Spicy Roasted Shrimp Recipe

Table of Contents

Description

Spicy Roasted Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a light meal, appetizer, or topping for salads and tacos. With a blend of bold spices and a hint of citrus, these shrimp are roasted to perfection in under 15 minutes, making them a go-to for busy weeknights or party platters.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Juice of ½ lime
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

For Serving (Optional):

Extra lime wedges
Avocado slices
Cooked rice, pasta, or salad

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Coat Shrimp: Pour the seasoning mix over the shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
Roasting: Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Finishing Touch: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Serve: Serve immediately with rice, pasta, tacos, or over a fresh salad.

Notes

Shrimp Size Matters: Large shrimp (16/20 count per pound) work best for roasting. If using smaller shrimp, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Marination Option: For deeper flavor, let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes before roasting.
Air Fryer Alternative: Cook shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 6-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for the Best Spicy Roasted Shrimp

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked. Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Adjust Heat Levels: Reduce or increase cayenne/red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance.
Add a Sweet Kick: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup before roasting balances the heat beautifully.
Use Fresh Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 4
Per Serving:

Calories: 150
Protein: 22g
Carbs: 1g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 500mg

Health Benefits of Spicy Roasted Shrimp

High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.
Low in Calories: Perfect for weight management.
Rich in Omega-3s: Promotes heart and brain health.
Boosts Metabolism: Spices like cayenne pepper enhance calorie burning.
Packed with Antioxidants: Shrimp contain astaxanthin, which helps reduce inflammation.

Q&A

Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

A: Pre-cooked shrimp can be used but should only be warmed up for 2-3 minutes in the oven or skillet to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: It’s best fresh, but you can marinate the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting.

Q: What can I pair with spicy roasted shrimp?

A: Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, tacos, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.

This Spicy Roasted Shrimp recipe is bold, quick, and perfect for any meal. Let me know if you’d like variations or serving ideas! 🍤🔥