15-Minute Roasted Old Bay Shrimp

Prep: 5 minCook: 10 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Roasted Old Bay Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon

Succulent shell-on shrimp roasted with aromatic garlic and the iconic Old Bay seasoning blend of celery salt, paprika, and spices. The high-heat roasting method creates perfectly tender shrimp with slightly caramelized edges in just minutes. Roasted lemon halves provide bright, concentrated citrus juice to finish. This effortless seafood dish works beautifully as an appetizer for parties, a quick weeknight dinner, or part of a coastal-inspired spread. The shells help retain moisture while infusing extra flavor.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound large shell-on shrimp, deveined
    peeled large shrimp1:1convenient

    Easier to eat but may dry out faster

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
    cajun seasoning1:1spicy

    Similar spice blend with more heat

    Full guide →
  • 2 lemons, halved(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

  2. 2

    Place the shrimp on a lightly greased baking sheet and toss with olive oil and minced garlic

  3. 3

    Sprinkle evenly with the seasoning and arrange the shrimp in a single layer

  4. 4

    Place the lemon halves on the baking sheet if using

  5. 5

    Bake the shrimp for 8-10 minutes or until just pink and opaque throughout

  6. 6

    Remove from oven

  7. 7

    Carefully squeeze baked lemon halves over shrimp for garnish

Tips

Tip 1

Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be just pink and opaque, as they'll continue cooking slightly from residual heat after removing from oven.

Tip 2

Leave shells on during roasting to prevent the shrimp from drying out and to add extra flavor to the dish.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked shrimp for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Make Ahead

Can prep shrimp with oil, garlic, and seasoning up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to roast.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot with cocktail sauce, remoulade, or simply with the roasted lemon juice.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan or shrimp will steam instead of roast.

Watch

Don't skip deveining the shrimp to avoid gritty texture.

Substitutions

Old Bay seasoning
cajun seasoning1:1spicy

Similar spice blend with more heat

Full guide →
large shell-on shrimp
peeled large shrimp1:1convenient

Easier to eat but may dry out faster

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture that could make them steam instead of roast properly.

What if I don't have Old Bay seasoning?

Mix together paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne as a substitute, or use any seafood seasoning blend you prefer.

How long will leftover roasted shrimp keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They're best eaten within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.