When it comes to preparing a meal that is both easy and delicious, few dishes can rival the irresistible appeal of garlic butter shrimp. This sheet pan garlic butter shrimp recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable flavor. The best part? You can prepare this mouth-watering dish in just 20 minutes!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving a satisfying seafood dish, this garlic butter shrimp recipe is bound to become your go-to. In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of making sheet pan garlic butter shrimp, and we’ll dive into some tips and variations to customize the recipe to your liking.
Why Choose Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp?
One of the key reasons this recipe has become so popular is its simplicity. A sheet pan recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part is that you don’t need to worry about multiple pots and pans to clean up after the meal. Everything cooks on one pan.
Another reason to love this dish is the combination of garlic butter, paprika, and fresh parsley. These ingredients bring out the natural sweetness of the shrimp while infusing the dish with rich and bold flavors. Add to that the zesty lemon served on the side, and you have a recipe that is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
Let’s start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for this dish. You don’t need to visit a fancy store—most of these items are likely already in your kitchen:
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for a fresh burst of color)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Optional Ingredients:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
- Parmesan cheese (grated, for a cheesy finish)
- Fresh thyme (for a more herbaceous flavor)
How to Make Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first step in making this sheet pan garlic butter shrimp is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to ensure the oven is fully heated before placing the shrimp inside for even cooking. While your oven is warming up, lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your shrimp won’t stick to the pan during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Red pepper flakes (optional, depending on your heat preference)
- Sweet paprika
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Then, add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the shrimp are evenly coated with the flavorful garlic butter mixture.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp on the Baking Sheet
Once the shrimp are well-coated, it’s time to arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Spread the shrimp in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. You want to avoid overcrowding the shrimp, as this can cause them to steam instead of roasting, which results in less crispy, flavorful shrimp. If any garlic butter remains in the bowl, pour it over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
Now it’s time to bake the shrimp! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. The exact time will depend on the size of your shrimp, but they should cook quickly—shrimp cook fast, so be careful not to overcook them.
For a slightly crispy top, you can switch your oven to broil mode during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid burning them under the broiler.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sheet pan garlic butter shrimp is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Serve the shrimp immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty contrast to the rich garlic butter flavor. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra parsley over the shrimp for an added pop of color and freshness.
How to Customize Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust it to suit your tastes by adding or swapping ingredients. Here are some ways you can customize this garlic butter shrimp dish:
Add Veggies for a Complete Meal
To make this a more well-rounded dish, you can add vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet. These vegetables cook well alongside shrimp, and they’ll soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making them the perfect complement to the shrimp.
Try Different Spices
If you want to switch things up, you can play with different spices. For a smokier flavor, add a little smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. If you enjoy spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Make It Cheesy
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp during the last 2 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt into the garlic butter and create a rich, savory finish to the dish.
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
Switch out the fresh parsley for other herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. Each herb brings its own unique flavor to the dish, and you can experiment with combinations to find your favorite.
Nutritional Information for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
For those of you keeping an eye on calories or other nutritional aspects, here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect from this dish. Keep in mind that the nutritional values will vary based on your exact ingredient choices and portion sizes.
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-400 calories (depends on the size of shrimp and amount of butter used)
- Protein: Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, so this dish provides a great protein boost.
- Fat: The butter contributes a fair amount of fat, but you can reduce the amount to make the dish lighter.
- Carbohydrates: This dish is low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
- Fiber: Depending on any vegetables you add, the fiber content can vary.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
To ensure your shrimp come out perfect every time, here are a few tips:
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a stronger, more aromatic flavor than pre-minced garlic, so it’s worth the extra effort.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to increase or decrease the red pepper flakes based on your heat tolerance. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Why You Should Make Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sheet pan meals are a fantastic option for busy weeknights, and this garlic butter shrimp recipe is no exception. It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and delivers fantastic flavors that everyone will love. The garlic butter sauce is rich and savory, the shrimp cook perfectly, and the addition of fresh lemon wedges brings a zesty finish to the dish.
This recipe is not only a hit for dinner but can also be a wonderful dish to serve at a party or special occasion. The shrimp are elegant yet simple, and they pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or even a light salad.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sheet pan garlic butter shrimp is the perfect go-to recipe when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory flavor to the shrimp, while the lemon wedges bring brightness and freshness to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make garlic butter shrimp dish tonight!