If you want oven-baked shrimp that's juicy, flavorful, and never rubbery, this recipe shows you how to get it right every time. Colossal or jumbo shrimp can be intimidating to cook because they tend to dry out, but with a simple garlic butter sauce and the right oven method, they stay tender and delicious.
Whether you're making dinner for two or entertaining a crowd, this baked shrimp recipe is easy, elegant, and perfect for pairing with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Recipe Inspiration
Baked Colossal Shrimp will be your new favorite way to make shrimp!
With just a few ingredients, a baking dish, and a hot oven, this shrimp comes together in 15 minutes and is so delicious and versatile! It's great for a quick weeknight dinner as well as special occasions!
You can use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp for this recipe. I recommend using the biggest jumbo shrimp you can find that will get you about 12-16 shrimp per pound.
If you're looking for more shrimp recipes, check out our Lemon Pepper Shrimp, Blackened Shrimp Bowls, Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Shrimp Lettuce Wraps, Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta, and Shrimp Luciano recipes.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Juicy, not rubbery: A gentle oven method locks in moisture.
- Simple but flavorful: Garlic butter, lemon, and herbs amplify natural shrimp sweetness.
- Entertainer-friendly: Elegant enough for dinner guests, easy enough for weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, over rice, in tacos, or with crusty bread.
- Minimal prep: A quick seasoning and then straight into the oven.
Tips for Recipe Success
Best Oven Temperature for Jumbo Shrimp
Bake at 400°F - hot enough to cook quickly and lock in juices without overcooking.
How Long to Bake
- Bake 8-10 minutes depending on shrimp size
- Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque
- Avoid overbaking - they cook fast!
Should You Peel / Devein?
Peel and devein if desired - peeling allows seasoning to penetrate and makes eating easier.
What Size Shrimp Should You Use?
Colossal or jumbo shrimp (16-20 count per lb) work best. Larger shrimp hold up in the oven and stay juicy.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this Colossal Baked Jumbo Shrimp recipe:
- Jumbo Shrimp - Peeled and deveined. If you bought frozen raw shrimp, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before making this recipe. Note that the number of shrimp will vary depending on the size of shrimp you buy. This recipe calls for 1lb of Jumbo Shrimp, but you can easily double the recipe!
- Olive Oil - Regular good quality olive oil
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
- Garlic - I used fresh garlic cloves, but you can use garlic powder if that's what you have on hand
- Lemon Juice - Freshly squeezed
- Fresh Herbs - Basil, parsley, cilantro, and thyme are all delicious on this shrimp!
Directions
Let's make this Colossal Baked Jumbo Shrimp recipe together!
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400F.
Step 2
Combine large shrimp, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
Step 3
Place shrimp on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, until shrimp are translucent. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Tina's Tips for Baked Shrimp
Too dry / rubbery:
- Shrimp cook quickly - bake just until pink and opaque, then remove immediately.
- Avoid baking at lower temperatures (gentle, high heat is better).
- Add lemon juice and butter to introduce moisture.
Not enough flavor:
- Use fresh garlic, lemon zest, and herbs (parsley or thyme).
- Taste and season before baking - shrimp don't absorb salt well while cooking.
Shrimp stick together:
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer so they roast, not steam.
- Don't overcrowd the pan.
Want extra crisp edges?
- Broil for the last 1-2 minutes - watch closely!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Sheet Pan -Use a quality sheet pan for this shrimp dish. I recommend this sheet pan - it's great quality and will last!
- Mixing Bowls - A good set of mixing bowls is a kitchen staple. Check out this set! These are great for a variety of recipes.
- Olive Oil - Using good olive oil is one of the best ways to level up your cooking. I love this brand and always have some in stock at my house!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
- Additional Toppings - You can top this shrimp with parmesan cheese, or toast bread crumbs in melted butter and top over shrimp for a delicious crunch.
- Flavor Combinations - Add melted butter to the shrimp before cooking for a garlic butter shrimp flavor profile, or add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Pan Sear - You can pan sear this shrimp instead of roasting. Cook in a pan over medium heat until pink, about 2 minutes per side. This will still produce delicious, juicy shrimp!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prep the shrimp with marinade or seasoning ahead of time, but bake just before serving to keep them juicy.
Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until pink and opaque.
Cook shrimp until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Colossal Baked Jumbo Shrimp
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Fresh herbs for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Combine shrimp, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and lemon juice in a medium bowl.
- Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until shrimp are translucent.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Notes
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Lisa says
I haven't made this yet but I sure plan to. Looks so yummy!
Christina Musgrave says
You'll love it! Enjoy 🙂
Leasureman says
Delicious...I used 8-10 per pound COLOSSAL shrimp. Added some cajun seasoning. Magnificent!!
Christina Musgrave says
Sounds delicious! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
LUCYANN says
Using extra large 21of them what temperature and how long to bake can I sprinkle a little bread on top
Christina Musgrave says
Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. You can definitely add breadcrumbs to the spice mixture.