Shrimp is a tasty and versatile seafood that can be used in many different dishes.
From quick weeknight dinners to fancy party appetizers, there’s a shrimp recipe for every occasion.
You’ll find plenty of options to try, whether you prefer spicy, savory, or mild flavors.
These 31+ shrimp recipes will give you new ideas for cooking this popular shellfish.
You’ll discover easy ways to prepare shrimp that are full of flavor but don’t take much time.
The recipes include classic favorites as well as creative new twists.
Get ready to add some delicious shrimp meals to your regular cooking lineup.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests.
To make this dish, you’ll need shrimp, garlic, butter, and some basic seasonings.
Choose medium or large shrimp, about 31-40 per pound. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first.
Start by cleaning and drying the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for a few minutes until they turn pink.
Add minced garlic to the pan for extra flavor. The result is juicy shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty touch.
2. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty meal you can make in just 15 minutes. It combines juicy shrimp with a flavorful sauce of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice.
To make shrimp scampi, start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the shrimp until they turn pink.
Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté briefly. Pour in some dry white wine and let it simmer.
Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
Serve your shrimp scampi over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
3. Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw
Shrimp tacos with lime slaw are a tasty and quick meal. You can make them in about 30 minutes. The slaw adds great texture and flavor to the tacos.
For the shrimp, season them with lime zest, salt, and pepper. Grill or cook them in a pan until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 4 minutes.
To make the slaw, mix shredded cabbage with a creamy cilantro lime sauce. You can use yogurt or mayo as the base. Add some fresh cilantro and lime juice for extra zest.
When you’re ready to eat, warm up some corn tortillas.
Put the slaw on first, then add the cooked shrimp. Top with sliced avocado, red onion, and jalapeño if you like it spicy.
4. Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Coconut shrimp is a tasty appetizer that brings tropical flavors to your plate. You coat jumbo shrimp in a crispy layer of sweetened coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs.
To make the dish, dredge the shrimp in flour, dip in beer batter, and then coat with the coconut mixture. Bake or fry until golden brown.
The mango dipping sauce adds a perfect sweet and tangy complement. Blend mango, BBQ sauce, honey, and lime juice for a smooth, flavorful sauce.
This dish is great for parties or as a fun weeknight dinner. The crispy texture and tropical taste will transport you to a beachside paradise.
5. Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that combines creamy grits with savory shrimp.
To make it, you’ll cook stone-ground grits until soft and add butter and cheese for richness.
For the shrimp, you can sauté them with bacon, garlic, and bell peppers. Some recipes include sausage for extra flavor. Season the shrimp with Cajun spices or old bay seasoning.
This comforting meal takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
You can use wild or farmed shrimp based on what’s available. Serve it hot, garnished with green onions and a dash of hot sauce if you like spice.
6. Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Pesto shrimp pasta combines two beloved ingredients into one tasty dish. You’ll need spaghetti or linguine, large shrimp, and a flavorful pesto sauce.
To make the pesto, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and olive oil until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse to mix.
Cook the pasta according to package directions.
While it cooks, sauté the shrimp in olive oil and butter with garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce and sautéed shrimp. For extra flavor, add some steamed asparagus or top with toasted breadcrumbs.
This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
7. Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies.
To make it, start by cooking shrimp in a mix of olive and sesame oils. Add garlic for extra flavor. Then toss in frozen peas, carrots, and corn.
Beat some eggs and scramble them in the pan. Mix in cooked rice, soy sauce, and any other seasonings you like. Stir everything together until it’s heated through.
You can customize this dish easily.
Try adding different vegetables or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
It’s a flexible recipe that lets you use what you have on hand.
8. Honey Garlic Shrimp
Honey garlic shrimp is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 20 minutes. The dish features juicy shrimp coated in a sweet and savory sauce with garlic flavors.
You’ll need shrimp, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic for this recipe. Large shrimp (31-40 count per pound) work well, but you can use any size.
To make the dish, marinate the shrimp briefly in a mixture that becomes the sauce. Then cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes on the stove.
This recipe is versatile and can fit different diets.
It’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. The dish is also dairy-free and high in protein.
9. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a popular dish that doesn’t actually involve barbecue. Instead, it features shrimp cooked in a flavorful butter sauce.
The sauce typically includes garlic, herbs, and spices like thyme, basil, and oregano. Lemon juice adds brightness to the rich, buttery flavor.
You can use large, shell-on shrimp for this recipe. The shells help protect the shrimp from overcooking and add extra flavor to the sauce.
Serve this dish with plenty of crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
It’s perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
10. Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
A shrimp po’boy is a classic New Orleans sandwich you’ll love.
Start with crispy fried shrimp. Coat them in a mix of flour, cornmeal, and Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Place the fried shrimp on a French bread roll. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles for crunch. Top it off with a zesty remoulade sauce.
To make the sauce, mix mayo, mustard, capers, hot sauce, and lemon juice. Add some horseradish and Worcestershire sauce for kick. Spread this on your sandwich for the perfect finish.
Serve your shrimp po’boy hot and enjoy the mix of textures and flavors.
It’s a tasty meal that brings the taste of Louisiana right to your plate.
11. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
Lemon herb grilled shrimp is a tasty and easy dish. You’ll love the bright, fresh flavors.
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, and paprika for extra flavor.
Pat the shrimp dry and toss them in the mixture. Let them marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers if you like.
Grill the shrimp for just a few minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
12. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Shrimp and avocado salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. You can make it easily with cooked shrimp, ripe avocados, and crisp lettuce.
Mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce for a tasty dressing. Add chopped chives or cilantro for extra flavor.
Gently toss the shrimp with the dressing. Cut avocados into chunks and add them to the mixture. Be careful not to mash the avocados.
Serve the salad over lettuce leaves or in lettuce cups for a nice presentation. Add a squeeze of lime juice before eating to brighten the flavors.
This salad is great for lunch or as a light dinner.
You can make it ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
13. Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular dish that combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce. You can easily make this restaurant favorite at home.
To prepare, coat large shrimp in cornstarch and fry until crispy. The sauce mixes sweet chili sauce with creamy ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors.
You can serve Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer or main dish.
For a twist, try it in tacos with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
If you prefer a healthier option, bake the shrimp instead of frying. Use panko breadcrumbs and cook in a hot oven until golden brown.
This versatile recipe works well for parties or family dinners.
Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
14. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Shrimp Alfredo pasta combines tender shrimp with creamy Alfredo sauce for a delicious meal. To make it, cook fettuccine until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a pan and add garlic. Pour in heavy cream and simmer. Add cooked shrimp to the sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
You can adjust the seasonings to your taste.
For extra flavor, reserve some pasta water to mix into the sauce if needed.
15. Shrimp Pad Thai
Shrimp Pad Thai is a tasty stir-fried noodle dish from Thailand.
You’ll love the mix of chewy rice noodles, juicy shrimp, and crunchy peanuts.
To make it, soak rice noodles in warm water until soft. Then stir-fry shrimp, tofu, and eggs in a hot wok or skillet.
Add the noodles and a sauce made with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and tamarind. Toss everything together until the noodles are cooked and coated in sauce.
Top your Pad Thai with bean sprouts, green onions, and crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges for extra zing.
This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
16. Shrimp Jambalaya
Shrimp jambalaya is a tasty one-pot meal that combines rice, shrimp, and spices. You can make it easily at home with a few key ingredients.
Start by cooking sausage in a large pot. Add vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Stir in rice, broth, and Cajun spices.
Let the rice cook until almost tender. Add shrimp near the end so it doesn’t overcook. The shrimp only needs 5-7 minutes to turn pink and juicy.
For the best flavor, use medium or large shrimp. Look for ones labeled “21-25 count” or “31-35 count” per pound. Clean and devein the shrimp before adding them to the pot.
17. Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s easy to make at home.
You’ll need large shrimp, water, lemon, onion, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning.
Fill a pot with cold water and add the ingredients.
Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 1-2 minutes.
Immediately place the cooked shrimp in ice water to stop the cooking process.
Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on.
For the sauce, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Serve the chilled shrimp with the cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
18. Baked Parmesan Shrimp
Baked Parmesan Shrimp is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home.
You start by mixing shrimp with butter, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and garlic in a bowl.
Spread this mixture in a baking dish.
Top it with panko bread crumbs for extra crunch.
Bake the shrimp until they turn bright pink, which takes about 15 to 18 minutes.
This recipe is quick to make and full of flavor.
The Parmesan cheese and garlic give the shrimp a rich taste. The bread crumbs add a nice texture.
You can serve this dish as a main course or as an appetizer. It goes well with pasta or a fresh salad.
19. Spicy Cajun Shrimp
Spicy Cajun shrimp is a flavorful dish you can whip up in just 30 minutes.
You’ll need medium to large shrimp, about 31-40 per pound.
The key to this recipe is the Cajun seasoning. It’s a blend of spices that gives the shrimp a kick. You can make your own or buy it pre-made.
To cook, start by heating olive oil in a pan.
Add chopped onions, celery, and peppers. Then toss in your seasoned shrimp.
Cook until they turn pink and curl up.
Serve your spicy Cajun shrimp over rice or with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dinner or as an appetizer at your next party.
20. Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. You’ll love its tangy citrus flavors mixed with tender shrimp.
To make it, chop cooked shrimp into small pieces.
Mix with lime juice, lemon juice, and a splash of orange juice.
Add finely diced shallots or red onion for some bite.
Next, toss in chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro. For extra kick, include some hot sauce or diced jalapeño.
Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Serve your shrimp ceviche chilled with tortilla chips or on tostadas for a light meal or appetizer. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of fresh flavors.
21. Shrimp Quesadillas
Shrimp quesadillas are a tasty and quick meal option. To make them, cook shrimp with taco seasoning until pink.
Place a tortilla in a hot skillet and add the cooked shrimp and cheese on one half.
Fold the tortilla and cook until lightly browned on both sides.
You can use any size shrimp you prefer. Pre-cooked shrimp works well for a faster prep time. Just remove the tails before adding to the quesadilla.
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions and jalapeños to the filling.
Serve your shrimp quesadillas hot, perhaps with some salsa or guacamole on the side.
22. Sautéed Shrimp with Spinach and Garlic
This quick and tasty dish combines succulent shrimp with fresh spinach and zesty garlic. You can have it ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Start by thawing frozen shrimp if needed.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same pan, add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Return the shrimp to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Stir everything together and cook for another minute.
Serve your sautéed shrimp with spinach and garlic hot. It’s delicious on its own or paired with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
23. Sweet Chili Shrimp
Sweet chili shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It combines juicy shrimp with a sticky, spicy-sweet sauce.
To make the sauce, mix maple syrup or honey with soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ginger, and garlic. This gives a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Cook the shrimp in a skillet with olive oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Then add the sauce and let it caramelize slightly as it cooks.
You can serve sweet chili shrimp over rice or with vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for a complete meal. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish you’ll want to make again and again.
24. Hawaiian Shrimp Truck Special
This dish brings the flavors of Hawaii’s famous shrimp trucks to your kitchen. You’ll need large shrimp, lots of garlic, butter, and lemon.
Start by marinating the shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Add some flour and spices like cayenne for a kick.
Cook the shrimp in a hot pan with melted butter and even more garlic. The result is juicy shrimp coated in a rich, garlicky sauce.
Serve your Hawaiian Shrimp Truck Special with white rice and a lemon wedge. It’s a simple but delicious meal that captures the essence of island street food.
25. Miso Butter Shrimp
Miso butter shrimp is a tasty dish that combines savory miso paste with rich butter. To make it, mix softened butter with white miso, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Marinate raw shrimp in this mixture for about 10 minutes. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe.
Cook the shrimp in a hot pan for 20-30 seconds per side until pink.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of sake or mirin to the pan.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
26. Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Shrimp and corn chowder is a cozy, flavorful soup perfect for chilly evenings. You’ll love how the sweet corn and tender shrimp pair in this creamy dish.
To make it, start by cooking bacon until crisp.
Then sauté onions, celery, and potatoes in the bacon fat.
Add corn, broth, and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves.
Let the vegetables simmer until tender before adding shrimp and cream.
Cook just until the shrimp turn pink. Be careful not to overcook them.
This hearty chowder is filling enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the rich, savory broth.
27. Chipotle Lime Shrimp Tacos
Chipotle lime shrimp tacos are a tasty and easy dinner option. You’ll love the smoky, spicy flavors combined with zesty lime.
To make the shrimp, season them with chipotle powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook them in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
For extra flavor, make a quick chipotle lime sauce. Mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, chipotle powder, and a touch of honey.
Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas.
Top with the sauce, diced avocado, shredded cabbage, and cilantro.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
28. Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry
Asian shrimp stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and filling.
To make it, you’ll need shrimp, veggies, and a savory sauce.
Common vegetables include bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. For the sauce, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar.
Heat oil in a wok or large pan.
Cook the shrimp first, then set aside.
Stir-fry the veggies until crisp-tender.
Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.
Combine everything with the sauce and cook until hot.
Serve your stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
You can easily change up the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
29. Shrimp Lo Mein
Shrimp lo mein is a tasty dish you can make in just 30 minutes. It combines tender noodles with juicy shrimp and crisp veggies.
To make it, first cook the lo mein noodles.
While they cook, mix up a simple sauce with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other flavors.
Stir-fry the shrimp and veggies quickly in a hot pan.
Then toss everything together with the cooked noodles and sauce.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast and yummy.
You can easily swap in different veggies or proteins to change it up.
30. Spicy Shrimp Skewers
Spicy shrimp skewers are a tasty and quick meal for your grill. You can make them in about 10 minutes.
To prepare, peel the shrimp and mix them with spicy seasonings.
Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
Preheat your grill on high for 5 minutes.
Cook the skewers for 1-2 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.
Serve your spicy shrimp skewers with lemon wedges for squeezing.
They’re great on their own or over rice. You can also add them to salads or pasta for a full meal.
31. Shrimp Florentine
Shrimp Florentine is a tasty dish you can make in about 20-30 minutes. It combines juicy shrimp with spinach in a creamy sauce.
To make it, cook shrimp with spinach, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add garlic for extra flavor.
Make a sauce using white wine and cream.
You can serve Shrimp Florentine over pasta or with green veggies.
It’s a quick and easy way to have a fancy dinner at home.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have much time. The mix of shrimp and spinach gives you protein and greens in one dish.
Understanding Shrimp Varieties
Shrimp come in many types and sizes. Knowing the differences can help you pick the right shrimp for your recipes.
Let’s look at where shrimp come from and some popular kinds for cooking.
Wild-Caught vs. Farmed Shrimp
Wild-caught shrimp grow in oceans and rivers. They eat a natural diet and swim freely. This gives them a rich flavor.
Farmed shrimp grow in man-made ponds. They’re easier to get all year round.
Wild shrimp can be pricier but many cooks prefer their taste. Farmed shrimp are more common in stores. They’re often cheaper and come in set sizes.
When buying, check the label to see if the shrimp are wild or farmed. This can affect the taste and texture of your dish.
Popular Shrimp Species for Cooking
- Tiger Shrimp: Large with dark stripes. Sweet, firm meat great for grilling.
- White Shrimp: Mild, slightly sweet flavor. Good for any recipe.
- Pink Shrimp: Sweet taste, soft texture. Perfect for shrimp cocktails.
- Brown Shrimp: Strong flavor. Best in spicy dishes.
- Rock Shrimp: Firm, lobster-like meat. Ideal for pasta or stir-fries.
Each type works well in different recipes. Try white shrimp for scampi or pink shrimp in salads. Brown shrimp shine in gumbo, while rock shrimp are tasty in tacos.
Cooking Techniques for Shrimp
Shrimp can be cooked in many tasty ways. Two popular methods are grilling and sautéing. These techniques bring out the best flavors and textures in shrimp.
Grilling Shrimp to Perfection
Grilling gives shrimp a smoky flavor and crisp texture.
Start by cleaning and deveining the shrimp. Leave the tails on for easy handling.
Brush the shrimp with oil and add your favorite seasonings.
Thread them onto skewers to prevent falling through the grates.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the skewers on the grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.
Don’t overcook or the shrimp will become tough.
Remove them from the grill as soon as they’re opaque throughout.
Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over top.
Tips for Sautéing Shrimp
Sautéing is a quick way to cook shrimp on the stovetop.
Use a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil or butter to coat the bottom.
Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
Don’t overcrowd or they’ll steam instead of sauté.
Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
Garlic and herbs add great flavor to sautéed shrimp. Toss them in during the last minute of cooking.
A splash of white wine or lemon juice creates a light sauce.
Remove the shrimp as soon as they’re opaque. They’ll continue cooking slightly off the heat.
Serve over pasta, rice, or salad greens for an easy meal.