Broiling shrimp in the oven is one of the fastest and tastiest ways to prepare this seafood favorite. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, broiling shrimp delivers juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to broil shrimp perfectly every time, plus tips for seasoning and serving.
Why Broil Shrimp?
Broiling uses high heat from above to cook shrimp quickly, giving them a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s faster than baking or sautéing, usually taking just 3 to 10 minutes depending on shrimp size. Plus, broiling requires minimal cleanup since you can line your baking sheet with foil.
What You’ll Need
– Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined for best results; tails on or off, your choice)
– Olive oil or your favorite cooking oil
– Salt and pepper
– Optional: garlic, lemon juice, herbs, spices, or seasoning blends like Cajun seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions for Broiling Shrimp
1. Prep the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps them broil evenly and develop a nice texture. If your shrimp aren’t deveined, you can do this by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the dark vein.
2. Season the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil or any preferred cooking oil. Toss to coat evenly. Then add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like-garlic, paprika, lemon zest, or Cajun spice all work wonderfully. Toss again until the shrimp are fully coated.
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the shrimp out in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. They can be close together but shouldn’t be piled on top of each other.
4. Broil the Shrimp
Set your oven rack about 5 to 7 inches from the broiler element and preheat your broiler to high (usually around 500°F or 260°C). Place the baking sheet under the broiler.
Broil the shrimp for about 2 to 4 minutes on one side until they start turning pink and opaque. Then flip them over and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes until fully cooked. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking, as shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
5. Serve Immediately
Once the shrimp are opaque and firm, remove them from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve warm with your favorite sides or toss into pasta, salads, or tacos.
Tips for Perfect Broiled Shrimp
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Shrimp need space to cook evenly and get a slight char.
– Use fresh or thawed shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry for best results.
– Rotate the pan: Some broilers heat unevenly, so rotating the baking sheet halfway through helps shrimp cook uniformly.
– Experiment with flavors: Broiling is versatile-try garlic butter, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a honey butter glaze for different tastes.
– Watch closely: Shrimp can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in seconds under the broiler.
Easy Broiled Shrimp Recipe to Try
– 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of half a lemon
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat broiler and line baking sheet with foil.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Broil 3 minutes, flip shrimp, broil another 2 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Remove from oven, drizzle lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and serve.
This simple recipe is quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Broiling shrimp in the oven is an effortless way to enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home. With just a few ingredients and minutes, you can have juicy, tender shrimp bursting with flavor. Try it tonight and savor the delicious results!