Cooking Shrimp In The Oven

01.21.21

Updated: 01.21.21

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pin for oven baked shrimp.

We're going back to basics with this Oven Baked Shrimp recipe! Requiring only 4 ingredients total, you can have juicy, succulent shrimp ready in under 15 minutes!

oven baked shrimp in a casserole dish with lemon wedges.

I know some people want flashy recipes with homemade dough and fancy ingredients, but some (if not most) of us want simple, basic, and satisfying recipes. That's what this blog is all about! I'm here to give you recipes ranging from extravagant, like my sunflower bread, to extremely simple, like this Oven Baked Shrimp! This has got to be the easiest way to cook shrimp!

Easy Baked Shrimp

Easy Prep, Minimal Cleanup
Requires Only 4 Simple Ingredients
Fast – Takes Less Than 15 minutes
Delicious & Juicy Shrimp
Perfect For Beginners

Now I have made MANY shrimp recipes over the years, just because they're so simple and so versatile! But this time, we're keeping it basic basic basic. I mean, it doesn't get much better than a recipe that takes less than 15 minutes start to finish.

Minimal prep, barely any cleanup, and an astoundingly short list of ingredients make this oven baked shrimp perfect for beginners, or for anyone who doesn't want to spend much time in the kitchen making a meal! You'll end up with juicy, plump and perfect shrimp every time with this foolproof recipe.

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make oven baked shrimp.

Shrimp – I used large shrimp, peeled and deveined, but kept the tail on! Fresh or frozen shrimp will work with this recipe, if using frozen – make sure they're fully defrosted before baking. See "FAQs & Expert Tips" for more info on how to prep your shrimp.
Olive Oil – Substitute sunflower, safflower or avocado oil.
Seasoning – Salt & pepper are we need! Use as much or as little as your prefer.

How To Bake Shrimp

process shots showing how to make oven baked shrimp.

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Make sure the rack is in the middle position.
Prep Shrimp: Add the shrimp to a large bowl and pat it dry with paper towels. Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Toss well, making sure the shrimp is fully coated, add more oil if needed.
Bake: Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet or casserole dish in a single layer. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the shrimp turns white, pink and opaque.
Serve: Serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges.

seasoned shrimp in a casserole dish ready for baking.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

How To Prep Your Shrimp

You'll want to start at the small legs on the shrimp. Simply pull those off and the rest of the shell should start to release. Pull off the rest of the shell – but keep the tails on. To remove the vein along the top simply cut a slit with a small knife down the middle of the shrimp's back before removing the black vein with the tip of your knife.

How Do I Know When My Shrimp Is Done?

The meat of the shrimp will turn a combination of white, pink and opaque when it's finished cooking. Every oven is different, and the size of your shrimp will depend on the cook time, but 6-8 minutes should be enough for all shrimp.

What Else Can I Add To This Baked Shrimp?

Again, I kept it extremely basic! You can play around with different seasonings, herbs and spices, heat them up with some chilis or red pepper flakes, add some garlic butter, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, there are so many possibilities!

How To Serve

These oven baked shrimp can be used for a variety of dishes, or eaten on their own as a tasty snack! Use them in a pasta, a salad, a wrap, spring rolls, you name it. I served them as tacos with some fresh pineapple salsa.

overhead shot of oven baked shrimp in a casserole dish with lemon wedges.

Tips

Keep an eye on your shrimp, you don't want to overcook them and make them rubbery!
You don't need to line your baking sheet. Since the shrimp are tossed in the olive oil, there's no need for excess.
Play around with different combinations of seasoning etc. to make the shrimp flavored to your liking.
I always recommend using fresh shrimp, but if you do use frozen, just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed and remove any excess water before baking!

Leftovers

In the fridge this baked shrimp will keep for3 – 4 days in an airtight container, so feel free to make them ahead of time!

Freezing

You can freeze the shrimp from this recipe for up to3 monthsin an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

More Great Recipes To Try

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We're going back to basics with this Oven Baked Shrimp recipe! Requiring only 4 ingredients total, you can have juicy, succulent shrimp ready in under 15 minutes !

▢ 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on
▢ 2 tablespoon olive oil
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Make sure the rack is in the middle position.
Prep Shrimp: Add the shrimp to a large bowl and pat it dry with paper towels. Drizzle the olive oil over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Toss well, making sure the shrimp is fully coated, add more oil if needed.
Bake: Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet or casserole dish in a single layer. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the shrimp turns white, pink and opaque.
Serve: Serve immediately garnished with lemon wedges.

Keep an eye on your shrimp, you don't want to overcook them and make them rubbery!
You don't need to line your baking sheet. Since the shrimp are tossed in the olive oil, there's no need for excess.
Play around with different combinations of seasoning etc. to make the shrimp flavored to your liking.
I always recommend using fresh shrimp, but if you do use frozen, just make sure the shrimp is fully thawed and remove any excess water before baking!
In the fridge this recipe will keep for3 – 4 days in an airtight container, so feel free to make them ahead of time!
You can freeze the shrimp from this recipe for up to3 monthsin an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Serving: 1 serving Calories: 175 kcal (9%) Protein: 23 g (46%) Fat: 9 g (14%) Saturated Fat: 1 g (6%) Cholesterol: 286 mg (95%) Sodium: 881 mg (38%) Potassium: 91 mg (3%) Vitamin C: 5 mg (6%) Calcium: 164 mg (16%) Iron: 2 mg (11%)

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: oven baked shrimp, shrimp recipes

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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