are more visually appealing. If not deveined, then you will need to do this yourself.

6. Raw vs. Pre-cooked

Do you know that raw shrimp are perfect for baking since they cook with the rest of your dish, absorbing flavors? In contrast, pre-cooked shrimp can become tough if they are baked for too long. So, you should better choose raw shrimp.

Following the above selection tips will definitely help you pick the best shrimp for your baking recipe.

The process of baking shrimp will be fun filled with much ease and quick with the availability of the right ingredients and kitchen equipment. This also ensures a delicious flavor after baking. Here is a list of a few basic ingredients and equipment you need to collect to get started:

Ingredients

1. Shrimp

Shrimp is a starting ingredient while baking this dish. You need fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp in medium to large size. Also, it will be better if you choose the one peeled and deveined.

2. Olive oil or butter

Olive oil or butter adds richness and helps the shrimp cook evenly. So you need to make arrangements for this ingredient.

3. Garlic

Garlic, obviously is a great ingredient to enhance the flavor. You should take minced garlic to flavor your baked shrimp.

4. Lemon

Another ingredient that is necessary to add freshness, brightness and the goodness of acidic flavor is lemon. You can use lemon juice or whole lemon as per your comfort.

5. Herbs

You also need fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, or dill while baking this dish. Actually, these herbs improve the flavor of the dish.

6. Breadcrumbs or Parmesan (optional)

If you want to enjoy a crunchy and light texture in your dish, then the use of breadcrumbs or Parmesan is a great move. Though these ingredients offer a crunchy topping, this is optional, so you can skip it.

Equipment

As you're done gathering all the necessary ingredients, it's time to collect equipment that is essential to bake the best shrimp

• Baking sheet or dish: You need this tool to make the baking process effective. Normally, a rimmed sheet or a shallow baking dish is perfect for even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: You will require a mixing bowl to toss the shrimp with the marinade or seasonings.
• Tongs or a spoon: This tool helps in handling and arranging the shrimp.
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper: The arrangement of this tool helps in lining the baking sheet, thereby making cleanup easier.
• Oven mitts: This equipment is needed for maintaining safety when handling hot trays.
• Zester or grater: There should be an arrangement of a zester or grater in your kitchen to add lemon zest if required.

Baking shrimp in the oven requires the arrangement of all ingredients with the right measures followed by the proper guidelines for baking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a crunchy topping)

Instructions

After collecting all the required ingredients, you should follow the instructions below step wise step for the best result:

1. Preheat the Oven

First of all, you need to start the baking process by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Having proper knowledge of the required temperature helps shrimps avoid over- or under-cooking.

2. Prepare the Shrimp

After setting the right temperature, you should take a mixing bowl to combine the shrimp, olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika (optional), and red pepper flakes (optional). After combining the ingredients well, gently toss the mixture until the shrimp are evenly coated.

3. Arrange the Shrimp

Now, it's time to spread the shrimp in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or shallow baking dish. If you are using breadcrumbs or Parmesan cheese, you can sprinkle it evenly over the shrimp. This step helps in smoothening the baking of the dish thereby making sure the dish is crunchy and crispy.

4. Bake

After this, finally, it's time to bake the shrimp. For that, you should place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven. The main thing here is the duration, so keep the dish baking for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

If you prefer a crispy top, you can also broil the shrimp for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

5. Garnish and Serve

Now, it's time to remove the shrimp from the oven. After removing you can sprinkle it with fresh parsley and serve the dish immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Following the above instructions, you get an idea about the baking process of shrimp. However, the right duration plays a major role here so you need to know about the duration and temperature too. 

Let me tell you, the baking process typically takes about 8-10 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Also, this food is done when it starts turning pink and opaque.

If the shrimps you are using are larger or you want a crispier texture, you should broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Also, it is necessary not to overcook them as overcooking this dish will result in a tough texture.

You need to have an idea about some tips for baking shrimp in order to make sure they come out perfectly each time. Here are the tips, you need to know:

• Use Even-Sized Shrimp: You should select shrimp that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If they are different sizes, some may cook faster than others. This can hamper taste as well as create a bad impression while serving.
• Don’t Overcook: You may or may not know this, but shrimp cooks fast. So, they are usually done within 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Also, it is better to keep an eye on them, as overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. You need not place them longer in the oven.
• Preheat the Oven: To cook shrimp evenly and at the right temperature, it is necessary that you preheat the oven before moving towards other steps.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Patting the shrimp with dry paper towels is necessary to do before seasoning. This step helps them roast rather than steam, giving them a better texture.
• Use a Single Layer: As overcrowding the pan can result in uneven cooking and steaming rather than a proper bake, you should better go for spreading the shrimp out in a single layer on the baking sheet or dish. 
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Adding crunchy toppings brings out an extra texture to your dish. Hence, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan over the shrimp before putting it for baking. 
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Though shrimp absorb flavors quickly, it is advised to let a short marinade of 15-30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs. This can upgrade the taste thereby making the dish impressive.
• Don’t Forget the Lemon: Lemon works best while baking shrimp. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the shrimp right after baking will provide bright flavors and also balance the richness of the dish.
• Test Doneness: It is necessary to check for doneness for that you need to cut the one. It should be opaque in the center, not translucent.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp are best enjoyed right out of the oven, so serve them promptly to retain their juicy texture.

Some people are seen as confused about the direct baking or cooking before doing that. Many queries are there about the necessities of cooking for baking. For your kind information, the answer is no. Cooking shrimp before cooking is not an essential task.

Baking is the cooking method itself, and starting with raw shrimp is best. By doing this, you will obviously let the shrimp cook evenly which also absorbs the flavors of any seasonings or marinades. On the other hand, the use of pre-cooked shrimp literally results in overcooked and tough dishes during baking.

For the best results, it is better to opt for raw shrimp, season it, and then bake it directly in the oven. This makes sure shrimps stay tender and flavorful.

Though, you can skip this process, wrapping shrimp in foil before baking can be a good technique depending on the desired outcome:

When to Wrap in Foil

• For Moisture Retention: When you wrap shrimp in foil, it will create a sealed environment to trap steam. This helps keep the shrimp moist and tender. Not just that, this method is especially useful if you are baking shrimp with other ingredients such as vegetables or sauce.
• Infusing Flavors: If you are marinating shrimp or using a sauce, then you should wrap them in foil. It is done to help the shrimp absorb the flavors more effectively while baking.
• Easy Cleanup: Cleaning up is an irritating task once the baking is done. However, you can act smart by using foil which can reduce the time of cleaning the sheet later.

When Not to Wrap in Foil

• For Crispiness: If you prefer your shrimp bliss to have a slightly crispy texture, then it is always better to bake them uncovered. This action will allow the shrimp to roast rather than steam, resulting in a firmer texture.
• Even Browning: If you want a bit of color and even cooking across the surface, then you should not use foil.

In the above process, we have baked shrimp with the use of all the ingredients and seasonings. This definitely gives a brilliant taste to enjoy this baked shrimp right after taking it out from the oven. However, you can also serve them as follows:

1. On a Salad

For a healthy twist on your baked shrimp, you can pair it with a fresh salad. Kindly use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to enjoy a perfect dish. This delicious pairing works best for any occasion.

2. Over Rice or Quinoa

If you don't want to eat plain baked shrimp then you can pair it with rice or quinoa. You can serve this dish over a bed of rice, quinoa, or another grain. It will offer a great taste if you try steamed vegetables or a side salad in this combination. Try this once, you will enjoy this.

3. With Pasta

Combining baked shrimp with pasta is the best idea to enjoy a delightful meal. You just need to toss baked shrimp with pasta and a light sauce, such as garlic butter, lemon, or Alfredo. This can be a simple yet satisfying dish that will make your day.

4. In Tacos

Another best way to serve this dish is incorporating it with tacos. For that, you need to fill soft tortillas with baked shrimp, shredded cabbage, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. These easy shrimp tacos can impress your guests too.