Baked Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dinner that’s buttery, garlicky, and full of character. Instead of a skillet, this version is roasted in the oven so the shrimp pick up a subtle roasted depth in just about 10 minutes. Plenty of fresh garlic, smoky paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a silky garlic butter sauce coat every bite for a bold, restaurant-quality result with minimal effort.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a simple dinner for guests: it feels impressive but requires very little hands-on time. Serve with crusty bread, rice, pasta, or a crisp salad to soak up the sauce and make a quick, satisfying meal with easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This oven-baked garlic butter shrimp is one of those effortless meals I turn to when time is short but flavor matters. The shrimp roast in a garlicky, buttery sauce flavored with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, which gives the dish a smoky, slightly spicy profile that feels different from the everyday garlic shrimp.
It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and pairs well with simple, quick sides. Toss a big salad, steam some greens, or roast vegetables while the shrimp cook for a complete meal that comes together in minutes.
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Roasted in the oven for easy cleanup
- Garlic butter sauce with smoky paprika and a touch of heat
- Juicy, tender shrimp every time
- Great for weeknights or a low-effort dinner party
- Pairs perfectly with bread, rice, pasta, or salad
- High protein, naturally low carb
Watch How I Make Garlic Butter Shrimp in Oven
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined for quick prep.
- Butter: The base of the sauce — gives richness and a silky texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key. Mince or press for best flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and balances the butter; cilantro works as an alternative.
- Paprika: Use smoked paprika if you like a deeper, savory note and a warm color.
- Red pepper flakes: A small amount adds warmth; adjust to taste.
- Sea salt + black pepper: Basic seasoning to bring flavors together.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed over the finished dish to brighten and lift the sauce.
What Makes This Garlic Butter Sauce Stand Out?
The key difference is a brief stovetop step before baking: melt the butter, then gently cook the garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes for a minute or two to bloom their flavors. This awakens the aromatics and deepens the spice profile. Stir in most of the chopped parsley off the heat, then pour the warm sauce over the shrimp before roasting. That short extra step amplifies flavor without adding time.
Silvia’s Tips
➜ Cook the butter, garlic, and spices briefly before baking to develop the flavors.
➜ Pat shrimp dry so the sauce clings and the shrimp roast instead of steam.
➜ Finish with fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
➜ If you like extra sauce for dipping bread or spooning over rice, add an extra tablespoon or two of butter.
➜ Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
➜ Use fresh minced garlic when possible—the flavor is noticeably better.
➜ Shrimp cook fast: remove from the oven as soon as they’re opaque and pink.
Sides You Can Serve with Baked Shrimp
This shrimp works with any sides that benefit from a flavorful sauce. Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the garlic butter. Fluffy rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime) or pasta are classic pairings that turn this into a heartier meal. For lighter options, serve over a peppery arugula salad topped with shaved Parmesan, or pair with roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa salad.
Love Garlic Butter Flavors? You’ll Enjoy These…
Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Breast
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
Garlic Butter Parmesan Crusted Haddock
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Scallops
Why Bake Instead of Cooking In a Skillet?
Baking shrimp in the oven is hands-off and consistent. The shrimp roast gently in the garlicky butter, so you don’t need to stand over the stove stirring. It’s an efficient method for feeding a group or making larger portions because everything cooks at once on a sheet pan and cleanup is minimal.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp
A quick 10-minute baked garlic butter shrimp made with juicy shrimp, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes for bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 tbsp butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/2 cup parsley, chopped (reserve 1 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1/2 tbsp salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or dish and arrange the shrimp in a single layer.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the spices bloom; do not let the garlic brown. Stir in most of the chopped parsley, cook 30 seconds more, then remove from heat.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp and toss gently to coat.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, sprinkle with the reserved parsley, and serve warm with extra sauce spooned on top.
Notes
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or water to prevent drying, or microwave in short 20–30 second intervals until warm. Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery after thawing and reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 152 kcal | Carbs: 4 g | Protein: 32 g | Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 786 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a general guide.
Keyword: 10-Minute Shrimp, Baked Shrimp, Garlic Butter Shrimp
Course: Dinner | Cuisine: American
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