If you’re looking for an easy seafood dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Corn Bake is the perfect recipe. Juicy shrimp are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with Cajun seasoning, paprika, lemon, and herbs, then baked alongside sweet corn until everything is tender and delicious. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, summer gatherings, potlucks, or weekend meals. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort and is ready in about 30 minutes.
Seafood recipes like this are popular because they combine high-protein ingredients, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables into one satisfying dish. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, while the buttery garlic sauce creates an irresistible combination that pairs well with rice, pasta, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional)
- 4 ears corn, cut into thirds
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or disposable aluminum tray.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a bowl combine:
- Melted butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Cajun seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
Whisk until everything is fully combined.
Step 3: Season the Ingredients
Place the shrimp and corn into the baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture over everything and gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and the corn is tender.
Step 5: Garnish
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic butter shrimp bake pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Buttered noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Coleslaw
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery.
- Fresh garlic provides much better flavor than garlic powder.
- Add sliced sausage or baby potatoes for a seafood boil variation.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese before serving for extra richness.
- Use fresh parsley for the brightest flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy spicy seafood.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to keep the shrimp tender.
Freezing is not recommended because shrimp can become chewy after thawing.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the sweetness of corn with tender, juicy shrimp and a bold garlic butter sauce that’s loaded with Cajun-inspired spices. It’s a one-pan meal that looks impressive enough for guests but is simple enough for beginners. Because shrimp cooks so quickly, this recipe is perfect when you need a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
It’s also a fantastic option for anyone looking for high-protein dinner recipes, healthy seafood meals, or easy weeknight dinners. Pair it with your favorite side dish, and you’ll have a complete meal that tastes like it came from a seafood restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Reduce the Cajun seasoning or substitute it with paprika and Italian herbs.
What vegetables can I add?
Bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, and baby potatoes work wonderfully.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes. Wrap everything in heavy-duty foil and grill for about 12–15 minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Without the corn, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything up to 8 hours ahead, refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
What shrimp size works best?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy during baking.
Can I substitute butter?
Yes. Olive oil works well for a lighter version, though butter provides the richest flavor.
