Cooking should be easy, fun, and, most importantly, delicious, especially when you’re a beginner. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple to prepare, light on the cleanup, and bursting with flavor, my Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp is the perfect dish to try. This recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
PrintSheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp: The Ultimate 20-Minute Weeknight Feast
No time to cook? No problem! ⏰🍤 This Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp is ready in just 20 minutes and packed with bold, buttery flavor. 🧄💥 Toss shrimp, garlic, and veggies on a sheet pan, roast, and voilà—dinner’s served! 😋👌 Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will make your taste buds do a happy dance. 💃🕺 Ready for a fast and fabulous dinner?
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- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-large or jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- A pinch of freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook shrimp quickly while allowing the butter and garlic to infuse the shrimp with flavor.
- Position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Lay the peeled and deveined shrimp out on a baking sheet. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. It’s crucial to dry the shrimp thoroughly with a paper towel to help them cook evenly and avoid excess moisture.
- Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the seasoning. Add the minced garlic, ensuring the garlic is well-distributed among the shrimp.
Step 3: Roast the Shrimp
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 8 minutes. The shrimp should turn a beautiful pink color and be cooked through but still tender. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.
Step 4: Add the Butter
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the softened butter directly on top of the shrimp. Let the heat from the shrimp melt the butter for about 1-2 minutes.
- Once melted, gently toss the shrimp in the butter to coat them evenly. This creates a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the shrimp and the butter sauce to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of fresh parsley if desired. This adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus that enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a hearty, flavorful main dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of toasted baguette or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad with greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, balances the richness of the shrimp.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa for a wholesome, filling meal.
- Steamed Veggies: Pair with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Whether you serve it with crusty bread, toss it with pasta, or enjoy it on its own, the combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to please. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s beginner-friendly, super quick, and perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
As a beginner cook, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe with an overwhelming list of ingredients and confusing steps. This Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp checks all the boxes for simplicity, taste, and efficiency. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Time-Saving: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re coming home after a long day or preparing a weekend dinner, this dish is perfect when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since you’re using just one baking sheet to prepare the dish, there’s no need for multiple pots, pans, or utensils to clean up afterward. This is a great option when you want to minimize post-cooking mess.
- Healthful: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, and when paired with healthy olive oil and fresh garlic, you get a flavorful dish that’s also light and nutritious. Plus, if you want to switch things up, you can substitute shrimp with chicken or beef for a different protein option.
- Flexibility: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread to make the dish your own. The garlic butter sauce pairs wonderfully with so many options.
Now, let’s take a look at the ingredients and how to make this easy yet indulgent dish.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. This recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds extra-large or jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- A pinch of freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Substitution Ideas:
If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, no problem! You can easily substitute shrimp with chicken or beef to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, and follow the same instructions. Since chicken takes a bit longer to cook, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for fully cooked chicken.
- Beef: Thinly slice a beef sirloin or flank steak into strips and toss them in the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic mixture. Roast for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the beef slices.
Both chicken and beef will soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully and create a deliciously savory alternative to shrimp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how you make this recipe in just a few easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to cook shrimp quickly while allowing the butter and garlic to infuse the shrimp with flavor.
- Position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- Lay the peeled and deveined shrimp out on a baking sheet. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. It’s crucial to dry the shrimp thoroughly with a paper towel to help them cook evenly and avoid excess moisture.
- Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the seasoning. Add the minced garlic, ensuring the garlic is well-distributed among the shrimp.
Step 3: Roast the Shrimp
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 8 minutes. The shrimp should turn a beautiful pink color and be cooked through but still tender. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery if left in the oven too long.
Step 4: Add the Butter
- Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the softened butter directly on top of the shrimp. Let the heat from the shrimp melt the butter for about 1-2 minutes.
- Once melted, gently toss the shrimp in the butter to coat them evenly. This creates a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the shrimp and the butter sauce to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of fresh parsley if desired. This adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve the shrimp with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of citrus that enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
While this garlic butter shrimp is already packed with flavor, pairing it with complementary sides will take your meal to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, for a hearty, flavorful main dish.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of toasted baguette or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad with greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, balances the richness of the shrimp.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the shrimp over a bed of rice or quinoa for a wholesome, filling meal.
- Steamed Veggies: Pair with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a complete, balanced meal.
Beginner Tips and Notes
As you make this dish, keep these tips in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly:
Common Troubleshooting Advice:
- What if my shrimp overcook? Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Make sure to keep an eye on them while roasting. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- What if the garlic burns? If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, it may taste bitter. Toss the shrimp gently to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed and doesn’t burn.
- What if the butter doesn’t melt quickly? If the butter isn’t melting fast enough, you can place the baking sheet back in the oven for a minute or two. The residual heat will melt the butter and combine it with the shrimp.
Kitchen Tips for Efficiency:
- Prep in advance: If you know you’ll be busy during the week, you can peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Garlic prep: Instead of mincing garlic by hand, use a garlic press for a quicker and more consistent mince.
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze. The garlic butter sauce won’t stick to the pan, so it’s easy to wipe down afterward.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp will still taste delicious, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the shrimp moist.
You can also use leftover shrimp in other dishes like tacos, salads, or pasta dishes.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful, especially with a recipe like this Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish that will impress anyone at the table, even if you’re a beginner cook. The simplicity, versatility, and delightful flavors make this recipe one you’ll return to time and again.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this easy, flavorful dish a try and let me know how it turns out. Share your photos and experiences in the comments – I’d love to hear from you!