grilled prawns with garlic

Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Garlic butter baked shrimp is a quick, delicious dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Here’s a simple yet foolproof recipe to achieve juicy, flavorful shrimp every time.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/4 tsp paprika

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for heat.

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Season Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and arrange them in a single layer on the sheet. Drizzle with melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.

3. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.

4. Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.

Tips:

- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in the garlic butter mixture for 15 minutes before baking.

- Use large shrimp (16-20 count) for the best texture.

- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the savory garlic butter sauce!

This versatile dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your restaurant-quality garlic butter shrimp at home!