This Brown Sugar Lime Baked Shrimp brings a sweet and tangy taste to your table! Juicy shrimp are coated with a rich blend of brown sugar and zesty lime, then baked until perfectly cooked.
You know what they say: shrimp on a salty beach! Just kidding! But these shrimp make a fabulous snack or dinner. Serve them up with rice for a meal that’ll impress without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: For this dish, large shrimp work best. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp is a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw them properly before use. I love using tail-on shrimp for presentation and ease when eating!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a wonderful sweetness and caramelization. If you’re out, you could substitute it with white sugar plus a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the flavor. Personally, I think the deep flavor of brown sugar is hard to beat!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is ideal for the best flavor. However, if you have bottled lime juice handy, it’s okay to use that too. Just use a bit less since it can be stronger. I often keep fresh limes on hand for various recipes, and they add a nice zesty touch.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a great crunch. If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work in a pinch. To amp up flavor, try mixing in some herbs or spices.
What’s the Best Way to Bake Shrimp Without Overcooking Them?
Baking shrimp is quick and easy, but it’s crucial to avoid overcooking them. Shrimp cook fast, so timing is key. Here are some tips to ensure they’re juicy:
- Preheat your oven properly to 400°F. This high heat helps cook the shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Bake them for only 8-10 minutes. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque; overcooking turns them rubbery.
- If you like a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes afterward, but watch them closely!
- Let them rest for a minute after coming out of the oven; they’ll cook slightly more from residual heat.
Brown Sugar Lime Baked Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a subtle smoky flavor)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 8-10 minutes for cooking. Plus, if you choose to broil the shrimp for an extra crunch, add just a couple more minutes to your cooking time. In total, you should have this delicious dish ready in around 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or you can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, freshly squeezed lime juice, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
Toss the shrimp in the bowl with the marinade, making sure each shrimp is evenly coated. This sweet and tangy sauce will make your shrimp so flavorful!
4. Add Crunch:
Next, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the shrimp and gently toss again to distribute them. The panko will give your shrimp a lovely crunchy top once baked.
5. Bake the Shrimp:
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. If you’d like a crispy finish, turn on the broiler for an extra 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro or parsley over the shrimp for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the shrimp.
Enjoy this easy and delicious baked shrimp dish over rice, with a refreshing salad, or as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or by running them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before marinating for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider adding some extra herbs or spices to add flavor and texture since panko offers a lighter crunch.
How Spicy Is This Dish?
The cayenne pepper adds a hint of heat, but you can easily adjust it to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the cayenne or omit it altogether. Alternatively, for more heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce in the marinade!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the marinade and coat the shrimp in advance! Just marinate the shrimp and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 1-2 hours before baking. This will enhance the flavors even more. When ready to bake, simply proceed with the cooking instructions.
