Party Shrimp

Is it even a party if you’re not serving this party shrimp appetizer? This is my favorite recipe to serve when entertaining, as I can prep everything ahead of time and cook the shrimp in 5 minutes as guests arrive. Plus, they’re so delicious. I’ll share my foolproof trick to ensure they’re always tender and juicy .

I call these party shrimp because they are so easy to make for a party. A few minutes in the oven is all they need!

If there is one thing I despise in this world (yes, I’m being dramatic), it’s rubbery shrimp. Nothing is more disappointing than biting into shrimp to find them overcooked and chewy.

Shrimp tend to overcook easily, so I’ve created this foolproof party shrimp recipe to keep them from becoming rubbery. My party shrimp recipe uses a cooking method that locks in the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. It’s also so easy and crazy fast. Five minutes in a hot oven is all these guys need. Does cooking even count if it only takes 5 minutes?

Key ingredients

As far as easy shrimp appetizers go, this recipe is great because you don’t need much to make it shine. Just good quality shrimp and a handful of staple ingredients. Here is your shopping list:

Shrimp : I use 2 lb of tail-on, medium size shrimp. Look for certifications on the label, such as MSC or Ocean Wise, as these labels indicate that the shrimp have been sourced in a responsible way.
Other ingredients: Garlic cloves, salt, pepper, a lemon, butter, oil and minced parsley.
Garlic lemon mayonnaise: Lemon juice and zest, mayonnaise, minced chives, a garlic clove, and sea salt. To add a touch of heat, you could add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Adding the butter to the baking tray after cooking ensures it doesn’t burn.

A close up of shrimp on a platter for a party - 3

I usually serve these piled on a plate, as the shrimp tails make a natural handle. You can also serve them with toothpicks!

The secret to tender party shrimp

Shrimp are notorious for overcooking quickly – blink once, and they’ll go from tender and juicy to rubbery and chewy. The secret is to leave the skillet in the cupboard and let the broiler do the work for you. Broiling them for just five minutes (and no more) cooks them beautifully without risking overcooking. The shrimp will cook for a minute or two after you take them out of the oven, so be careful not to overcook them. Set a timer for five minutes before you put them under the broiler, and keep an eye on them. When they’re cooked, the shrimp turn pink and become firm. Take them out of the oven when the timer goes off, and they’ll be perfectly tender!

Serving ideas

I like to keep things casual and place shrimp on a large plate with the dip on the side, and sprinkle some minced parsley or basil overtop. The prawn tails make natural handles so this recipe is ideal for finger food style appys. Just place out a small dish for people to pop the tails into, and you’re good!
But if you want a prettier presentation, you could use skewers, toothpicks, or little forks. Or, use them to make shrimp cocktail.
Or turn them into the main course by serving them over pasta tossed in all the delicious lemony garlic butter. ← You should definitely try this!

Party Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

Baked Party Shrimp

▢ 2 lb tail-on shrimp
▢ 2 tablespoons oil
▢ 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
▢ ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
▢ 1 lemon (cut into thick slices – zest the lemon first and reserve one slice for the mayo)
▢ 2 tablespoons butter
▢ Minced parsley and extra pepper (to garnish)

Garlic Lemon Mayonnaise

▢ ¼ cup mayonnaise
▢ Zest from 1 lemon
▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice (use the one slice of lemon you set aside)
▢ 1 tablespoon minced chives
▢ 1 small garlic clove (finely minced)
▢ 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions

Dry the shrimp with some paper towel and place them in a medium-sized bowl. Add the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate while you make the mayonnaise and heat your oven. 2 lb tail-on shrimp, 2 tablespoons oil, 4 cloves garlic, ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to broil. Place an oven rack at the very top of your oven.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic lemon mayonnaise ingredients. ¼ cup mayonnaise, Zest from 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon minced chives, 1 small garlic clove, 1 pinch sea salt
Transfer the shrimp to a large baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Add the lemon slices to the pan. Broil the shrimp for 5 minutes (no more!) then remove them from the oven and immediately add the butter to the tray. Let it melt then squeeze the warm lemon slices over top. 2 tablespoons butter
Sprinkle with some parsley and extra pepper and move them to a serving plate. Serve with the dipping sauce on the side. 1 lemon, Minced parsley and extra pepper

Notes

Nutrition

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .

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I like adding some parsley for color and fresh cracked pepper before serving. For a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of chili flakes!

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