Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

It’s one of those weeknights where the thought of cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest, right? But hunger pangs are real, and takeout feels… well, predictable. That’s when this Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn recipe swoops in like a culinary superhero. Seriously, my family devoured this dish. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, was happily munching on the sweet corn and succulent shrimp, all coated in that glorious garlic butter sauce. The aroma alone while it’s baking is enough to make your mouth water, and the ease of cleanup? Let’s just say my sink thanked me. This recipe has become a staple in our house because it’s quick, flavorful, and requires minimal effort – perfect for those busy evenings when you crave a delicious and healthy meal without the fuss.

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

• Shrimp: 2 pounds, large or jumbo, peeled and deveined. Choose shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time, or do it yourself. Frozen shrimp works perfectly; just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before using.
• Corn on the Cob: 4 ears, shucked and cut into 2-inch pieces. Fresh corn on the cob is best for its sweetness and texture. You can also use frozen corn kernels (about 4 cups) if fresh corn is not available, but fresh corn really elevates the dish.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), unsalted. Butter is the star of the garlic butter sauce, providing richness and flavor. Unsalted allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that pungent and aromatic garlic butter flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the finished dish. It also helps to balance the richness of the butter.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, adds acidity, and complements both the shrimp and the garlic butter. Freshly squeezed is always preferred for the best flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. Old Bay seasoning is a classic seafood spice blend that adds a savory and slightly spicy kick. It perfectly complements shrimp and corn.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile. Adjust to your preference or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
• Salt: To taste. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish. Season generously, but start with less and add more to taste after cooking.
• Black Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.

Instructions: Making Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

This recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a quick weekend meal. The beauty of a sheet pan dinner is that everything cooks together on one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor infusion. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious dish:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential to ensure the shrimp and corn cook evenly and don’t steam. While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Foil also works well, but parchment paper is generally preferred for non-stick properties. Using a large sheet pan is important to ensure the ingredients are spread out in a single layer, promoting even cooking and browning. If your sheet pan is too small, you may need to use two sheet pans or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
2. Prepare the Corn: If you are using fresh corn on the cob, shuck it by removing the husks and silks. Then, cut each ear of corn into approximately 2-inch pieces. This size is ideal for sheet pan cooking as it allows the corn to cook through without burning and provides bite-sized pieces for serving. If using frozen corn, ensure it is thawed slightly and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Excess moisture can prevent browning and lead to steamed corn instead of roasted corn.
3. Prepare the Shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a colander under cold running water or to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as dry shrimp will brown better and absorb the garlic butter sauce more effectively. If using shrimp with shells on, peel and devein them. To devein shrimp, use a small knife to make a shallow slit along the back and remove the dark vein.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. If using a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat to prevent burning. If using a microwave, melt it in short intervals (about 30 seconds at a time) to avoid splattering and overheating. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté the garlic in the melted butter for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will have a bitter taste. Stir in the Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice. The lemon juice will brighten the flavors and create a more complex sauce. Set the garlic butter sauce aside.
5. Assemble the Sheet Pan: In a large bowl, toss the corn pieces and shrimp with about two-thirds of the garlic butter sauce. Make sure the shrimp and corn are evenly coated with the sauce. This ensures that every piece is infused with the delicious garlic butter flavor during cooking. Reserve the remaining garlic butter sauce for drizzling over the cooked dish later.
6. Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Spread the sauced shrimp and corn in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the ingredients to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two sheet pans or cook in batches. Arrange the corn pieces and shrimp evenly across the pan to ensure even cooking.
7. Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the corn is tender and slightly caramelized. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the shrimp and your oven. Keep an eye on the shrimp and corn and check for doneness around the 12-minute mark. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery. They are done when they are pink and opaque throughout, and slightly curled. The corn should be tender and have some slightly browned edges.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and corn. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Parsley not only adds visual appeal but also a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the richness of the garlic butter. Serve immediately while hot. The aroma and flavors are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Nutrition Facts for Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

(Per Serving, approximate, based on 4 servings. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 35-45g

Note: These are estimated values and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands and measurements. This recipe is relatively high in protein and fat, primarily due to the shrimp and butter, and moderate in carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes. This includes thawing shrimp (if frozen), peeling and deveining shrimp (if necessary), shucking and cutting corn, mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and making the garlic butter sauce. The recipe is designed to be quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes. The actual baking time is relatively short, ensuring a fast and efficient meal.
• Total Time: Approximately 32-35 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this delicious and healthy meal on the table in just over half an hour. This quick preparation and cooking time makes it a fantastic option for when you need a fast and flavorful dinner.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

This versatile dish can be served in numerous ways to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Over Rice: Serve the garlic butter shrimp and corn over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The rice will soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce, making each bite incredibly delicious. This is a classic and satisfying way to enjoy the dish.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread, such as baguette slices, sourdough, or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce from the sheet pan. Toasted bread adds a nice textural contrast.
• As Tacos or Bowls: Spoon the shrimp and corn into warm tortillas for delicious tacos or create flavorful bowls with a base of rice or quinoa and add toppings like avocado, salsa, sour cream, or cilantro. This adds a fun and customizable element to the meal.
• Alongside a Salad: Pair with a light and refreshing salad, such as a simple green salad, a Caesar salad, or a tomato and cucumber salad. The salad will provide a healthy and contrasting element to the rich shrimp and corn.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roast other vegetables on the sheet pan alongside the shrimp and corn, or prepare a separate batch of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. This adds extra nutrients and fiber to the meal, creating a more balanced and wholesome dinner.
• As a Seafood Boil Style Meal: Serve it alongside boiled or grilled potatoes and sausage for a simplified seafood boil experience. This transforms the dish into a more substantial and festive meal, perfect for gatherings.
• With Pasta: Toss the garlic butter shrimp and corn with cooked pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti. The sauce will coat the pasta beautifully, creating a flavorful and satisfying pasta dish. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• As a Light Meal: For a lighter meal, simply enjoy the sheet pan garlic butter shrimp and corn on its own. It’s flavorful and satisfying enough to be enjoyed as is, especially if you’re looking for a lower-carb option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

To ensure your Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spacing is key for proper roasting. Overcrowding will cause the shrimp and corn to steam instead of roast, resulting in less flavor and less desirable texture. Use a large sheet pan or two sheet pans if necessary to spread the ingredients in a single layer.
2. Pat the Shrimp Dry: Excess moisture prevents browning. Patting the shrimp dry with paper towels before tossing them with the sauce is crucial for achieving that slightly caramelized and flavorful exterior. Dry shrimp also absorb the garlic butter sauce better.
3. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best garlic butter flavor. Garlic powder or pre-minced garlic in jars lacks the pungent aroma and fresh taste of freshly minced garlic.
4. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Cook just until they are pink and opaque, and slightly curled. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time.
5. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the garlic butter sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and red pepper flakes to your preference. Seasoning is personal, so feel free to customize it to your liking. You can also add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for different flavor profiles.
6. Use Quality Butter: Since butter is a prominent flavor in this dish, using good quality butter will make a noticeable difference. European-style butter with a higher fat content will result in a richer and more flavorful sauce.
7. Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. Add vegetables that cook in a similar time frame as shrimp and corn, or add them in stages based on their cooking times.
8. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For extra browning and caramelization, you can broil the sheet pan for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning, especially the garlic, which can burn quickly under the broiler. Broiling adds a nice crispy edge to the corn and shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn

Q1: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn on the cob?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen corn kernels. About 4 cups of frozen corn kernels is a good substitute for 4 ears of fresh corn. Make sure to thaw the frozen corn slightly and pat it dry to remove excess moisture before using it in the recipe. Fresh corn on the cob will provide a sweeter and slightly more tender texture, but frozen corn is a convenient and perfectly acceptable alternative.

Q2: Can I use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-peeled and deveined shrimp is a great time-saver, especially on busy weeknights. Just make sure to thaw them completely if frozen and pat them dry before cooking. You can find pre-peeled and deveined shrimp in the frozen seafood section of most grocery stores.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While this dish is best served fresh and hot right out of the oven, you can prepare some components ahead of time. You can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also chop the parsley and prepare the corn in advance. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp and corn just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Q4: Can I add other seasonings to the garlic butter sauce?
A: Yes, feel free to customize the garlic butter sauce to your taste! You can add other seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper for more heat, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or even a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor. Experiment to find your favorite flavor combinations.

Q5: What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning? What can I substitute?
A: If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can create a similar flavor profile by using a combination of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also use a seafood seasoning blend that is available in most grocery stores as a substitute.

Q6: Can I grill the shrimp and corn instead of baking?
A: Yes, grilling is a fantastic alternative! You can grill the corn directly on the grill grates, turning occasionally until tender and slightly charred. For the shrimp, you can thread them onto skewers to make grilling easier and prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill the shrimp skewers until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Toss the grilled corn and shrimp with the garlic butter sauce after grilling.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, as they can become rubbery when reheated. It’s often best to consume shrimp leftovers within a day or two for optimal quality.

Q8: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe spicier, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce, or include a finely chopped jalapeño pepper with the corn and shrimp before roasting. You can also serve it with a side of hot sauce for those who like extra heat.

This Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn recipe is truly a weeknight winner. It’s quick, easy, incredibly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the minimal prep to the simple cleanup, it checks all the boxes for a perfect family meal. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular in your rotation, just like it has in mine! Enjoy!

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