Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While fresh or raw frozen shrimp work best, you can use pre-cooked in a pinch. Just toss them in the marinade and warm them in the oven for only 2-3 minutes - just enough to heat through without overcooking.

What's the best way to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for three signs: they turn from translucent gray to opaque pink, they curl into a loose "C" shape (not a tight "O" which means they're overcooked), and they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. I often thaw frozen shrimp by placing them in a colander under cold running water for about 5 minutes.

What sides go well with this shrimp dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try it with roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, garlic bread, steamed rice, or a side of pasta tossed with a bit of the sauce.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe

Name: Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, deshelled, deveined + tails left on; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 large lemon, juiced (about 2 tbs); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbs honey; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp Italian herb blend; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

This zesty Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is a seafood lover’s dream come true! Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines the bright punch of lemon with savory garlic and the nutty richness of parmesan cheese. The shrimp come out perfectly tender with a mouthwatering sauce that’s so good you’ll want to soak up every last drop. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to table in just 15 minutes – even faster than ordering takeout!
Restaurant Quality: These shrimp taste like something from a fancy seafood restaurant, but you’ll make them for a fraction of the cost.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or even tossed with pasta for a more substantial meal.
Minimal Cleanup: One baking sheet and one mixing bowl means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: The star of the show! Keep the tails on for a beautiful presentation and easier handling as finger food. Fresh or thawed frozen both work wonderfully.
Olive Oil: Creates the base for our marinade and helps the shrimp roast to perfection. Use a good quality one for the best flavor.
Lemon: Provides that fresh, zippy brightness that makes the dish sing. Both the juice and some zest work wonders here.
Garlic: Absolutely essential for that aromatic punch. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch when you’re really pressed for time.
Honey: Just a touch adds the perfect balance of sweetness against the tangy lemon and savory garlic.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the finished dish.
Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without the texture of actual onions.
Italian Herb Blend: A convenient way to add multiple herbs in one go – typically contains oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Salt and Pepper: Season to your preference – remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor and texture. It creates a slightly crispy, savory coating on the shrimp.
Fresh Parsley: Not just a pretty garnish – it adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade for those who enjoy some heat.

Buttery Version

Replace half the olive oil with melted butter for an even richer flavor profile.

Herb Swap

Try fresh dill or basil instead of parsley for a different aromatic direction.

Lemon Lover’s Dream

Add some lemon zest to the marinade for an extra citrusy punch.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Magical Marinade

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, paprika, onion powder, Italian herb blend, salt, and pepper. After tasting and adjusting the seasonings, stir in the grated parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp (But Save Most of the Sauce!)

This is crucial – only use ONE-THIRD of your marinade to coat the shrimp. Toss the shrimp in this portion until they’re evenly coated. Reserve the remaining two-thirds of the sauce for dipping later.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Spread the coated shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded so they cook evenly. Roast for 6-8 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the roasted shrimp with freshly chopped parsley and arrange some lemon wedges on the side. Serve with the reserved sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly – it’s better to check them a minute early than let them go too long and become rubbery.
Room Temperature: Let the shrimp sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking for more even roasting.
Pat Dry: Always pat your shrimp dry with paper towels before adding the marinade – this helps the coating stick better and prevents steaming.
Shell Strategy: Leaving the tails on makes for prettier presentation and gives you a handle for dipping, but you can remove them completely if serving to kids or in a pasta dish.
Quality Matters: Since this recipe has few ingredients, use the best quality you can afford – especially for the parmesan cheese and olive oil.

How to Serve

As an Appetizer

Arrange on a platter with the dipping sauce in a small bowl in the center, surrounded by lemon wedges and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Make It a Meal

Serve over angel hair pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes it complete.

Perfect Pairings

These shrimp go beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light beer.

Family Style

Place the entire sheet pan in the center of the table (on a trivet) for a casual, fun dinner where everyone helps themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the sauce separately to prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy.

Freezing

These shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the uncooked marinated shrimp for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through – about 1-2 minutes. Microwaving tends to make them tough, but if you must microwave, use 50% power in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

While fresh or raw frozen shrimp work best, you can use pre-cooked in a pinch. Just toss them in the marinade and warm them in the oven for only 2-3 minutes – just enough to heat through without overcooking.
What’s the best way to tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for three signs: they turn from translucent gray to opaque pink, they curl into a loose “C” shape (not a tight “O” which means they’re overcooked), and they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I make this recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. I often thaw frozen shrimp by placing them in a colander under cold running water for about 5 minutes.
What sides go well with this shrimp dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try it with roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, garlic bread, steamed rice, or a side of pasta tossed with a bit of the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe transforms just a handful of ingredients into something truly special in minutes. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes that’s impressive enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night. The bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory parmesan create a flavor combination that’s irresistible, and that dipping sauce? You might want to make extra—trust me on this! Give it a try next time you need a quick but delicious dinner win.