If you’re someone who loves seafood, particularly shrimp, then this Easy Ten-Minute Roasted Shrimp Recipe à la Ina Garten will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. Whether you’re craving something simple yet flavorful for dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for a party, or a quick high-protein meal that doesn’t take forever to make, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a plate of succulent roasted shrimp in just ten minutes. It’s truly one of the easiest weeknight dinners you can make that will make you feel like a professional chef!
Living in Florida means we’re fortunate to have an abundance of fresh shrimp right at our fingertips, and I can honestly say that shrimp dishes are a staple in my kitchen. One of my all-time favorite ways to prepare shrimp is by roasting them. Roasting shrimp enhances their natural sweetness, creating a beautifully caramelized flavor that boiling just can’t match. Plus, the cooking process is so simple—no need to stand by a hot stove, just pop them in the oven and wait for the magic to happen.
This recipe is a perfect example of how roasting shrimp takes them to the next level. Whether served as a healthy comfort food main dish, as part of a quick family meal, or as an appetizer for a special gathering, this shrimp recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This shrimp recipe is one of the fastest weeknight dinners you can make. With only 10 minutes of roasting, you’ll have delicious shrimp ready to serve in no time.
- Versatile: Perfect for both hot and cold dishes like shrimp cocktail, salads, or pasta, this recipe is a go-to for every occasion.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Shrimp are a fantastic source of high-protein meals, making them a great choice for anyone on a protein-packed diet or looking for high-protein ready-made meals.
- Budget-Friendly: Seafood can be expensive, but this budget-friendly recipe makes it possible to enjoy shrimp without breaking the bank. Plus, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings without much extra effort.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re into meal prep, this shrimp works wonderfully for preparing your meals ahead of time, saving you precious hours during the week.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The beauty of this Ten-Minute Roasted Shrimp lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you get perfectly roasted shrimp that are sweet, tender, and full of flavor. The roasting process brings out the natural umami of the shrimp, which makes the dish incredibly satisfying with minimal seasoning. Using high-quality shrimp, olive oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor and texture, while a pinch of Old Bay Seasoning adds an optional but deliciously nostalgic touch.
The secret to making shrimp perfectly is all in the timing. This recipe eliminates the guesswork by providing precise cooking instructions to ensure your shrimp come out perfectly tender every time. No more overcooked, rubbery shrimp! With the right amount of heat and the right amount of time, you’ll achieve perfectly roasted shrimp that are impossible to resist.
Ingredients
The image showcases a beautifully arranged plate of shrimp cocktail. The shrimp are peeled and deveined, with their tails intact, creating an elegant presentation. They are lightly seasoned and arranged in a circular pattern around a small bowl filled with a vibrant red dipping sauce, garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley for added color and freshness. A lemon wedge is placed on the side of the plate, adding a bright citrus accent. The background includes scattered parsley leaves and lemon slices, enhancing the overall fresh and appetizing look. The plate itself has a rustic, distressed design that complements the dish’s casual yet refined aesthetic. This presentation is ideal for a light appetizer or snack.
- Shrimp (extra-large 21/25 size)
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is nice and hot, which is essential for getting those shrimp perfectly roasted.
- Prepare the shrimp: Take two pounds of extra-large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and optionally with tails removed) and place them on a baking sheet with sides. This helps prevent any oil from spilling over during cooking.
- Season the shrimp: Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Toss everything together to make sure the shrimp are evenly coated in the oil and juice.
- Add the seasonings: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the shrimp. If you’re a fan of Old Bay Seasoning, go ahead and add a little sprinkle for an extra kick of flavor. Toss again to coat evenly.
- Roast the shrimp: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 8-10 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and cooked through but not overdone. Keep a close eye on them; they cook quickly, and even a few extra seconds can turn them from perfectly cooked to overcooked.
- Check for doneness: Shrimp are done when they go from translucent to opaque. When you see this change, pull them out immediately. The key is to avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery if left in the oven too long.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve your shrimp immediately, or if making them for a shrimp cocktail, let them cool and refrigerate. Enjoy!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is probably the most important tip when making shrimp. They cook so quickly that it’s easy to go from perfectly cooked to overcooked in a matter of seconds. As soon as they turn opaque, remove them from the oven. If you see them curled into a tight “C” shape, they’re overcooked.
- Consistent Size: Always buy shrimp by the number of shrimp per pound (e.g., 21/25 shrimp per pound). This ensures all the shrimp cook evenly. Using mixed sizes will result in uneven cooking times.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your shrimp, the better the flavor. Fresh shrimp from your local seafood market or grocery store will yield the best results.
- Experiment with Seasoning: While this recipe uses a simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or even a dash of paprika can add extra layers of flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Old Bay Substitute: If you don’t have Old Bay Seasoning, you can use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme to create a similar flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest: For a more intense citrus flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest along with the juice. It adds an extra zing that’s delightful.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme can elevate the flavor. Sprinkle some on top before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note to your shrimp.
- Spicy Shrimp: Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce before roasting for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- As an appetizer: Serve these roasted shrimp as part of a healthy meal plan for two or for a small gathering. Pair them with a simple dipping sauce like cocktail sauce or garlic butter.
- On a salad: Toss the shrimp into a Caesar Salad with Roasted Shrimp for a filling yet healthy meal. The smoky flavor of the roasted shrimp pairs wonderfully with fresh greens and creamy dressing.
- With pasta: Add the roasted shrimp to a pasta dish, such as Roasted Shrimp with Orzo and Feta. The shrimp complement the creamy feta and tangy lemon perfectly.
- Shrimp cocktail: Serve them cold with a classic cocktail sauce for a traditional and easy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of shrimp.
- Side Dishes: Serve your roasted shrimp with some healthy sides like a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or a serving of low-calorie chicken meal prep.
- Side Sauces: Garlic butter, cocktail sauce, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon can elevate the dish even further.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storing: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shrimp are best when fresh, but they’ll still taste great the next day.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can make the shrimp tough.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp up to 24 hours ahead of time. After roasting, let them cool, then refrigerate them for later use. If you’re planning to serve them as shrimp cocktail, this is especially convenient.
- Freezing: While freezing shrimp isn’t ideal for the texture of roasted shrimp, if you must, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat carefully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn opaque, remove them from the oven. It’s easy to make them tough if you cook them for even a few extra seconds.
- Uneven Shrimp Sizes: Always buy shrimp by the number per pound to ensure uniform cooking. Mixed sizes will cook unevenly.
- Skipping the Tails (Optional): If you’re making shrimp cocktail, leaving the tails on is traditional, but if you’re adding them to a salad or pasta, you may want to remove them to make them easier to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Can I use other types of shrimp? Yes, you can use any size shrimp you prefer, but remember that different sizes will require different cooking times.
- Can I make this recipe in advance? Absolutely! You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, and they’ll still taste great when served cold.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet with sides
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs for tossing shrimp
- Knife and cutting board for lemon
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Easy Ten-Minute Roasted Shrimp Recipe à la Ina Garten
Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-large shrimp (21/25), peeled and deveined, optional tails removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the shrimp on a baking sheet with sides.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss the shrimp to evenly coat them.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning (if using). Toss again.
- Roast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Do not overcook.
- Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven immediately. Serve as is or refrigerate for shrimp cocktail.
