Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Sea salt and black pepper - Fresh parsley for garnish The first key to this recipe is the shrimp. Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best. They soak up the flavor well and cook quickly. Garlic is next. I use four cloves because it gives a strong, tasty punch. The olive oil adds richness and helps the seasoning stick. Lemon is a must. The zest and juice brighten the dish and add freshness. Smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky flavor. Red pepper flakes add heat, so adjust them to your taste. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper for seasoning. Finally, fresh parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness. - Calories per serving: About 220 - Breakdown of macronutrients: - Protein: 24g - Fat: 12g - Carbohydrates: 3g Each serving provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats, making this dish a great choice for a light meal. - Alternative oils: You can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead of olive oil. - Different types of shrimp: Feel free to use smaller shrimp or even shrimp with the shell on for added flavor. - Citrus variations: For a twist, try using lime or orange juice instead of lemon juice. These substitutions let you play with flavors while keeping the dish delicious and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is key. This temperature ensures even cooking. If the oven is not hot enough, the shrimp will not roast well. They may turn rubbery or mushy. Always start with a preheated oven for the best results. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following: - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper Whisk these ingredients until well mixed. This marinade adds a ton of flavor. The garlic and lemon blend perfectly, creating a zesty mix. The smoked paprika enhances the taste with depth. Next, add the shrimp to the bowl. Ensure that each shrimp is fully coated in the marinade. Let them sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you have more time, you can marinate longer. Just don’t go overboard; too long can make the shrimp mushy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the marinated shrimp in a single layer. This gives them enough space to cook evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the shrimp for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them. The shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough. To check for doneness, cut one in half. If it is still translucent, give it a bit more time. Once cooked, take them out and sprinkle with fresh parsley. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! To know when shrimp are done, watch for color change. They should look pink and opaque. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes at 400°F. If overcooked, shrimp become tough. To avoid this, check them a minute early. You want them just cooked, not chewy. Add herbs and spices for more flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the dish. Use smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Fresh ingredients usually taste better than dried ones. However, if dried is all you have, it still works. Pair your shrimp with sides like rice or quinoa. Both soak up flavors well. For a pop, serve on a colorful plate. Drizzle extra lemon juice over the shrimp for brightness. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley to make the dish look fresh and inviting. Pro Tips Perfect Shrimp Size: Use large shrimp for this recipe, as they hold up better during roasting and have a satisfying texture. Marinating Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate at room temperature for no more than 15 minutes to prevent them from becoming overly salty. Watch the Cook Time: Shrimp cook quickly; keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook and turn rubbery. Serving Suggestions: Pair the shrimp with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad to complement the zesty flavors. {{image_4}} To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. Start with the 1 teaspoon from the recipe. If you like heat, sprinkle in more. Taste the mix before you add the shrimp. Adjust to your heat level. This gives you control over the flavor. A little spice adds excitement to every bite. For summer fun, use skewers. Thread the marinated shrimp onto wooden or metal skewers. This makes grilling easier and adds a nice char. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them, as they cook fast. Serve these skewers at parties for a tasty treat. Roasting veggies with shrimp adds color and flavor. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. They pair well with the lemon garlic taste. Cut the veggies into similar sizes as the shrimp. Toss them in the same marinade. Spread them on the baking sheet with the shrimp. This creates a complete meal on one tray. To keep your lemon garlic roasted shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the shrimp cool down completely before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. Store the container in the fridge. It’s best to eat leftovers within two days for optimal taste. To reheat shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Heat gently, stirring often. This method keeps shrimp from getting rubbery. You can also use the microwave. Place shrimp on a plate, cover, and heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. If you want to save shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. First, let shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze shrimp for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps them juicy and tasty. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook shrimp in the oven. The best way to tell if they are done is by checking their color. Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. Make sure not to overcook them; otherwise, they will become tough. Keep an eye on them while they roast. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Frozen shrimp are often easier to find and can be more affordable. Just remember to thaw them first. You can thaw shrimp in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. The downside is that frozen shrimp may have less flavor. Fresh shrimp often taste better, but frozen shrimp work well too. Lemon garlic roasted shrimp pairs nicely with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fluffy quinoa - Fragrant rice - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Mixed green salad These sides enhance the meal and add color to your plate. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite pairings! This blog post explored how to prepare delicious lemon garlic roasted shrimp. You learned about the key ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips to achieve perfect results. I also shared some tasty variations and storage options for leftovers. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy your cooking journey, and don't hesitate to experiment with different ingredients. You can create your own shrimp masterpiece!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Shrimp

A flavorful dish featuring shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon garlic sauce and roasted to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 whole lemons, zest and juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
for garnishing fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together to create a fragrant marinade.
Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated with the zesty marinade. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, serve atop quinoa or rice and garnish with lemon wedges.

Keyword garlic, lemon, roasted, seafood, shrimp