A plate of freshly baked shrimp

1. When is this baked shrimp dish best served?

This baked shrimp recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare, and from seasoning to serving, it usually takes no more than 10 minutes, making it a typical “last-minute” main course. Whether enjoyed poolside with everyone “eating with your hands” or served with rice or pasta on a weekday evening, it’s a quick and easy way to create a high-protein, low-calorie main dish.

Shrimp itself is an excellent source of protein and also contains various micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and magnesium, making it a great starting point for adding seafood and diverse protein to the family menu.

2. These simple ingredients are all you need

The ingredient list for this dish is almost “simple,” yet it perfectly brings out the natural flavor of the shrimp.

• Shrimp: Approximately 16 ounces (about 450 grams) of raw shrimp. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used. Peel, devein, and remove the tails beforehand for easier eating.
• Oil: 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil to help the seasoning adhere evenly and give the surface a slightly caramelized flavor.
• Seasonings:
• Salt 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon
• Onion powder 1/4 teaspoon

This combination has a clear but not overpowering flavor, making it easy for both adults and children to enjoy.

• Lemon: A few lemon wedges; squeeze a little on the shrimp after baking to enhance the umami flavor.

This recipe makes approximately 4 people. Adjust the quantities according to your family size and appetite.

3. Oven Version: Baked Shrimp in Minutes

Steps Overview

1. Preheat oven to broil function

Spray a small amount of non-stick oil on the baking tray or brush it with a thin layer of oil.

2. Preparing the Shrimp

• When using frozen shrimp, first place them in a colander and rinse under running cold water for a few minutes to thaw, gently shaking them occasionally to ensure even thawing.
• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere and reduce water release.

2. Seasoning

In a bowl, combine the shrimp, oil, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss until each shrimp is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

4. Arranging and Baking

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, avoiding stacking, to ensure even heating.

Bake in the oven at the top heat for approximately 3–6 minutes: until the shrimp become opaque, pinkish-white with a slight orange-red tinge, and slightly curled into a “C” shape.

5. Finishing and Seasoning

Immediately after baking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss lightly before serving.

If your oven has two top heat settings (high and low), it’s recommended to start with the “low” setting to ensure the shrimp are fully cooked. Then, depending on your preference, move the oven rack slightly closer to the shrimp to give them a light browning without overcooking.

4. Air Fryer Version: Equally Quick and Convenient

When you don’t feel like using the oven, an air fryer is a perfect alternative.

1. Preheat the air fryer to approximately 390°F (about 200°C).
2. Thaw and pat the shrimp dry. Mix them with oil and seasonings in a bowl.
3. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding excessive stacking.
4. Fry for 2 minutes, then gently shake the basket or flip the shrimp with tongs. Fry for another 2 minutes or so.
5. The shrimp are done when they curl up, lighten in color, and become completely opaque. Finally, squeeze a little lemon juice over them to enhance the aroma.

Air fryers have concentrated heat, so the total cooking time should generally be around 4 minutes. Adjust slightly depending on your fryer’s power and the size of the shrimp.

5. What to Eat With?

The author provides some pairing ideas to give this plate of grilled shrimp different “personalities” in different settings.

• Served with steamed rice and spinach sautéed in olive oil and garlic, it makes a simple and complete meal.
• Served with cheese tortillas and roasted zucchini, it’s a more “comfortable pasta-style” meal.
• If you use taco or fashitta seasoning instead of garlic powder and onion powder, and serve with tortillas, sautéed onions, and bell peppers, it becomes a quick shrimp burrito or shrimp fashitta.
• Served as a cereal bowl: brown rice as a base, topped with diced avocado, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, with shrimp as the main protein garnish.
• Served with simple buttered pasta and peas, it’s a combination that children will love.

These combinations are suitable for busy weekdays and weekend evenings when you want something simple yet satisfying.

6. Daily Stockpiles and Nutrition Tips

Fresh Shrimp or Frozen Shrimp?

The answer isn’t absolute—what really matters is “which one you’re more likely to stick to long-term.”

• If you have a stable, high-quality source of fresh shrimp nearby, and don’t mind cleaning the shells and veins yourself, then fresh shrimp is ideal.
• But frozen shrimp is equally reliable and suitable for keeping in the freezer, so you won’t be caught off guard if you decide to cook a seafood dinner on a whim.

The author reminds you to check the nutrition label when buying frozen shrimp: some brands add a small amount of salt for preservation. Occasional consumption is fine, but overall, it’s recommended to control daily sodium intake to around 1200–1500 mg for children and no more than 2300 mg for adults.

Will Kids Like It?

Seasoned only with oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of lemon, the flavor is clean and not overly pungent, making it suitable for most children who have already accepted meat or fish. The shrimp themselves are a moderate size and easy to grasp, making them appealing to children who like to eat with their hands. For smaller babies or toddlers, remember to cut the shrimp into appropriate sizes according to their chewing ability before serving.

7. Tips and Storage Suggestions

• When using the oven’s top heat, place the rack slightly below the highest level to avoid the surface burning too quickly while the inside is still uncooked.
• If you bake a large batch, you can refrigerate the leftover shrimp and serve them cold as a salad topping the next day – a very convenient meal.

Based on the original recipe, each 4 ounces of prepared shrimp contains approximately 197 kcal, about 25 grams of protein, 8.5 grams of fat, and very little carbohydrate, making it an overall high-protein, low-carbohydrate option. For families who need a main dish that is “quick to make and safe to eat,” this baked shrimp is one of the best reasons to keep frozen shrimp in the refrigerator.