The Posh Prawns Baked Colossal Shrimp with Zesty LemonGarlic Butter

Baked Colossal Shrimp With Lemon Garlic Butter

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:11 Mins

Servings:4 main course servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Colossal Shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined, tail-on preferred)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, 1 stick)
• 4 cloves Fresh Garlic (finely minced)
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest (from 1 large lemon)
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 tsp Dried Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (flat-leaf, chopped)
• Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt (for finishing)

Instructions:

• Prep and Season the Shrimp: Thoroughly rinse the colossal shrimp and pat them aggressively dry. Toss the dried shrimp lightly with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt and the black pepper. Set aside.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to a hot 425°F (220°C).
• Construct the Lemon-Garlic Butter: Gently melt the 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, or use the microwave in short bursts. Do not allow the butter to brown.
• Infuse Flavour: Remove the butter from the heat. Whisk in the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Coat the Shrimp: Place the seasoned shrimp into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour approximately 3/4 of the prepared lemon-garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of sauce.
• Bake: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Check for Doneness: The shrimp are cooked when they curl into a gentle 'C' shape and turn opaque pink throughout (internal temperature 145°F/63°C). Immediately remove the dish from the oven.
• Finish and Serve: Drizzle the reserved 1/4 cup of fresh lemon-garlic butter over the hot shrimp. Garnish generously with the chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	795 kcal
Protein	9.3 g
Fat	7.7 g
Carbs	59.7 g
Fiber	13.0 g
Sodium	4296 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian-American

Elevate Your Dinner: Why This Baked Colossal Shrimp Recipe Shines

There are few dishes that deliver as much pure, luxurious flavour for such minimal effort as perfectly cooked seafood. This specific presentation—the Baked Colossal Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sau —is a showstopper that effortlessly transitions from a sophisticated weeknight meal to one of the most memorable Seafood Anniversary Dinner Ideas . By using the oven, we transform what can sometimes be a hectic stovetop production into a supremely reliable, hands-off experience. The colossal size of the shrimp is the key to achieving a truly plump and succulent bite, ensuring the resulting dish is rich, robust, and utterly satisfying.

The Scampi Secret: Transforming Classic Flavors for the Oven

This recipe draws its heritage from classic Italian-American Shrimp Scampi, yet we've streamlined the method by utilizing the steady heat of the oven rather than quick pan-sautéing. While traditional Lemon Butter Shrimp Recipes rely on speed and high heat on the range, baking provides a gentler, more uniform environment. This extended, even heat allows the magnificent Baked Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Butter sauce to fully infuse the prawns from the inside out. The result is consistently tender seafood bathed in a luxurious sauce base that is both pungent and bright, without the risk of accidentally steaming or over-reducing the critical butter element.

Effortless Entertaining: Achieving Indulgence Without the Faff

When hosting, the last thing you want is to be chained to the stove. This Colossal Shrimp Recipe minimizes active cooking, making it an ideal choice for entertaining. With just 20 minutes allocated for preparation—which primarily involves cleaning the prawns and mixing the zesty marinade—the dish is ready to enter the oven for a quick 10 to 12-minute blast. This Easy Baked Shrimp approach means you can spend less time flipping and stirring, and more time enjoying your company, confident that a truly indulgent meal is just moments away.

Essential Components for Perfect Baked Colossal Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sau

Achieving restaurant-quality results in this dish hinges entirely on the quality and preparation of the few core ingredients. Simplicity demands excellence, especially when focusing on a pure Lemon Garlic Seafood Dish .

Sourcing the 'Colossal': A Guide to Selecting the Best Prawns

The success of this recipe lies squarely on the shoulders of the prawns themselves. We specifically call for "colossal" shrimp, which corresponds to the U10 or U8 counts (meaning under 10 or under 8 pieces per pound, respectively).

This large size is crucial because it ensures the seafood has enough mass to withstand the oven's heat without quickly turning tough. Always select raw, deveined shrimp. While you can opt for tail-off, leaving the tail on provides better presentation and makes for a more elegant delivery when using this dish for special occasions.

The Role of Fat: Choosing Your Butter and Oil Blend

The sauce relies heavily on the quality of your dairy component. Use a full stick (8 tablespoons) of high-quality unsalted butter. Since the butter acts as the primary vehicle for the garlic and lemon flavours, choosing a high-fat European-style butter will yield a richer, more profound taste and texture for the finished sauce.

We gently melt the butter—taking care not to brown it—to create the perfect base for the aromatics.

Brightening the Sauce: Maximizing Fresh Lemon and Garlic Impact

To achieve that signature bright acidity and robust pungency, fresh ingredients are non-negotiable. We incorporate four cloves of finely minced fresh garlic and the zest and juice from a large lemon. The zest provides potent citrus oils, while the juice ensures the necessary acidity to cut through the richness of the butter.

A small measure of Dijon mustard is also whisked in; this acts as a crucial emufier, preventing the fat and liquid from separating too readily and adding a foundational depth that elevates the entire profile.

Tools of the Trade: Required Kitchen Equipment

You won’t need complex gear for this recipe. The most essential item is a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish or casserole dish. This size allows the colossal shrimp to be arranged in a critical single layer, which ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.

You’ll also need a microplane zester to capture the delicate lemon oils, and a sharp knife for mincing the garlic and parsley.

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Step-by-Step Mastery: How to Prepare and Bake Your Posh Prawns

Following these precise stages ensures a perfect outcome, transforming raw ingredients into a deeply flavourful meal in under 35 minutes.

Prepping the Colossal Shrimp: Shelling, Cleaning, and Butterfly Techniques

Start by rinsing your two pounds of colossal shrimp thoroughly. The most crucial step here is aggressive drying: use kitchen paper to pat the prawns until they are bone-dry. Any residual moisture will cause the shrimp to steam in the oven instead of baking nicely. Once dry, toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Preheat your oven to a piping hot 425° F ( 220° C) while you prepare the marinade.

Mixing the Zesty Butter Marinade: Getting Maximum Flavor Saturation

Gently melt the 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, either over very low heat or in short microwave bursts, ensuring it remains clear and doesn't brown. Remove from heat immediately and whisk in the minced fresh garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, the teaspoon of Dijon, and the optional red pepper flakes.

Crucially, pour approximately three-quarters of this liquid gold over the seasoned shrimp in the baking dish, coating every piece thoroughly. The remaining quarter cup of butter mixture must be reserved for the finishing step—this is a key technique for maintaining peak flavour intensity.

The Optimal Oven Temperature and Timing for Succulence

Arrange the butter-coated shrimp in a single, even layer in your prepared baking dish. Place the dish into the preheated 425° F oven. The total cook time required for large, colossal shrimp is a swift 10 to 12 minutes. The high temperature ensures a quick cook, minimizing the window for drying out. The shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn an opaque pink and curl into a soft 'C' shape. Avoid letting them form a tight 'O', which is the tell-tale sign of a dry, rubbery texture. If you prefer a faster finish with slightly higher caramelization, this high-heat method works similarly to Easy Broiled Lemon Garlic Shrimp .

Finishing Touches: Garnish and Immediate Serving Suggestions

As soon as the shrimp exit the oven, while they are still sizzling, retrieve the reserved raw lemon-garlic butter sauce. Drizzle this remaining 1/4 cup of fresh, vibrant mixture over the hot shrimp. This cold dressing hits the hot dish, creating a fantastic burst of fresh lemon and raw garlic flavour that would otherwise be muted by baking.

Garnish generously with the chopped fresh parsley and a final pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately while the sauce is still piping hot, ready to be soaked up.

Maximizing Flavor and Versatility: Expert Tips and Serving Ideas

Troubleshooting Dry Shrimp: Preventing Overcooking in the Oven

The most common pitfall when cooking seafood is overcooking. To ensure the prawns remain succulent and juicy, strictly adhere to the 10-to-12-minute window and pull the dish promptly. If you are ever in doubt, use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should register 145° F ( 63° C). If you substitute the colossal prawns with smaller, standard jumbo shrimp, reduce the cooking time immediately to 6- 8 minutes, as their smaller size requires much less time. For consistently perfect results, regardless of size, remember the "dry shrimp rule" before seasoning.

Creative Variations: Swapping Herbs and Adding a Spicy Kick

While the pure Broiled Shrimp With Lemon and garlic profile is classic, this recipe is highly adaptable. For a spicy version, stir 1/4 teaspoon of dried red pepper flakes directly into the butter sauce, or for deeper, smokier heat, use a tablespoon of finely chopped Calabrian chili paste. To alter the herb profile, try swapping the parsley for a blend of fresh dill and chives, giving the Baked Colossal Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sau a clean, Scandinavian flavour note. For a truly elevated finish, just before the final two minutes of cooking, pour 1/4 cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) over the dish and let it bubble and reduce slightly.

What to Serve Alongside Baked Colossal Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Because the lemon-garlic butter sauce is so incredible, you absolutely need a vehicle to mop up every last drop. A rustic, crusty loaf of sourdough or baguette is essential. For a complementary side dish, consider the richness of the butter sauce and pair it with something light and contrasting, such as a vibrant lemon and parmesan risotto, or a simple, sharp arugula salad tossed in a vinaigrette to cut the fat.

Storage and Reheating Protocol for Leftovers

Seafood is best enjoyed immediately upon baking. If you do have leftovers, transfer them promptly to an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than two days. Reheating shrimp can be tricky as it often leads to a rubbery texture. To minimize this, reheat the shrimp very gently in a covered baking dish at a low temperature (around 300° F/ 150° C), adding a tablespoon of chicken stock or water to generate steam and keep the seafood moist.

Nutritional Breakdown: Tracking Macros for This Low-Carb Dish

For those monitoring intake, this dish is a fantastic option. Based on four generous servings, this preparation is naturally very low in carbohydrates, clocking in at an estimated 3 to 5 grams total.

It offers an excellent source of lean protein (35 to 40 grams) and is high in healthy fats (22 to 28 grams), making it highly suitable for keto or other low-carb eating plans without compromising on flavour or indulgence.