How Long to Bake Frozen Shrimp at 350°F for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Baking frozen shrimp in the oven is a quick and easy way to prepare delicious shrimp, without needing to thaw them first. But exactly how long does it take to bake frozen shrimp at 350°F? The cooking time can vary based on the size of the shrimp. Follow this guide for tips on baking frozen shrimp and how long to bake them to perfection.

Why Bake Frozen Shrimp?

Baking frozen shrimp offers several advantages

• It’s fast and convenient – no need to thaw the shrimp first Just bake straight from frozen,

• It allows you to cook a large batch of shrimp at once. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet.

• Baking helps enhance the shrimp’s natural sweet, briny flavor. The high heat helps caramelize the exterior while sealing in juices.

• You can add seasonings and sauce to customize the flavor. Try garlic, lemon, herbs or cajun spices.

• Minimal preparation and cleanup is required.

How to Bake Frozen Shrimp

Baking frozen shrimp is simple:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

• Arrange frozen shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spread out and not overcrowded.

• Brush the shrimp lightly with oil. This helps prevent them from drying out.

• Season as desired. Try garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, etc. Go light on salt since shrimp naturally contain sodium.

• Bake until shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout, tails have curled and the flesh is firm. Time will vary based on size.

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp or serve with your favorite sauce. Enjoy!

How Long to Bake Different Sized Shrimp

The cooking time for frozen shrimp depends on their size. Here are general guidelines:

• Extra small (under 15 per pound) – 7 to 8 minutes

• Small (16 to 20 per pound) – 8 to 10 minutes

• Medium (21 to 25 per pound) – 10 to 12 minutes

• Large (26 to 30 per pound) – 12 to 14 minutes

• Extra large (31 to 35 per pound) – 13 to 15 minutes

• Jumbo (36 to 45 per pound) – 15 to 18 minutes

These times are for shrimp baked at 350°F. Always check for doneness before removing from oven. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If needed, do a visual check by cutting into a thicker shrimp to ensure it is opaque throughout.

For peeled, deveined shrimp the cooking time may be 1-2 minutes less. Tail-on shrimp may take 1-2 minutes longer than peeled.

Helpful Tips for Baked Shrimp Success

• For food safety, only cook shrimp from frozen. Do not thaw first.

• Arrange in a single layer so they cook evenly. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.

• Use parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and easy clean up.

• Brush lightly with oil to prevent drying out. Olive oil or avocado oil work well.

• Season simply to avoid overpowering the sweet shrimp flavor. Lemon, garlic, paprika, cajun seasoning and herbs are good choices.

• Turn the shrimp halfway through for more even exposure to heat if the tails start to curl more on one side.

• Once cooked, serve immediately or plunge into an ice bath to stop further cooking if letting sit for longer.

Flavorful Add-Ins for Baked Shrimp

One of the benefits of baking shrimp is you can add other ingredients to create a complete meal in one pan. Try baking shrimp with:

• Vegetables – Potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.

• Rice – White or brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa

• Pasta – Toss with shrimp once baked for a quick pasta dish

• Cheese – Feta, parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar add richness

• Breadcrumbs – For a crispy topping on baked shrimp

• Citrus – Lemon, lime, orange bring brightness

• Fresh herbs – Basil, cilantro, dill, parsley enhance flavor

Sauces that Pair Well with Baked Shrimp

Baked shrimp tastes amazing on its own, especially when seasoned before cooking. But you can also serve it with a sauce for extra flavor and moisture:

• Marinara – For an easy shrimp parmesan

• Alfredo

• Pesto

• BBQ sauce

• Cocktail sauce – Ketchup, horseradish, lemon

• Tartar sauce – Mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon

• Drawn butter – Melted butter with lemon and herbs

• Aioli – Garlic flavored mayonnaise sauce

• Tzatziki – Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic sauce

• Tomato salsa

• Mango salsa

• Guacamole

The possibilities are endless for sauces that pair nicely with baked shrimp. Prepare a simple sauce while the shrimp bakes for easy meal.

Simple Baked Shrimp Recipes

If you’re new to cooking shrimp, start with these easy baked shrimp recipes:

Easy Baked Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Coat shrimp in olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, lemon juice and bake 12-15 minutes.

Cajun Baked Shrimp

Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Bake 14-16 minutes.

Baked Shrimp Scampi

Top shrimp with butter, garlic, lemon juice and parsley. Bake until done.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Roll shrimp in coconut flakes then bake until crispy.

Baked Shrimp and Rice

Mix shrimp with rice, broth, veggies. Top with cheese and bake.

Is Baked or Broiled Shrimp Better?

Baking and broiling shrimp both yield delicious results, but there are some differences:

• Broiling cooks food from above using direct radiant heat. Baking cooks from all sides using ambient heat.

• Broiling shrimp cooks faster, in just 2-4 minutes. Baking takes 10-15 minutes.

• Broiled shrimp develops a nice char but can dry out quicker. Baked shrimp retains more moisture.

• Broiling only cooks one side at a time. Baking exposes all sides to heat evenly.

• Baked shrimp in a flavorful sauce becomes infused with those flavors. Broiled shrimp cooks too fast for much flavor infusion.

For convenience, baking is preferable for shrimp. But both methods result in quick, tasty shrimp off the oven!

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done

It’s important not to overcook shrimp or they become rubbery. Look for these signs shrimp is fully cooked:

• Opaque in color throughout

• Flesh is pearly pink, not gray or translucent

• Tails have curled tightly into an “O” shape

• Shrimp have firmed up and feel solid when pressed gently

• Interior reads 145°F on a thermometer

Discard any shrimp that did not thaw or cook through fully. Undercooked shrimp poses health risks.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Shrimp

Properly stored, leftover baked shrimp will keep 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Here are some tips:

• Let shrimp cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container.

• If shrimp were cooked with other ingredients, store the mixture separately.

• Keep shrimp refrigerated at 40°F or below. Do not leave out more than 2 hours.

To reheat leftover baked shrimp:

• For best texture, reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or oil.

• Microwave single layer on low, checking often. Easy to overcook.

• Bake in a 300°F oven just until warmed through, 5-8 minutes.

• Stir into hot pasta, soup or sauce just before serving.

Reheated shrimp is best consumed within 3-4 days for food safety and quality. Discard if you notice any off smells or textures.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Shrimp in the Oven

Here are some top tips for oven-baking frozen shrimp successfully:

• Read package for shrimp size/count and thaw time estimate.

• Arrange in single layer on sheet pan so they cook evenly.

• Brush lightly with oil to prevent drying out.

• Season simply before baking. Go easy on salt.

• Bake at 350°F. Check often to avoid overcooking.

• Cook time varies from 7-18 minutes depending on size.

• Shrimp