How to Prepare Tangy Lemon Herb Roasted Shrimp for Appetizers
Thinking of throwing a party or just want to jazz up your dinner with something delicious yet easy? You’re in luck because today, we’re diving into how to prepare tangy lemon herb roasted shrimp. This dish has everything: it’s quick to make, packed with flavors, and shrimp, being the star, is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner, a casual gathering, or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe is your go-to for a scrumptious appetizer. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (about 450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried dill if fresh is not available)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is perfect for getting our shrimp beautifully roasted and golden.
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Prep the Shrimp: Make sure your shrimp are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. If they’re frozen, let them thaw completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels. It’s crucial they’re not watery to ensure they roast nicely.
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The Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, red pepper flakes, and a bit of salt and pepper. The zest and herbs bring freshness, while the garlic and red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the shrimp.
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Toss the Shrimp: Add your shrimp to the bowl with the marinade. Gently toss them until they are all evenly coated. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes. While you might be tempted to let them marinate longer, keep in mind that the lemon juice can start ‘cooking’ the shrimp if left for too long.
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Line Your Baking Sheet: To make cleanup a breeze, line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This is optional but highly recommended.
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Roast: Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding them to ensure they roast evenly. Pop them into the preheated oven and roast for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are pink, firm, and cooked through.
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Serving: Once cooked, you can serve them hot right off the baking sheet or transfer them to a serving platter. A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice and a bit more zest before serving can add an extra burst of flavor. These shrimp make great appetizers on their own or can be paired with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Pro Tips:
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Size Matters: When selecting shrimp, size can impact cooking time. Larger shrimp might take a tad longer, so adjust accordingly.
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Make It Ahead: If you’re pressed for time, you can marinate the shrimp a couple of hours before the event and keep them in the fridge. Just make sure not to leave them marinating for too long because of the lemon juice.
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Get Creative with Herbs: While parsley and dill are great, feel free to experiment with other herbs like cilantro or thyme for a different flavor profile.
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Serving Ideas: These shrimp can be served on skewers for easy eating, or you can make a lovely shrimp cocktail platter by arranging them around a bowl of cocktail sauce.
This tangy lemon herb roasted shrimp recipe is a fantastic way to bring a burst of flavor and elegance to your appetizer spread. It’s simple, quick, and downright delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius without spending hours in the kitchen. So, next time you’re scratching your head thinking of what appetizer to make, give this shrimp recipe a try. Your guests will thank you, and your taste buds will rejoice. Bon Appétit!
