How Long Do You Bake Raw Shrimp for Perfectly Cooked Seafood?

Shrimp is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be prepared so many ways. One of the easiest methods is baking raw shrimp in the oven. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful seafood dish ready in under 15 minutes. But exactly how long should you bake raw shrimp to ensure it turns out moist, tender and cooked through?

There are a few factors that determine the ideal baking time for raw shrimp. Below I’ll explain everything you need to know to master the oven baking technique and avoid over or undercooking.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

The size of the shrimp makes a significant difference in how long it needs to bake. Here are common shrimp sizes and how they impact cook times:

• Colossal – These extra-large shrimp are 18-20 count per pound. They have the longest bake time, usually 12-15 minutes.

• Jumbo – The most popular size shrimp at 16-20 count per pound Bake for 10-12 minutes

• Extra Large – 21-25 count per pound. These will take 8-10 minutes to bake.

• Large – 26-30 count per pound Bake for 6-8 minutes.

• Medium – Around 41-50 count per pound. These small shrimp bake for 4-6 minutes.

As you can see, the general rule is the larger the shrimp, the longer the bake time. I recommend buying raw, shell-on shrimp and peeling them yourself to ensure freshness. Avoid pre-cooked or previously frozen shrimp which tend to have less flavor.

Prepare the Shrimp Properly

To prepare raw shrimp for baking:

• Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. You want the shrimp completely dry before cooking.

• Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation.

• Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper and any other seasonings you desire. The oil will help prevent them from drying out.

• Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly oiled foil.

Proper prep is key for oven baked shrimp! Make sure shrimp are spread out and not overcrowded on the baking sheet so they cook evenly.

Preheating is a Must

Always start by preheating your oven to 400°F which creates the hot, high-heat environment needed to quickly bake shrimp.

If you put shrimp in a cold oven, it will take longer to come up to temp which risks overcooking the exterior before the insides are done.

Bake Time Matters

Here are general guidelines for how long to bake peeled, raw shrimp based on their size:

• Colossal (18-20 count per pound): 12-15 minutes
• Jumbo (16-20 count per pound): 10-12 minutes
• Extra Large (21-25 count per pound): 8-10 minutes
• Large (26-30 count per pound): 6-8 minutes
• Medium (41-50 count per pound): 4-6 minutes

For the most accurate timing, I recommend setting a timer and checking doneness early. Shrimp overcooks quickly, so start checking for visual cues a few minutes early.

Properly baked shrimp will turn opaque and pink with a lightly browned exterior. Try cutting into the thickest part of one shrimp to check they are cooked through without any translucent flesh remaining.

Be prepared to remove them from the oven as soon as they are finished cooking to avoid going past that perfect stage of doneness.

Add Flavor Boosts

One bonus of oven baking shrimp is how easy it is to add extra flavors. Try marinating shrimp for 15-30 minutes before baking in any of these quick marinades:

• Lemon garlic butter – Melt butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

• Taco seasoning – Mix oil with taco seasoning and cumin for a Mexican twist.

• Italian dressing – Marinate in your favorite Italian dressing for built-in flavor.

• Honey ginger – Whisk together oil, honey, minced ginger, soy sauce, garlic and red pepper flakes.

• Creole seasoning – For a New Orleans-style shrimp boil flavor without the mess.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with spices, herbs, citrus and other flavor additions!

Common Baking Mistakes

Now that you know how long to bake shrimp to perfection, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcrowding – Too many shrimp on the baking sheet leads to uneven cooking.

• Under preheating – Always fully preheat so shrimp bakes instead of steams.

• Baking too long – Set a timer and don’t overbake or shrimp will be rubbery.

• Uneven sizes – Try to use shrimp that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.

• Not patting dry – Excess moisture on shrimp leads to steaming instead of baking.

With the proper prep, cook time and temperature, you’ll enjoy tender baked shrimp every time. Never worry about guessing how long to bake shrimp again!

Oven-Baked Shrimp Recipes to Try

Now that you’ve mastered the simple art of baking shrimp, here are some flavorful recipes to try:

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

The classic bright flavors of lemon and garlic take shrimp to the next level. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end makes these pop.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs peeled, deveined shrimp with tails on
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Let marinate 15 minutes.
2. Spread on a parchment lined baking sheet in single layer.
3. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until opaque.
4. Remove from oven, add lemon juice and toss to coat.
5. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.

Cajun Shrimp Bake

Spicy Cajun seasoning gives these shrimp tons of big, bold flavor. Serve over rice or with crusty bread for soaking up the juices.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs peeled, deveined jumbo shrimp
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced into wedges

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil and seasonings until coated.
2. Arrange in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until opaque.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp once out of the oven.

Honey Soy Glazed Shrimp

For a touch of sweetness, a honey soy glaze gives oven baked shrimp a delicious caramelized exterior.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs peeled, deveined shrimp
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

1. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic and pepper flakes.
2. Toss shrimp with half the glaze until coated.
3. Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
4. Remove shrimp from oven, add remaining glaze and green onions. Toss to coat.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to oven baked shrimp recipes. Try different marinades and spice mixes to discover new favorite flavors. With the proper technique, you’ll achieve tender, juicy shrimp every time.

So next time you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or having company over, remember this guide on how long to bake shrimp. In less than 15 minutes you can have a impressive, appetizing seafood dish ready to enjoy!