Baked Garlic Lemon Shrimp

If you’re in the mood for a dish that feels light yet satisfying, look no further than this Baked Garlic Lemon Shrimp recipe. It’s zesty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering with friends. Plus, who doesn’t love succulent shrimp baked to perfection, enveloped in a garlic-lemon sauce that makes your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Shrimp have always held a special place in my heart. Not only are they fast to cook, but they also carry a delightful flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. This dish shines with the vibrant notes of garlic and lemon, creating a refreshing meal that’s both simple and sophisticated. You’ll find that this Baked Garlic Lemon Shrimp brings a taste of the seaside right into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the shrimp.

Prepare the garlic-lemon mixture:

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This will be the base for our delicious marinade.

Coat the shrimp:

Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl, then pour the garlic-lemon mixture over them. Toss until all the shrimp are well-coated.

Bake the shrimp:

Spread the shrimp evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Garnish and serve:

Once the shrimp are out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This Baked Garlic Lemon Shrimp recipe packs a punch with its nutritional benefits. Per serving (6 servings total), you can expect approximately 250 calories, 15 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and very few carbohydrates. It’s a lean, protein-packed option that’s great for any diet.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten things up even more, consider using less olive oil or swapping in a light butter alternative instead. You can also toss in some fresh vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or asparagus, to roast alongside the shrimp. This adds color and extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that luscious garlic-lemon sauce. If you want to build a complete meal, serve your Baked Garlic Lemon Shrimp over some fluffy quinoa or zoodles (zucchini noodles). You could also check out my delicious Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken recipe for another fantastic lemon-infused dish.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake when baking shrimp is to overcook them. Keep a close eye on them in the oven as they can go from perfectly cooked to rubbery in no time flat. Believe me, it can be a real bummer when you’ve put all that effort into making a gorgeous dish, only to have the shrimp not cooperate.

Chef’s Notes

• For extra flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in the garlic-lemon mixture for about 30 minutes before baking.
• If you love a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They also make a terrific addition to salads or pasta the next day.

FAQs

• Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
  A1: Absolutely; Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Q2: How can I make this dish even more flavorful?
  A2: Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill, or a splash of your favorite white wine to the garlic-lemon mixture.
• Q3: What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
  A3: You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh makes a noticeable difference in taste.

The Baked Garlic Lemon Shrimp is such a delightful dish that brightens up any table. The simplicity of the ingredients, paired with a touch of elegance, makes it a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to check out my Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe for a twist that’ll add some heat to your shrimp game. Happy cooking!

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