Did you know that shrimps contain a mineral that can reduce cancer risk? (*) Aside from being tasty treats, these little crustaceans contain Selenium that can fight off cancer-causing cells and lower your risk of developing cancer. That’s why you must incorporate shrimps into your diet. But what if you only know a handful of shrimp recipes? What to cook with shrimp?
Don’t worry. We’re here to help you out!
In this article, we’ll share with you 24 fantastic shrimp recipes—including Mexican cuisines, main dishes, and pasta recipes—so you can enjoy its health benefits in the most delicious way possible.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get the ball rolling.
Shrimp Appetizers
Whether you’re planning a party or just a simple family dinner, there’s no better way to start your meal than with these delicious shrimp recipes:
1. Shrimp Cocktail– The Perfect Starter
Let’s face it—shrimp cocktail is a classic. But that’s not all. It’s convenient too!
After all, you only need to season the shrimp, boil it until pink, and chill it for a few hours before serving.
While this dish may seem simple and even boring for some, you can spice things up by serving it with a zesty and flavorful cocktail sauce which you can easily make using the simple ingredients in your pantry!
2. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp– Surf and Turf
This appetizer has all the amazing textures and flavors you can’t get in any starter. It’s crispy and savory on the outside and tender, juicy, and subtly sweet on the inside.
As if that’s not enough, you’ve got your Bourbon glaze to complete the sweet, salty, and slightly spicy combo. Now, that would surely be a party in your taste buds!
Pro Tip: If you don’t have Bourbon glaze, you can use barbecue sauce instead. Rest assured, and it will taste just as amazing!
3. Shrimp Ceviche– A Refreshing Way to Start the Meal
Are you planning a summer party? If so, go for shrimp ceviche, which is perfect for the hot summer days.
If you’re apprehensive about eating raw shrimp, don’t worry! Even though it’s a ceviche, the shrimp are boiled first before it’s coated with the ultra-refreshing lime dressing.
Pro Tip: This would go well with a crunchy side like crostinis, tortillas, or rice cakes.
4. Shrimp Tostada Bites– One-Bite Wonder
Here’s another perfect summer appetizer that would go well with your favorite Mexican dishes!
This one-bite wonder is pretty simple to make since you just need to fill the little tostada cups with guacamole and top it off with seared shrimp,
In just one bite, you get to enjoy the spicy-sweet-and savory shrimp, creamy guacamole, and crunchy tostada cups—what else can you ask for?
5. Cheesy Shrimp Garlic Bread– The Ultimate Pasta Match
Take your garlic bread to a whole new level by adding cheese and shrimp to it!
To make this, you must pan-fry the shrimp with salt, pepper, butter, garlic, and tomatoes. Chop it up, then mix it with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and cheeses of your choice. Spread it on the bread. Toast, and that’s it!
Serve this with pasta and rest assured—everyone will be fighting for that last piece of bread at the table.
6. Pickled Shrimp– For Special Occasions
This is an oldie but, indeed, a goodie. When you serve this, your guests will surely ask how you did it. But the truth is—you don’t have to do much to whip this up!
You can prepare this make-ahead appetizer by poaching shrimp and storing it in a glass jar with olive oil, vinegar, and some pickling spices.
After that, all you need to do is wait and allow the ingredients to work their magic!
Learn more: Can You Eat Shrimp Shells
Simple Shrimp Recipes
Next, check out the highlight of your meals—the main dish! Below are some of our favorite shrimp recipes that would make your meal a dinner to remember:
7. Grilled Shrimp Skewers– A Smoky Touch
If you want a flavorful shrimp recipe without the fuss, grilling is the way to go! This simple cooking method will infuse a smoky twist to your shrimp, giving them a unique flavor.
That’s not all. The high temperature caramelizes the shrimp, adding a great texture to the final dish.
8. Shrimp Scampi– A One-Pan Dinner
We can’t write this list without including the most popular shrimp recipe of all—shrimp scampi.
This dish has become a crowd favorite because of two reasons.
One, it has all the perfect flavors—richness from the butter, sweetness from the shrimp, and sharpness from the wine.
Second, it’s super easy to make. You can make it using only one pan! How convenient is that?
9. Honey Garlic Shrimp– Sweet and Savory
Sweet and savory lovers, here’s the treat you’ve been waiting for! If you’re looking for a comforting shrimp dinner that hits the right spot, you should try this.
The shrimps have the perfect balance between salty and sweet, plus a hint of spiciness that you can’t get enough of.
But wait, there’s more. It uses healthy ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to make.
It’s healthy, delicious, and fuss-free to make—perfect for a chill dinner at home!
10. Cajun Shrimp– The Crowd Favorite
Maximum flavors, minimum effort—these are the reasons why Cajun shrimp is the crowd favorite!
You can surely dazzle your guests with this dish’s garlicky, slightly spicy, and ultra-flavorful taste. But what you’ll love the most is its short prep time—only 5 minutes!
And as if that’s not enough, you can use this versatile recipe in pastas, skewers, salads, and pizzas!
Pro Tip: To keep things healthier, make your own Cajun spice!
11. Tuscan Butter Shrimp– Saucy and Creamy
Try this Tuscan Butter Shrimp recipe if you’re craving something creamy and saucy.
This recipe is undoubtedly made to impress, as it has the makings of an irresistibly addictive dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and perfectly balanced with the acidity of sun-dried tomatoes.
Not only that, but you can also throw in spinach leaves to boost the dish’s nutritional value.
12. Cheesy Shrimp and Grits– Cheesy and Rich
Grits are good. Cheesy grits are even better. But cheesy grits with shrimp? OUT.OF.THIS.WORLD.
This Southern recipe is loaded with addictive flavors and contrasting textures that will leave you wanting more. The shrimp is perfectly seasoned and topped with crispy bacon bits for added texture, so it’s one shrimp recipe you shouldn’t miss out on.
13. Shrimp Creole– A New Orleans Delight
One bite of this fantastic dish will transport you to the beautiful streets of New Orleans. This saucy tomato-based dish has the holy trinity of Southern cooking—green bell pepper, onion, and celery—so you’re sure it will be one memorable dish.
Let’s not forget that it has lots of cayenne pepper, so it’s the perfect option for people who want plenty of heat in their dishes.
14. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo– Inspirations from Around the Globe
Gumbo is the dish to go if you wish to enjoy flavors from all around the world. This Louisiana specialty features different seasonings and spices from various cuisines and cultures, so it’s the best dish for the adventure-seeking family.
Not only that, this flavorful stew is the best way to fill up your tummy and warm your soul on a cold winter night.
15. Gambas al Ajillo– With Love, From Spain
How about something from Spain? Gambas al Ajillo is one of Spain’s most popular tapas, and you can find it in almost all tapas in Madrid.
The good news is you can make it at home using only a few ingredients- most of which you probably already have.
Pro Tip: Serve this with crusty bread, which is the perfect way to mop up the dish’s flavorful and garlicky oil.
16. Shrimp Boil – A Southern Favorite
Southern people must love shrimp because it’s the second most famous Southern shrimp dish on this list.
But wait, there’s more. It also has sausage for added flavor and other filling ingredients like potatoes and corn.
The good news is it’s so easy to make. You just need to dump everything in one big pot, and you’re good to go!
17. Shrimp Cakes– Kid-Approved Meal
Do you want to sneak veggies into your children’s diet? If so, this shrimp dish is the way to go.
It may not look like it, but these delicious shrimp cakes are packed with herbs and veggies. Good news: Since everything is well processed, your kids won’t notice them, so they will just keep eating them with great gusto!
18. Shrimp Alfredo– Creamy and Cheesy
News flash: Alfredo may sound intimidating, but it’s relatively easy to make!
Shy away from bottled Alfredo pasta sauce and prepare to make one on your own. You only need a few pantry staples like cream, Parmesan, butter, and garlic.
Mix everything and cook over medium heat. After that, you can enjoy the creamy, fragrant, and cheesy sauce topped with garlicky shrimp!
Learn more: Can You Eat Raw Shrimp?
Mexican Recipes
If you love Mexican cuisine and shrimp, you’ll be happy to know that you can enjoy both of your favorites in one dish. Here are some recipes to try:
19. Roasted Shrimp Enchiladas– With a Mexican Twist!
Shrimp enchiladas are a different species. Aside from using shrimp as protein, these enchiladas also feature a creamy white sauce instead of tomato sauce.
The tomato sauce is made with garlic powder, sour cream, flour, butter, and chicken stock. But, of course, the key ingredient would be jalapeños which gives the dish the kick it needs.
20. Shrimp Fajitas– A Sizzlin’ Hot Meal
If you want a flavor-packed Mexican shrimp dish, you should try Shrimp Fajitas.
The shrimp are seasoned with must-have Mexican spices like onion powder, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. All these seasonings infuse the shrimp with authentic Mexican flavors and a nice blackish color.
Pro Tip: This is best served on a sizzling plate!
21. Shrimp Tacos– The Ultimate Seafood Snack
This dish has all the elements of a taco— red cabbage, cheese, and your choice of toppings.
However, it has a healthier and lighter twist—shrimp instead of beef!
You can easily prepare this by seasoning and sautéing the shrimp and arranging it inside your tortilla and the other toppings. After that, you already have the perfect Mexican snack without the guilt!
Pro Tip: Served with corn tortillas for a gluten-free meal.
Learn more: Can You Eat Shrimp Tails?
Healthy Recipes
And speaking of light and healthy meals, here are more shrimp recipes that you can choose from:
22. Shrimp Salad – Light Yet Satisfying
Shrimp salad is not like any other salad. Instead of lots of greens, you get a creamy salad with shrimp, fill, lemon, celery, and mayo.
Aside from being easy to make, this salad is versatile, too, since you use it as a sandwich, wrap filling, or pasta salad toppings.
Fun Fact: You can use pre-cooked shrimp for this!
Learn more: How To Tell If Shrimp Is Cooked?
23. Baked Coconut Shrimp– Crispy, Crunchy, and Healthy
Are you craving a crispy shrimp dish minus the unwanted grease? It’s crisp and crunchy as breaded shrimp recipes but a lot healthier.
For one, it uses coconut butter which is low in carbs and calories. Also, the shrimp are baked, not fried, so the oil content is much lower.
24. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps– A Dose of Fiber and Yumminess
This lettuce wrap is proof that a dish can be healthy and yummy. The dish features fresh veggies and shrimp. It’s the same way you would arrange a spring roll, but lettuce leaves are used instead of paper rice.
The cherry on top of this light meal is the savory and tasty peanut sauce that will leave you asking for more.
So, What to Cook with Shrimp?
These shrimp-ly amazing recipes just prove that shrimps are not just healthy—they are versatile as well. With these shrimp recipes, you can take advantage of shrimp’s nutritional benefits while making the most out of its delicious taste and versatility.
So what are you waiting for? Choose a recipe to try so that you can start your journey to a healthier you.
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