Baked Garlic Butter Shrimp in Foil Pan

Baking raw shrimp in a disposable aluminum foil pan is one of the easiest, most convenient ways to prepare a crowd-pleasing seafood dinner with virtually zero cleanup. Laying jumbo tail-on shrimp directly into the pan with a rich garlic butter drizzle, fragrant herbs, and spices creates a tender bite and a warm, buttery pan sauce perfect for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Foil Pan Method

Effortless Cleanup: Cooking directly in a disposable aluminum foil pan means zero scrubbing afterward—ideal for family gatherings, meal prep, or potlucks.
Built-in Dipping Sauce: The metallic pan conducts heat rapidly and pools the melted garlic butter, seafood juices, and herbs together for a rich sauce.
Quick & Hands-Off: Prep takes under 10 minutes before baking for just 12 to 15 minutes in a hot oven.

Structured Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Main Course / Seafood
Cuisine: American / Coastal
Cooking Method: High-Heat Baking (400°F / 200°C)

Ingredients & Flavor Architecture

The Seafood Layer

Large or Jumbo Raw Shrimp (2.5 to 3 pounds): Peeled and deveined with tails left intact (16/20 or 21/25 count). Leaving the tails on locks in flavor and makes for a great appetizer or party presentation.

The Garlic Butter Glaze

Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup / 1.5 sticks): Melted.
Fresh Minced Garlic (2.5 tablespoons / 8 to 10 cloves): Finely minced for a bold aromatic punch.
Fresh Lemon Juice (3 tablespoons): Adds a bright citrus acidity to cut through the rich butter.
Italian Seasoning or Cajun/Old Bay Spice (1.5 tablespoons): Provides a savory, seasoned herb crust.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds background warmth.
Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential base seasoning.

For Garnish

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Sprinkled over top after baking for fresh color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven and prep foil pan

Timing: 3 minutes

1.Preheat oven and prep foil pan:Timing: 3 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a large disposable aluminum foil pan onto a sturdy baking sheet for stability.

Whisk garlic butter mixture

Timing: 2 minutes

2.Whisk garlic butter mixture:Timing: 2 minutes.

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together 3/4 cup melted butter, 2.5 tablespoons minced garlic, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1.5 tablespoons seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper.

Arrange shrimp in foil pan

Timing: 3 minutes

3.Arrange shrimp in foil pan:Timing: 3 minutes.

Pat raw shrimp dry with paper towels. Arrange the shrimp in a single, slightly overlapping layer across the bottom of the aluminum foil pan.

Pour garlic butter glaze over shrimp

Timing: 1 minute

4.Pour garlic butter glaze over shrimp:Timing: 1 minute.

Pour the warm garlic butter mixture evenly over all the shrimp, ensuring every piece is well coated. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over top.

Bake until tender and opaque

Timing: 12 to 15 minutes

5.Bake until tender and opaque:Timing: 12 to 15 minutes.

Bake uncovered at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. The shrimp are perfectly cooked as soon as they turn pink, opaque white, and form a relaxed “C” shape.

Garnish and serve hot

Timing: 1 minute

6.Garnish and serve hot:Timing: 1 minute.

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately straight from the pan with lemon wedges and warm, crusty bread!

Pro Tips for Perfection

Pat Shrimp Dry: Always thoroughly dry raw shrimp with paper towels before placing them in the foil pan so the garlic butter glaze clings to the seafood instead of sliding off.
Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly in a 400°F oven. Pull them out as soon as they curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl tightly into an “O” shape, they are overcooked and can become rubbery.
Support the Foil Pan: Always place your aluminum foil pan on a solid baking sheet before sliding it into the oven for safe handling when liquid butter pools at the bottom.