The aroma of sizzling garlic butter drifts through my kitchen, igniting memories of cozy family dinners. It’s moments like these that make me crave a dish I can whip up in no time, like this delightful Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp. With just five simple ingredients, this quick and easy meal is not only a lifesaver on busy nights but also a surefire way to impress anyone at your table—without the fuss. Imagine tender, succulent shrimp roasted to perfection, all while you enjoy the luxury of minimal prep time. Plus, it’s a flexible dish; toss in your favorite seasonal veggies for a complete feast. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Why is this shrimp recipe a must-try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With just five ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is incredibly straightforward for any home cook.
Rich, Buttery Flavor: The garlic butter sauce infuses the shrimp with rich, savory notes, making it taste like a gourmet dish.
Versatile Option: Feel free to add seasonal vegetables or substitute shrimp with scallops for a tasty twist.
Quick & Easy: Ready in only 25 minutes, this meal is perfect for hectic weeknights when you need a delicious dinner fast.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress family and friends with a dish that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. You might also want to check out my Maple Bacon Pancake for another easy meal option.
Wholesome & Healthy: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this shrimp dish is a nutritious choice for any table!
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients
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For the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – ½ cup, melted; adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced; provides a warm, savory aroma, and fresh garlic is best for maximum flavor.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon or more to taste; brightens and balances the richness of the butter, and bottled lemon juice can be a substitute.
• Italian Seasoning – ½ teaspoon; enhances the dish’s flavor profile with a mix of herbs, and can be adjusted or substituted with individual herbs if desired.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste; essential for seasoning, so adjust based on personal preference and shrimp size. -
For the Shrimp
• Medium Shrimp – 1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined; the main protein of the dish; fresh or frozen shrimp work well, just make sure to thaw completely if using frozen. -
For Garnish
• Chopped Fresh Parsley Leaves – 2 tablespoons; adds freshness and color to the finished dish, though dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Feel free to whip up this scrumptious Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and revel in the delightful burst of flavors!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, take a baking sheet and lightly grease it with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure the shrimp doesn’t stick and allows for even roasting, leading to a beautifully cooked Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted unsalted butter with 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, and season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. The rich aroma of the garlic butter will start to waft—an enticing precursor to this quick meal.
Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp
Take 1 ½ pounds of peeled and deveined medium shrimp and spread them out in a single layer on the greased baking sheet. This spacing is crucial for achieving the perfect texture—ensuring they roast rather than steam. Once arranged, pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp and use a spatula or your hands to gently toss and coat each piece.
Step 4: Bake the Shrimp
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook; they are ready when they turn pink and opaque, curling slightly. This quick cooking time ensures the shrimp remains tender without overcooking—a hallmark of the perfect Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. To elevate the dish, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, either on their own or alongside crusty bread to soak up that delightful garlic butter sauce, creating a sumptuous meal ready to impress.
Make Ahead Options
These Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy nights! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 24 hours in advance by mixing together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, then refrigerating it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The shrimp can also be peeled and deveined in advance; just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply spread the fresh shrimp on a baking sheet, pour the chilled sauce over them, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool them down before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid condensation.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their tender texture.
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Avoiding Freezer Burn: Ensure the storage bag is as air-tight as possible when freezing to prevent freezer burn and preserve the delicious flavor of your Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Variations
Feel free to let your creativity soar as you customize this delicious dish in joyful ways!
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Seafood Swap: Try using scallops or a mix of seafood instead of shrimp for a delightful twist. Each bite brings a unique flavor that’s equally satisfying.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the shrimp for a colorful, nutritious one-pan meal. The vegetables absorb the garlic butter, enhancing the entire dish.
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Cajun Kick: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun spices for a spicier flavor profile. This adds a delightful heat that can elevate the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro instead of parsley for a refreshing twist. Each herb brings its unique character to the dish, creating a new taste experience.
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Lemon Zest: Add zest from one lemon before baking for an extra zing. The bright citrus notes brighten up the buttery richness wonderfully.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after baking for a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a luxury that transforms the dish into a comforting delight.
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Nutty Flavor: Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture and flavor, making each bite even more satisfying.
If you’re looking for more easy-to-make dishes, consider trying my crowd-pleasing Maple Bacon Pancake recipe next!
What to Serve with Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
When you’re ready to turn this quick and easy seafood delight into a complete meal, consider these delicious pairings that enhance its flavors beautifully.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce, adding a satisfying texture to your meal.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the buttery shrimp.
- Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon complements the dish’s citrus notes while balancing the richness of the butter.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Tender asparagus has a slight crunch that pairs well with the shrimp, adding a pop of color and nutrition.
- Garlic Bread: For garlic lovers, this doubles the flavor and is perfect for complementing the shrimp’s savory richness.
- White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc enhances the meal, providing a refreshing sip that balances the garlic and butter.
- Zucchini Noodles: Light and slightly nutty, they offer a low-carb option that pairs perfectly with the rich shrimp dish.
- Dill Couscous: Fluffy couscous with fresh dill will brighten the plate and add a delightful texture to your dining experience.
- Fruit Salad: A touch of sweetness from seasonal fruits can cleanse your palate and create a well-rounded meal.
- Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a light and airy dessert, perfectly contrasting the savory shrimp dish.
Expert Tips for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Even Spacing: Ensure shrimp are laid out in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid steaming and achieve that perfect roasted texture.
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Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the shrimp as they bake. Remove them once they turn pink and opaque to prevent overcooking and keep them tender.
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Boost the Flavor: For added warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter mixture can enhance the dish without overpowering the shrimp’s flavor.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons make a world of difference in this recipe. The vibrant flavors elevate your simple sheet pan garlic butter shrimp to a new level.
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Add Veggies: Consider tossing in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a delightful, colorful one-pan meal that is nutritious and visually appealing.
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using medium shrimp, which are best for this dish. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you go with frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor.
How should I store leftovers from this dish?
Store any leftover Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s important that they cool down before sealing the container to maintain freshness and avoid condensation.
Can I freeze Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Absolutely! For freezing, lay the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until fully frozen. Afterward, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How do I reheat leftover shrimp without overcooking them?
To gently reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp on a baking sheet. Warm them up for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain their tender texture, ensuring they’re delightful to eat.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe due to allergies?
If you have dietary restrictions, consider substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version. You can also replace garlic with garlic powder in smaller amounts, but the flavor intensity will vary. Always adjust the seasoning to cater to your specific dietary needs.
What vegetables can I add to the shrimp dish?
Feel free to toss in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini before baking them with the shrimp. This not only adds nutrition but also enhances the visual appeal and flavor of your Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp!
Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp Ready in 25 Minutes!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Whisk until well blended and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1 ½ pounds of peeled and deveined medium shrimp in a single layer on the greased baking sheet. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving.
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