Old Bay Roasted Shrimp
Old Bay roasted shrimp is a juicy, spicy-savory dinner ready in under 20 minutes, made with butter, garlic, and plenty of Old Bay seasoning for maximum flavor.
Why You Will Love This Old Bay Roasted Shrimp
If you are searching for one of those Old Bay shrimp recipes that actually delivers big flavor with almost no effort, this is it. This Old Bay baked shrimp comes together with pantry staples, a hot oven, and one bowl, and it is on the table in under 20 minutes. The shrimp come out juicy, faintly smoky, and coated in that unmistakable Old Bay tang that makes seafood taste like a summer crab shack no matter the season.
This is the kind of shrimp bake recipe that works equally well as a quick weeknight dinner, a low-carb protein for meal prep, or an appetizer for a backyard cookout. Once you try this old bay shrimp recipe oven method, you may never boil shrimp again.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good rimmed baking sheet helps the shrimp roast evenly instead of steaming, and using genuine Old Bay seasoning (rather than a generic seafood blend) is what gives this dish its signature flavor. These are the products that genuinely help this recipe shine:
The Secret to Perfectly Roasted Shrimp
The biggest mistake people make with shrimp recipes with Old Bay is overcrowding the pan. Shrimp release a surprising amount of liquid as they cook, and if they are packed too tightly, that liquid pools and the shrimp end up steamed and rubbery instead of roasted and slightly caramelized at the edges.
Here is what makes this recipe foolproof:
- Dry shrimp first. Patting them dry with paper towels helps the seasoning stick and encourages better browning.
- High heat, short time. A 425 degree oven cooks shrimp fast, which keeps them tender.
- Single layer, always. Give each shrimp its own space on the sheet pan.
Chef's Tip: Watch the shrimp closely during the last two minutes of roasting. Shrimp go from perfectly juicy to overcooked and tough in a matter of moments, so pull them the second they turn pink and opaque.
A Simple, Bold Seasoning Blend
What sets this dish apart from other shrimp Old Bay recipes is the butter and garlic base. Melted butter mixed with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a generous two tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning creates a sauce that clings to every piece of shrimp. The butter mellows the spice just enough while the lemon brightens everything up.
If you love shrimp recipes Old Bay seasoning style but want to switch things up, this same sauce works beautifully brushed onto shrimp skewers on the grill, or tossed with baby potatoes and corn for a full Old Bay bake.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step by step recipe:
Old Bay Roasted Shrimp
Old Bay roasted shrimp is a juicy, spicy-savory dinner ready in under 20 minutes, made with butter, garlic, and plenty of Old Bay seasoning for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning, plus more for sprinkling
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced, plus wedges for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt, to taste
Instruction
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping.
Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and just curled into a C shape.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with a little extra Old Bay if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This Old Bay seasoning shrimp dish is incredibly versatile at the table. Serve it:
- Piled over garlic butter rice or creamy grits
- Tucked into a toasted roll with a squeeze of lemon for an Old Bay shrimp roll
- Alongside corn on the cob and coleslaw for a low-key seafood boil vibe, minus the boiling
- Chilled over greens the next day for a fast Old Bay shrimp salad
Storage and Reheating
Leftover shrimp keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Because shrimp can turn rubbery when reheated, a quick minute or two in a warm skillet is gentler than the microwave. Honestly, this roasted shrimp is just as delicious served cold straight from the fridge, so do not be afraid to make a double batch for easy lunches all week.
