10 Shrimp Recipes You Need to Try

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Hey there, shrimp lovers! Get ready to dive into a world of mouth-watering shrimp recipes that will spice up your mealtime in no time. Whether you’re a pro chef or just starting out, shrimp dishes are the perfect way to make impressive, tasty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. From classic favorites to new twists, you’ll find something that suits everyone’s taste buds.

Why shrimp, you ask? Besides being super versatile, shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Plus, they’re low in calories and high in protein, making them a healthy choice for any meal. So grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with these easy-to-make, delicious shrimp recipes!

1) Garlic Butter Shrimp

Say hello to your new favorite dish: Garlic Butter Shrimp. This recipe is crazy easy and super tasty. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal.

Start by heating oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the shrimp, cooking for just a couple of minutes until they turn pink. Add minced garlic (and maybe a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love a bit of spice).

For extra flavor, splash in some chicken broth or white wine. Again, cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly.

Want a different twist? You can also try roasting the shrimp in the oven. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Bake at 350°F for about 8 minutes until they’re perfectly pink. Add butter directly onto the hot baking sheet to melt and coat the shrimp.

Another fantastic option is making Shrimp Scampi. Melt butter, add garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Stir for a couple of minutes before adding the shrimp. Cook until they’re pink and done. Finish with parsley, lemon juice, and zest for a bright, fresh taste.

Whichever method you choose, Garlic Butter Shrimp is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread. You’ll be coming back for more!

2) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that feels fancy but is super easy to make.

Start by melting butter and heating olive oil in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and maybe some shallots.

Season your shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté them until pink.

Finish off with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.

3) Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Ready to shake up your taco night? These Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa are bursting with flavor!

Let’s start with the salsa. Dice mango, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add lime juice, salt, and a touch of sugar. Mix well and chill.

Next, cook the shrimp. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and a bit of cumin. Heat oil in a skillet and cook shrimp until opaque.

Now, assemble your tacos. Warm the tortillas, add shrimp, and top with the mango salsa. A drizzle of creamy cilantro sauce is a game-changer. Enjoy!

These tacos are perfect for a quick, fresh dinner.🍤🌮💥

4) Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a delicious and easy appetizer that will wow your guests.

Start by buying shrimp that are already peeled and deveined, but keep the tails on for easy handling.

Set up three bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and the last with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.

Dip each shrimp into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the coconut mixture.

Make sure the coconut sticks well. Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high heat, and fry the shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

5) Bang Bang Shrimp

Get ready to taste the magic that is Bang Bang Shrimp! This dish is perfect for any shrimp lover looking for a fun and flavorful twist.

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. If you’re not a fan of prep work, you can buy them pre-peeled. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch for that perfect crispy coating.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown. Drain them on paper towels to get rid of any extra oil.

While the shrimp is cooking, make the iconic Bang Bang sauce. Combine mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and a splash of Sriracha for some heat. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Once the shrimp are cooked, toss them in the sauce until they’re fully coated. Serve them hot, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crispy!

6) Shrimp and Grits

Get ready for a Southern classic that’s sure to impress! Shrimp and grits is hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Start with creamy, buttery grits. Cook them in milk and broth for extra richness. Stirring occasionally is the key.

Next, sauté some seasoned shrimp. A bit of lemon juice adds a zesty touch.

Combine it all together, and you’re in for a treat!

7) Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, dreamy delight that’s super easy to make. It’s perfect for any pasta night.

Start by cooking your fettuccine. While that’s boiling, melt some butter in a skillet. Add garlic and cream, then bring it to a simmer.

Throw in your shrimp, stir in some Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is warm and buttery.

Serve it up with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Alfredo!

8) Shrimp Fried Rice

Ready for a game-changer? Shrimp fried rice is here to save your weeknight dinners. It’s super easy, packed with juicy shrimp, and better than takeout!

Start by preheating your wok and adding some vegetable and sesame oil. Toss in shrimp, cooking until they’re just pink. Remove them and set them aside.

Next, add chopped onions, peas, and carrots to the wok. Cook until tender, which usually takes a few minutes.

Don’t forget the garlic! Add it in and stir for a minute. Now, add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs. Combine everything in the wok and mix well.

Finish off by adding your shrimp back, mixing until everything’s heated through. Enjoy your homemade shrimp fried rice!

9) Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Get ready to fall in love with these lemon herb grilled shrimp! They’re perfect for summer cookouts.

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Coat the shrimp in this delicious marinade. Grill until they’re just done.

Serve hot and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors.

10) Shrimp Boil

A shrimp boil is the ultimate summer feast. You get a mix of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. It’s all cooked together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Start with a big pot. Toss in some water, garlic, onions, and Old Bay seasoning.

Once it’s boiling, add the potatoes. After they cook for about 15 minutes, it’s time for the corn and sausage.

Lastly, turn off the heat and add the shrimp. Let them soak up all the flavors for about 10 minutes. Drain everything and spread it out on a newspaper-covered table.

Dig in!

History And Origin Of Shrimp Dishes

Shrimp has been a favorite for a very long time. Ancient Romans and Greeks loved it. As early as the 4th and 5th centuries A.D., they were writing cookbooks with shrimp recipes.

One popular dish from that era involved wrapping shrimp in fig leaves. People were already experimenting with flavors back then!

Fast forward to the early 20th century, Italian immigrants in America created the famous shrimp scampi. The word “scampi” originally referred to a type of small lobster found in the Mediterranean Sea.

Immigrants adapted their recipes to include local ingredients, and shrimp scampi was born. It involves sautéing shrimp in garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice.

Shrimp dishes have evolved but continue to blend cultures and flavors. They remain a staple in many cuisines worldwide, especially in the United States. Shrimp come in all sizes, from tiny ones to jumbo shrimp as big as several inches.

Through history, people have kept on finding new ways to enjoy shrimp. The blend of flavors and methods shows just how versatile and beloved shrimp has been through the ages.

Nutritional Benefits Of Shrimp

Shrimp are packed with nutrients that can benefit your health. They are high in protein and provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

High Protein Content

Shrimp are an excellent source of protein. Just 100 grams of cooked shrimp provide about 20 grams of protein. That’s almost half of the recommended daily intake for many adults. Protein helps build and repair tissues in your body.

You’ll also find that protein from shrimp is lean. This means it has very little fat, with only around 0.3 grams of fat per 100 grams. This is great for those looking to boost their protein intake without adding extra fat.

Protein from shrimp is high-quality and contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. This makes it a complete protein, which is ideal for muscle growth and maintaining healthy tissues.

Rich In Vitamins And Minerals

Shrimp are packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Vitamin B12 is one of the key vitamins found in shrimp. This vitamin is important for nerve function and producing DNA.

Another important nutrient in shrimp is selenium, which helps protect your cells from damage. Shrimp also offer a good dose of zinc, which supports your immune system, and iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function.

Iron is another mineral found in shrimp, helping carry oxygen in your blood. Combined with phosphorus, which helps build strong bones and teeth, shrimp can be quite beneficial to your diet.

Incorporating shrimp into your meals is a tasty and nutritious way to make sure you’re getting these important vitamins and minerals.

Cooking Tips For Perfect Shrimp

To master cooking shrimp, first learn to clean them properly and choose the best cooking method. These steps ensure your shrimp are flavorful and tender, not tough or rubbery.

How To Properly Clean And Devein

Cleaning shrimp is crucial for a great dish. Start by rinsing under cold water. Peel the shrimp by gripping the legs and peeling the shell back towards the tail. You can leave the tail on for presentation.

Next, devein your shrimp. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back. Remove the dark vein with the knife or rinse it out under water. Dry the shrimp on paper towels before cooking.

Frozen shrimp should be thawed first. Place them in the fridge a day before cooking or submerge in cold water for faster defrosting.

Choosing The Right Cooking Method

Selecting the cooking method impacts your shrimp’s texture and flavor. Sautéing and grilling are quick techniques that highlight shrimp’s natural sweetness. Keep it simple with some oil or butter.

Sautéing: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Don’t overcook; it makes them tough.

Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Thread shrimp on skewers. Brush with oil and season. Grill 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Boiling is another option. Bring seasoned water to a simmer, add shrimp, and cook just until pink and curled. Drain immediately to avoid overcooking.

These methods ensure your shrimp are juicy and seasoned to perfection.