Shrimp dishes often lean toward the familiar, garlic butter, lemon, maybe a touch of chili, but when you want something a little more adventurous, Baked Shrimp with Baharat is the answer. This aromatic, spiced dish is quick to prepare, full of bold flavor, and brings the warmth of Middle Eastern cooking into your kitchen in the most inviting way.
Baharat, a fragrant spice blend used throughout the Middle East, is the star here. While its exact mix can vary by region, it usually includes black pepper, paprika, cardamom, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. The result? A beautifully balanced seasoning that’s earthy, slightly sweet, and deeply savory. When tossed with shrimp and baked until just tender, baharat adds a depth of flavor that transforms a simple protein into something special.
This dish comes together with minimal effort. The shrimp marinate briefly in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and the baharat blend before being baked in a hot oven. In just 10–12 minutes, they emerge juicy, tender, and infused with warm, spiced flavor. The smell alone is enough to make you hungry before it even hits the table.
Serve the shrimp over a bed of couscous, rice, or with warm flatbread to soak up the juices. Add a side of cucumber yogurt or a simple tomato salad for a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, the versatility of this dish makes it a fantastic choice.
Baked Shrimp with Baharat feels like something you’d discover in a cozy seaside café or a bustling spice market, yet it’s made with everyday ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s an easy way to explore new flavors, spice up your dinner rotation, and bring a touch of culinary adventure to your table, no passport required.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (450g) , peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Baharat spice blend
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 Lemon sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, Baharat spice blend, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well coated.
- Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place lemon slices on top of the shrimp.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Too many steps for shrimp. Just grill them, why complicate things?
Grilling is easier, I agree! But like, baking can make it fancy. Not my style tho.
I get what you mean, but sometimes a little flavor makes it worth it! This recipe sounds yummy.
Yum! Quick and delicious. I added some garlic, made it better!
Baharat? What is that? I used Italian seasoning instead and it tasted fine!
Never heard of baharat, sounds fancy! Italian seasoning works too, who cares if it’s not traditional? Food is all about what you like, right?
Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice mix! It’s really nice for flavor. But hey, as long as your dish turned out good with Italian seasoning, that’s what matters! 👍
Super easy and quick! My kids devoured it! 😊 Will definitely make it again!
Shrimp is nice, but I prefer it grilled. This was okay, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.
Decent but I didn’t have Baharat. Just used regular spices and it was okay. Could be better.
I don’t know about this. Baharat? Is that the same as garam masala? I think I’ll just stick to my old recipe.
My family loved it! Never heard of Baharat before, but I’ll definitely use it more often! ❤️
I’m glad your family enjoyed it! Baharat really adds a unique flavor, doesn’t it? 😊
I dunno, my shrimp got kinda rubbery. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not so great.
This recipe was so easy and delicious! The Baharat really adds a unique flavor! Definitely making it again.
I can’t believe how simple this was! Made it last night and my family loved it! Thanks for sharing! 👍
I love it! Quick dinner and everyone at home loved it too. My kids ask for shrimp all the time now.
This recipe was just amazing! The spices really brought the shrimp to life. Definitely making it again!
It was ok, but I think shrimp taste better in pasta? Not sure about this spice mix thing.
I’m glad you loved it! Baharat spices are so unique. I never thought of using them on shrimp but now I will!
Lemon slices were a nice touch, but I prefer my shrimp spicy! Needs more kick!
This dish is AMAZING! The Baharat really takes the shrimp to the next level. Yum!
I tried it but I found it a bit too salty. Maybe I overdid it with the salt?
Ok but like can you actually use any shrimp? What if they frozen?
Baked shrimp? Sounds weird to me. I usually fry them. Anyone else feel that way?
Baked shrimp is actually delicious! You gotta try it with the spices, it really brings out the flavor. Trust me!
Lemon slices? I thought we were puttin on lime. Confused me a bit but still tasted all right.