Are you craving a dish that’s both tasty and easy to make? Look no further than Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavor-packed meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe blends fresh lemon, garlic, and a hint of spice. Let’s dive into this delightful seafood dish and make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium lemon (juice and zest)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Extras
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The success of Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp starts with the right ingredients. First, you need large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for the best taste. The garlic adds a punch of flavor. Mince four cloves for a strong garlic kick.
Next, the lemon brings brightness. You will use both the juice and zest. This adds depth and freshness to your dish. Olive oil is key too. It helps all the flavors blend together.
For seasoning, paprika adds warmth and color. Sea salt enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor. Black pepper gives a little spice. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Finally, fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. It adds color and flavor, making the dish look great.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy clean-up.
Mixing the Ingredients
– In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
– Add paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
Coating and Roasting the Shrimp
– Toss the shrimp in the lemon-garlic mixture until they are fully coated.
– Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
– Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Turn the shrimp halfway through cooking for even browning.
– Look for shrimp that are pink and opaque when done.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make great lemon garlic roasted shrimp, avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. It will take about 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Toss shrimp evenly in the lemon-garlic mixture. This helps each piece soak up flavor. Use a large mixing bowl to give them space. Stir gently but thoroughly so each shrimp gets coated well.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add more spices for a flavor boost. Try cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a fresh taste. Fresh dill or basil works great too.
For sides, serve with rice or a fresh salad. A light pasta dish pairs well too. These options will complement the shrimp’s bright flavors nicely.
Variations
Different Seafood Options
You can swap shrimp for other seafood. Scallops work great! They have a sweet taste. Fish, like salmon or cod, also fits well. For scallops, roast them for 10-12 minutes. For fish, adjust to about 15 minutes. Check that it flakes easily with a fork.
Flavor Twists
Want to change the flavor? Try different citrus fruits. Lime or orange juice adds a fresh zing. You can also use fresh herbs. Basil or cilantro brings a new twist. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. A dash of cayenne pepper can spice things up.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp fresh, store them properly. First, let the shrimp cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the shrimp tightly. This helps keep moisture in and bacteria out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating shrimp, you want to keep the flavor and texture. The best method is to use a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about two to three minutes. Stir gently to ensure even heating. Avoid high heat, as it can make shrimp tough. Another option is the microwave. Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water, and cover. Heat in short bursts, checking often, until warmed through. This keeps them tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. To thaw, place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water halfway through to speed up the process. After thawing, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. Using frozen shrimp is convenient and saves time.
What to serve with Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp?
Lemon garlic roasted shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Steamed rice
– Quinoa salad
– Garlic bread
– Roasted vegetables
– Fresh green salad
These sides complement the shrimp’s flavor and add texture to your meal.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
You can tell shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl slightly but not be tightly coiled. Overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on the shrimp while they roast. The cooking time is usually 8-10 minutes. If you’re unsure, you can cut one open to check if it’s fully cooked.
In this post, we covered how to make delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp. We discussed main ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and lemon, along with seasonings for extra flavor. You learned simple steps for mixing and roasting. Tips helped you avoid common mistakes, while variations showed how to switch up the dish.
Try these ideas to make mealtime easy and tasty. With these methods, you can impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!
