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Broiling shrimp is one of the best ways to cook them! They come out juicy and perfectly seasoned. Add breading for an irresistible crunch!
This recipe for broiled shrimp is out of this world good. When I made it for the first time, I immediately texted my best friend and mom to share the recipe. That’s when you know it’s a keeper!
These shrimp are tender, juicy, and so fast to cook. You don’t even need to preheat the oven! They’re perfectly seasoned with garlic and lemon, and you can make them with or without a breadcrumb coating for an added crunch. You’ve got to try this one!
Tips for perfect broiled shrimp
This broiled shrimp is so quick and easy, it’s become one of my go-to methods alongside stovetop shrimp. The nice thing about these is that you don’t even have to wait for the oven to preheat. Just throw them in and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Here are the basic steps:
- Use any type of shrimp. Frozen or fresh works! Tail-on looks nice, but it’s not required if you don’t like the extra step.
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until opaque. Your cook time will vary based on the shrimp size, so make sure to keep an eye on them.
- Rotate the pan for even cooking. Some broilers (like mine!) can be uneven, so rotating the pan helps the shrimp to become evenly browned.
Breadcrumbs are optional
This broiled shrimp recipe is next-level with the breadcrumb topping! It makes for the perfect crispy crunch and nuanced flavor. Your shrimp will still be delicious without the coating, though. It makes the recipe easier and gluten-free, as well.
If you do use the breadcrumb topping, here are a few tips:
- Use homemade if at all possible. I make my own breadcrumbs, which results in beautifully fresh, crunchy crumbs. I add Italian seasonings, but no salt. Homemade breadcrumbs are much more delicious than store-bought, so I’d highly recommend this option.
- If using store-bought, try to find plain or those without salt. Your shrimp will be perfectly seasoned without the added salt!
- Or, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly. If all you can find are store-bought breadcrumbs with salt, adjust the salt in the recipe. I’d suggest adding about half the specified amount of salt.
Seasoning variations
This broiled shrimp recipe is Mediterranean-style with lemon, garlic, oregano, and onion powder for the seasonings. It comes out so delicious that I’ll probably always make this version! If you’d like to vary the vibe, go for it! Here are some ideas:
- Feta crumbles: Omit the breadcrumbs. Top with feta for a Mediterranean or Greek-style vibe.
- Cilantro lime: Switch out oregano for cumin and lemon juice for a version of cilantro lime shrimp.
- Curry powder or curry paste: Skip the oregano and heighten the flavors by stirring in curry powder or curry paste to taste.
How to thaw frozen shrimp
You can use either frozen or fresh shrimp for this broiled shrimp recipe. Either is just as good! In fact, sometimes frozen shrimp can be fresher if they’re frozen right when they’re caught. The only hard part about frozen shrimp is that you have to make time to thaw them! Here are a few options:
- Day before: If you think ahead, simply place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Day of: Place the frozen shrimp into a large bowl with very cold water. Stir the bowl every 5 minutes to break up clumps of shrimp that freeze together. The shrimp should be defrosted in about 15 minutes.
How to serve broiled shrimp
There are so many ways to make these tasty broiled shrimp a full meal. Here are a few of my favorite sides for these:
- Steamed or sautéed veggies: To make it a seriously fast meal, add one of these fast side dishes: peas with lemon, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed broccoli, or lemon herb cauliflower.
- Whole Grain: Add pesto quinoa, herby farro, rice, or couscous.
- Salad: Pair with a tossed salad, celery salad, cabbage salad, easy arugula salad, kale salad, or chopped salad.
This broiled shrimp recipe is…
Pescatarian and gluten-free without the breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also easy to find.
Perfect Broiled Shrimp (Fast & Easy!)
Broiled shrimp are easy and come out juicy and perfectly seasoned. Add breading for an irresistible crunch!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiled
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined (tail-on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)*
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler.
- If frozen, thaw the shrimp.
- Pat the shrimp dry.
- Mince the garlic. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the olive oil, garlic, oregano, onion powder, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- If using breadcrumbs, add them and toss until all shrimp are coated.
- Place the shrimp on a baking sheet in an even layer. (You can add a few additional pinches of breadcrumbs if there were places where they did not stick to the shrimp.)
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil until juicy and opaque, about 3 to 6 minutes, rotating the tray as necessary for even cooking.
- Spritz with fresh lemon juice from lemon wedges, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve immediately.
Notes
*Homemade breadcrumbs are the best, if possible! Make sure the breadcrumbs have a fine texture so they stick to the shrimp. If you’re using purchased breadcrumbs, make sure they are plain with no added salt. If they are salted, adjust the salt quantity in the recipe to use less. (Start with half.) Note that nutrition info below is without breadcrumbs.
More shrimp recipes
Shrimp are a healthy meal choice if you eat seafood. Here are some of my favorite healthy shrimp recipes:
Looks yummy. What temperature are we supposed to put the broiler on? I don’t see it mentioned anywhere
High or 450F
I am going to make this tonight. I just wanted to note that the recipe says ‘bake’ when I’m sure the instruction was meant to say ‘broil’?
It should be broil, not bake. We’ve updated the recipe accordingly. Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing this recipe it’s really nice
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I made the broiled shrimp today. FANTASTIC!
Right!? They’re a favorite.
I’m trying to avoid GERD with my seafood dishes. Can I substitute a pinch of garlic salt for the 2 cloves?
I’d do a 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
This looks delicious and I’m anxious to try it. I do have a couple of questions – the oven temp is not specified (my oven has low and high broiler settings). Also, how close should the pan be from the heat?
Thanks so much.
Hi! We broil on High on our oven. About 4-6 inches from the heat should work great.
Made this tonight for dinner. Delicious!
I love seafood thanks for sharing