If you are new to cooking seafood, shrimp is the easiest to start with, in my opinion. This easy baked shrimp recipe is so simple a 4 year old child can make it. It is tasty and versatile.
Shrimp is one of the staples you should keep in your freezer at all times. It takes just minutes to defrost and even fewer minutes to cook. It’s delicious. And it’s nutritious. It is low in fat and calories and high in protein. It is also high in Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. It is also an antioxidant that is linked to brain and heart health.
For most people, dietary cholesterol may not have a big effect on blood cholesterol levels. If this worries you, know that it has cholesterol in it. Unless you doctor advised you not to eat shrimp, you shouldn’t worry about it.
Cooking shrimp in the oven is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to prepare this tasty seafood. The oven’s dry, ambient heat surrounds the shrimp evenly, ensuring they turn out juicy and tender with minimal effort on your part. But knowing exactly how long to bake shrimp can be tricky. Undercook them and you’ll end up with rubbery, raw-tasting shrimp. Overdo it and your shrimp will be dried out and chewy.
So how long is just right? Here’s a detailed guide to help you nail the perfect oven bake time for shrimp every time
How Long Does Shrimp Take to Cook in the Oven?
The exact oven cook time for shrimp depends on a few factors:
- Shrimp size – Small shrimp cook faster than jumbo shrimp. See oven times below for each size.
- Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen shrimp take longer to cook than thawed shrimp. Add 2-3 minutes if cooking from frozen.
- Single layer vs. crowded – Arranging shrimp in a single layer promotes even cooking. Overcrowding will increase bake time.
- Oven temperature – The usual range is 375°F to 425°F. Higher heat = shorter cooking time.
Use these general guidelines for how long to bake shrimp based on size
- Small shrimp (41-50 per pound) – 7 to 8 minutes
- Medium shrimp (31-40 per pound) – 8 to 9 minutes
- Large shrimp (26-30 per pound) – 9 to 11 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) – 10 to 12 minutes
I recommend starting with the minimum cook time and checking doneness early. It’s easy to bake shrimp a bit longer if needed, but you can’t undo overcooked shrimp!
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Since oven baking times are estimates, you’ll want to verify doneness before serving. Check shrimp for these signs of fully cooked shrimp:
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Color – Shrimp will turn from translucent gray to solid opaque white/pink when cooked through.
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Texture – Shrimp should feel firm yet still tender and juicy. They shouldn’t be rubbery.
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Temp – Use an instant read thermometer to check. Shrimp are done at 145°F.
The easiest visual cue is color change. A simple poke test can confirm texture too. Just stir the shrimp and poke the thickest part. If it feels firm, your shrimp are ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Shrimp Perfection
Now that you know approximately how long to bake shrimp, let’s walk through the full process from start to finish:
1. Thaw Shrimp if Using Frozen
- For food safety, thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water.
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet
- Line sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Preheat Oven to 375°F-400°F
- Allow oven to fully preheat before baking shrimp.
- 375°F is ideal for juicy shrimp. Go up to 400-425°F for faster baking.
4. Toss Shrimp with Oil and Seasonings
- A tablespoon of olive or avocado oil prevents sticking and drying.
- Feel free to add herbs, spices, garlic, lemon, etc.
5. Arrange Shrimp in a Single Layer
- Spread out shrimps so they cook evenly.
- Avoid overcrowding for consistent texture.
6. Bake Shrimp for Recommended Time
- Start with the minimum end of the time range for your shrimp size.
- For frozen shrimp, add 2-3 extra minutes.
7. Check Doneness and Continue Baking if Needed
- Cut into thickest shrimp to inspect color and texture.
- Bake for 1-2 more minutes if undercooked.
8. Allow Shrimp to Rest 1-2 Minutes
- Carryover cooking will finish them off the pan.
- Resting allows moisture to redistribute.
9. Season and Serve Shrimp
- A squeeze of lemon or lime adds freshness.
- Sprinkle with parsley, green onion, or chili flakes if desired.
- Enjoy your perfectly baked shrimp!
Handy Tips for Baked Shrimp Success
With the basics covered, here are some bonus tips for achieving tender oven-baked shrimp every single time:
- Pat shrimp very dry before baking for crisper, more evenly browned crust.
- Brush shells with oil or melted butter for extra crispy and flavorful shells.
- Mix it up with wet rubs, breadcrumb toppings, or sauces for variety.
- For juicy shrimp, tent foil over the pan for the first half of cooking.
- Consider broiling the shrimp for 1-2 minutes at the end to char and caramelize.
- Chilling cooked shrimp in the fridge allows flavors to penetrate even further.
How to make this recipe
You will need my favorite cooking tool: a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper to make clean-up easier. Preheat your oven to 400F.
Thaw your shrimp if using frozen shrimp, then pat it dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl.
Add a tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle your spices of choice and toss well. The spices given in this recipe are just an example. You can experiment with lots of other combinations of spices and herbs. Keep it mild or kick it up with some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Add an exotic curry spice mix, or a Cajun blackening mix. Sprinkle your favorite dried herbs. Go wild! Just one recommendation: do not add salt. Shrimp are naturally high in sodium and do not require any added salt for cooking.
Lay the shrimp out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake 7 minutes. Don’t flip the shrimp while they’re baking; just let them do their thing in the oven…
Once you take off the sheet, the food is ready to eat. You can add lemon juice or leave it as is.
What to eat with it
Make this a complete meal by adding a serving of whole grain (brown rice, quinoa for example) and some colorful vegetables – roasted, steamed or sauteed – or a salad. Eat them warm or cold. They will keep in your refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Top them with a sauce, or dip them in your favorite dip: tomato sauce, pesto, chimichurri, roasted red pepper sauce, a homemade tartar sauce or cocktail sauce. They make a great protein topping for your lunch salads or in a wrap.
Juicy Baked Shrimp. A must try recipe
How long do you cook roasted shrimp?
Roasted shrimp cook for 4 to 6 minutes until they are opaque. You can either bake or broil them. Baking requires preheating the oven, but the advantage with broiled shrimp is that you don’t have to wait for the oven to preheat. Add breadcrumbs if desired.
How do you cook shrimp in the oven?
To cook shrimp in the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shrimp on it in an even layer. Bake in the oven until they are juicy and opaque, which usually takes 4 to 6 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp. Alternatively, you can use the broiler method and place the shrimp directly on the baking sheet.
How do you cook frozen shrimp in the oven?
To cook frozen shrimp in the oven, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or preheat the broiler. If frozen, thaw the shrimp. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, and kosher salt. Bake the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (Alternatively, you can use the broiler method.)
How long does it take to bake shrimp?
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your baked shrimp turns out tender, juicy, and bursting with delicious flavor. If you’re looking for a quick answer, shrimp generally takes about 10-12 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).