Description
This Lemon Garlic Gulf Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt, then baked in a flavorful mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Butter Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Optional
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the shrimp.
- Prepare Shrimp: If needed, clean and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, then toss them evenly with smoked paprika and sea salt for seasoning.
- Arrange Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp in a large cast iron skillet or baking dish, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Make Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, finely chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
- Coat Shrimp: Pour the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve: Serve the baked lemon garlic shrimp hot, either on its own or alongside rice or pasta. Garnish with optional lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is patted dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery; cooking just until opaque is key.
- The dish pairs well with a simple side like steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, but adjust quantity to taste if you prefer less tang.
- Use a cast iron skillet if available for even heat distribution, otherwise any oven-safe baking dish works.
