Tray of broiled whole shrimp garnished with lemon and herbs

Quick & Easy Broiled Whole Shrimp - A Flavorful Seafood Delight

Quick & Easy Broiled Whole Shrimp - A Flavorful Seafood Delight
easystar
10 mintime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories180kcal

Carbs2gram

Fat6gram

Protein22gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Whole raw shrimp, shell-on and deveined (about medium size) - look for fresh, firm shrimp with a mild sea smell.500 g
  • Olive oil - choose extra virgin for best flavor.2 tbsp
  • Garlic, minced - fresh for best aroma and taste.3 cloves
  • Paprika - for a smoky, mild spice flavor.1 tsp
  • Salt - preferably sea salt or kosher salt.1 tsp
  • Black pepper, freshly ground.0.5 tsp
  • Lemon, cut into wedges for serving.1 piece

This Quick & Easy Broiled Whole Shrimp recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to prepare a delicious seafood dish fast and with minimal fuss. The whole shrimp are broiled to perfection, locking in their natural sweetness while achieving a light char for extra flavor. With common kitchen ingredients and tools, anyone can master this recipe. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD / €9 / £8 / ₹820. Each serving contains roughly 180 calories, making it a light, protein-rich option suitable for most diets including low-carb and keto. The recipe difficulty is easy, with a total cook time of around 15 minutes.

Preparation instructions

Preheat the broiler

1Position your oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high. This ensures the shrimp cook quickly and evenly with a lovely char.

Prepare the shrimp

2Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Keeping shrimp dry helps them broil better and develop a nicely browned surface.

Make the marinade

3In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine the flavors.

Coat the shrimp

4Add the shrimp to the marinade bowl and toss gently until all shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoned oil. This will infuse flavor and prevent sticking.

Arrange shrimp on a baking tray

5Place shrimp in a single layer on a foil-lined baking tray or broiler pan, shells side down. The foil helps with clean-up and broils the shrimp evenly.

Broil the shrimp

6Put the tray under the preheated broiler and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until the shrimp start turning pink and slightly charred at edges.

Flip the shrimp and finish broiling

7Use tongs to flip the shrimp over carefully and broil for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully opaque, curl into a loose 'C' shape, and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). This is the safe minimum temperature for seafood.

Remove and serve

8Remove the shrimp from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over. Enjoy the fresh, smoky, and succulent shrimp! Remember to discard any shrimp that do not reach the safe internal temperature or do not look fully cooked.

Cooking Tips

1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards when handling raw shrimp and other foods.

2If you prefer, you can peel the shrimp after broiling to enjoy the fully cooked shrimp meat with ease.

3For extra tenderness, do not overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery quickly.

4Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade adds a nice mild heat.

5Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure shrimp are safely cooked.

Equipment Needed

  • Oven with broiler setting
  • Broiler pan or baking tray
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer (recommended for food safety)
  • Knife and cutting board

Shopping List

  • [ ] Whole raw shrimp, fresh or thawed (~$8). Choose fresh shrimp with firm texture and no strong fishy smell.
  • [ ] Olive oil (~$0.50). Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor.
  • [ ] Garlic (~$0.30). Fresh garlic cloves add the best aroma.
  • [ ] Paprika (~$0.10). You can find this in the spice aisle.
  • [ ] Salt (~$0.05). Sea salt or kosher salt preferred.
  • [ ] Black pepper (~$0.05). Freshly ground is more flavorful.
  • [ ] Lemon (~$0.50). Fresh lemons for squeezing over the shrimp.
  • Total approximate cost: $10

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for broiling?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp but be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating and broiling for best results.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink, curl into a loose 'C' shape, and reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). Overcooking results in rubbery shrimp.

Is it necessary to leave the shell on the shrimp?

Cooking shrimp with the shell on helps retain moisture and flavor. You can peel them after cooking if you prefer.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Herbs like parsley or spices like chili flakes can enhance the flavor according to your taste.