This Garlic Herb Butter Sheet Pan Shrimp recipe offers an incredibly flavorful, easy-to-prepare, and remarkably quick meal solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. It transforms fresh or frozen shrimp into a succulent and aromatic dish with minimal effort and, most appealingly, minimal cleanup, thanks to the efficiency of sheet pan cooking. The shrimp are generously coated in a rich, savory mixture of melted butter infused with fragrant minced garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, most notably chopped parsley. This simple yet potent combination ensures that each bite of shrimp is bursting with flavor, from the sweetness of the perfectly cooked crustacean to the pungent warmth of garlic and the fresh, verdant notes of herbs. The high heat of the oven cooks the shrimp quickly and evenly, giving them a delightful tender-crisp texture without becoming rubbery. The resulting dish is not only visually appealing, with its vibrant green flecks of parsley contrasting against the rosy pink shrimp, but also deeply satisfying and versatile, pairing wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when properly combined and cooked, can create a truly memorable meal that feels both gourmet and effortlessly achievable.
The beauty of Garlic Herb Butter Sheet Pan Shrimp lies in its hands-off cooking method and the intense flavor development it achieves in a short amount of time. The sheet pan approach allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that each piece of shrimp cooks simultaneously and thoroughly without the need for constant stirring or flipping, which is often required with stovetop methods. The generous coating of butter not only adds richness but also acts as a fantastic vehicle for the aromatic garlic and fresh herbs. As the butter melts and sizzles in the oven, it creates a flavorful pan sauce that lightly coats the shrimp, enhancing their natural sweetness and providing a luscious mouthfeel. Garlic, a foundational flavor in many cuisines, provides a pungent, savory depth that perfectly complements seafood. Fresh parsley, with its bright, clean, and slightly peppery notes, adds a burst of freshness that lifts the entire dish, preventing it from becoming too heavy. Other herbs like thyme, oregano, or a touch of red pepper flakes can also be incorporated to customize the flavor profile. The quick cooking time is a major advantage; shrimp cooks rapidly under high heat, meaning this entire meal can be on the table in under 20 minutes, from prep to plate. This makes it an invaluable recipe for anyone seeking a delicious, healthy, and convenient seafood option that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time on cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Shrimp:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of roasting, preventing browning.
- Place the thawed and patted dry shrimp in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter.
- To the melted butter, add the 4-6 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano (if using), 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (if using), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined and fragrant.
- Coat the Shrimp:
- Pour the prepared garlic herb butter mixture over the shrimp in the mixing bowl.
- Toss the shrimp thoroughly with your hands or a spoon to ensure every shrimp is evenly coated with the butter and seasonings.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Spread the coated shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the shrimp instead of allowing them to roast and slightly caramelize. If you have too many shrimp for one pan, use a second baking sheet.
- Roast the Shrimp:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Roast for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your shrimp and your oven. Keep a close eye on them, as shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked.
- Serve Immediately:
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- If desired, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked shrimp for an added burst of brightness.
- Garnish with a little extra fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the pan or transfer to a serving platter.
Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Shrimp:
- Don’t Overcook! This is the most important rule for shrimp. They cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, they’re done. An “O” shape means overcooked and rubbery.
- Pat Dry: Ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before seasoning. This helps them roast nicely and prevents excess moisture from steaming them.
- Even Layer: Spreading the shrimp in a single, even layer is essential for proper cooking. If they’re piled up, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work, fresh parsley adds a superior bright flavor and visual appeal. Don’t skip it!
- Garlic Quantity: Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference. More garlic equals more flavor!
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Pasta with a light sauce
- Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus (can often be roasted on the same pan, but adjust cooking times if necessary) or broccoli.
- A simple side salad.
- Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicier kick.
- Lemon is Key: The fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors and provides a nice contrast to the richness of the butter.
Enjoy this incredibly simple, yet incredibly delicious Garlic Herb Butter Sheet Pan Shrimp!