Shrimp is a tasty and versatile seafood that can be prepared in many ways. From quick stir-fries to fancy appetizers, there’s a shrimp dish for every taste and occasion.

These recipes will help you make the most of this popular shellfish.

You’ll find 30 delicious shrimp recipes that are easy to make at home. Some take less than 30 minutes to cook, perfect for busy weeknights.

Others are great for parties or special meals. With these recipes, you can enjoy shrimp in salads, pastas, tacos, and more.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can whip up in no time. To make it, you’ll need shrimp, butter, garlic, and a few simple seasonings.

Start by cleaning and drying your shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper.

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of lemon juice and some fresh parsley at the end.

Serve your garlic butter shrimp hot as an appetizer or main dish.

2. Coconut Shrimp Curry

Coconut shrimp curry is a tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. To start, cook shrimp in a skillet for a few minutes until they’re pink. Set them aside.

Next, sauté onions and garlic in the same pan. Add curry powder and cook for another minute.

Pour in coconut milk and tomato sauce to make the curry base.

Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. Then add the cooked shrimp back in. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your coconut shrimp curry over rice for a filling meal. You can also pair it with naan bread to soak up the sauce.

3. Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll love the crispy shrimp coated in a creamy honey sauce, topped with candied walnuts.

To make this recipe, start by coating the shrimp in egg and arrowroot powder. Fry them until golden and crispy.

For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk. This creates a sweet and tangy coating for the shrimp.

The candied walnuts add a nice crunch. Make them by cooking walnuts in a mixture of water and honey until they’re caramelized.

Toss the fried shrimp in the honey sauce and top with the candied walnuts.

Serve hot for a delicious meal that’s better than takeout.

4. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp scampi pasta is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. You’ll need large shrimp, linguine or your favorite pasta, garlic, butter, olive oil, and lemon.

Start by cooking the pasta in salted water.

While it cooks, season the shrimp with salt.

Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the shrimp and garlic.

Cook the shrimp until pink, then add butter, lemon juice, and a splash of the pasta cooking water.

Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add herbs like parsley for a fresh touch.

5. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Lemon herb grilled shrimp is a tasty and easy dish you can make at home. You’ll need shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano.

Mix the oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a bowl. Add the shrimp and let them soak up the flavors for 20-30 minutes.

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.

Cook the shrimp for a few minutes on each side until they turn pink.

This recipe is quick and perfect for summer barbecues. You can serve the shrimp as an appetizer or main course with your favorite sides.

6. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need grits, shrimp, and a few other ingredients.

Start by cooking your grits in a mixture of water, milk, and butter. Stir often to prevent clumping. Once they’re creamy, add some cheese for extra flavor.

While the grits cook, prepare your shrimp. Peel and devein them, then season with salt and pepper.

Cook the shrimp in a skillet with some bacon for added taste.

Serve the shrimp over the warm grits.

This comforting meal is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can customize it with different cheeses or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

7. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp

You can make tasty sriracha shrimp with a few simple steps. Start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them with spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic.

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they curl and turn opaque.

For extra flavor, try marinating the shrimp in a mix of sriracha, honey, soy sauce, and garlic before cooking.

You can also grill the shrimp on skewers for a smoky taste.

The result is a spicy, sweet, and savory dish that’s quick to make and full of flavor.

8. Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a tasty dish that’s easy to make at home. You start by coating shrimp in a mixture of flour and seasonings.

Next, you fry the shrimp until they’re golden brown and crispy. The key is to cook them just long enough to be cooked through but not overcooked.

The sauce is what makes this dish special. It’s a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This combo gives a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

You can serve Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer or main course.

Try it over a bed of lettuce or with rice for a filling meal.

9. Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is a quick and tasty pasta dish you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by cooking fettuccine according to package directions.

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer. Stir in garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pepper.

Pat shrimp dry and season with salt. Cook them in the pan until pink and slightly crispy on the outside.

Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and shrimp.

For extra flavor, reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.

Serve your shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

10. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw are a tasty and easy meal you can make in about 30 minutes. Start by mixing olive oil with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Coat the shrimp in this mix.

Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

While they cook, make a simple slaw by tossing cabbage with mayo, lime juice, and cilantro.

Warm up some tortillas on the stove.

Put the slaw on the tortillas and top with 3-4 cooked shrimp. You can add extra toppings like avocado or hot sauce if you want.

This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together with friends.

11. Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a tasty and quick meal you can make at home. To start, cook rice and set it aside to cool.

In a large skillet or wok, sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through.

Remove the shrimp and cook beaten eggs in the same pan. Add diced onions, peas, and carrots, frying until tender.

Mix in the cooled rice, cooked shrimp, and scrambled eggs.

Season your dish with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil for extra flavor.

Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

Top with chopped green onions before serving your homemade shrimp fried rice.

12. Cajun Shrimp Boil

Cajun shrimp boil is a tasty and fun dish that’s perfect for gatherings. You’ll need a large pot filled with water, seafood boil seasoning, and aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and lemon.

Add potatoes first, as they take longest to cook. Next, toss in corn and sausage. Finally, add the shrimp – they cook quickly.

The key is timing. You want everything cooked just right, not overdone.

Drain the pot when done and spread the contents on a table covered with newspaper.

Serve with melted butter and extra seasoning.

Encourage everyone to dig in with their hands for a true Cajun experience.

13. Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry

Sweet and spicy shrimp stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 20 minutes. It combines juicy shrimp with colorful veggies in a flavorful sauce.

The dish balances sweet and spicy flavors. Mango adds natural sweetness, while chili sauce or ginger provides a kick. You can adjust the heat to your liking.

To make this stir-fry, heat oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add shrimp and veggies. Stir in the sauce and cook until everything is heated through.

Serve your shrimp stir-fry over rice or noodles for a filling meal.

It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and nutritious.

14. Lime Cilantro Shrimp Skewers

Lime cilantro shrimp skewers are a tasty and easy grilled dish. You’ll love the zesty flavors in this recipe.

To make the marinade, mix lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your shrimp and let them soak up the flavors for 15-30 minutes.

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers.

Grill them on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred.

These skewers are perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners.

Serve them with rice, salad, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

15. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Creamy Tuscan shrimp is a quick and tasty dinner you can make in about 30 minutes. It combines tender shrimp with a rich, flavorful sauce.

To make this dish, cook shrimp in a skillet with butter or oil. Once pink, set them aside.

In the same pan, make a creamy sauce with heavy cream, broth, and seasonings.

Add garlic, tomatoes, and spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Return the shrimp to the pan and let everything simmer together.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that seems fancy but doesn’t take much time.

Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

16. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This refreshing salad combines succulent shrimp with creamy avocado. It’s perfect for warm days or as a light meal.

To make it, mix cooked shrimp with diced avocado, tomatoes, and red onion. Add chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor.

For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the salad ingredients and toss gently.

You can customize this salad by adding jalapeño for heat or garlic for extra flavor.

Serve it chilled for the best taste.

This dish is quick to prepare and requires no cooking, making it ideal for busy days.

You’ll love its zesty flavors and satisfying textures.

17. Chili Lime Shrimp

Chili lime shrimp is a tasty dish that’s quick to make. You’ll love the zesty flavors of lime and chili spices.

To prepare, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and chili powder in a bowl. Add the shrimp and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

Cook the shrimp in a hot pan for just a few minutes until pink. Don’t overcook them or they’ll get tough.

Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for extra flavor.

This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners.

You can serve chili lime shrimp with rice, in tacos, or on top of a salad. It’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

18. Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp tempura is a crispy Japanese dish you’ll love. Large shrimp are dipped in a light batter and deep-fried until golden.

To make it, heat oil to 375°F.

Coat the shrimp in cold batter and fry for 2-3 minutes. The result is a crunchy exterior with juicy shrimp inside.

Serve shrimp tempura with a dipping sauce called tentsuyu. You can also fry vegetables like onions or sweet potatoes using the same method.

This dish is quick to make, taking less than 20 minutes.

It’s perfect for a tasty appetizer or as part of a larger meal.

19. Shrimp Bisque

Shrimp bisque is a creamy, flavorful soup that’s perfect for seafood lovers. You can make this luxurious dish at home with simple ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in butter. Add flour to thicken the base.

Pour in seafood stock and cream, then season with spices like chili powder and cumin.

Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. Let it simmer until the shrimp are cooked through.

For extra flavor, you can make your own shrimp stock using the shells.

Serve your homemade shrimp bisque hot, garnished with fresh herbs.

It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

20. Buffalo Shrimp

Buffalo shrimp is a tasty twist on classic buffalo wings. You’ll love this spicy, crispy seafood dish.

To make buffalo shrimp, coat the shrimp in a mixture of flour and spices. Dip them in beaten eggs, then coat again with the flour mix.

Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help the coating stick.

Fry the shrimp in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. For a healthier option, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F.

While the shrimp cooks, prepare the buffalo sauce. Mix hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic. Toss the cooked shrimp in this spicy sauce before serving.

21. Pesto Shrimp Pasta

This quick and tasty dish combines succulent shrimp with pesto-coated pasta. You’ll love how easily it comes together in just 30 minutes.

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente. While it’s boiling, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Sauté the shrimp in olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Drain the pasta, saving some of the cooking water. Toss the pasta with pesto sauce, adding a bit of pasta water to help it coat evenly.

Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and gently mix everything together. Serve your pesto shrimp pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired.

22. Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a tasty pasta dish you can make in about 30 minutes. Cook fettuccine according to the package directions.

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet. Add shrimp and cook until pink, then set aside.

In the same pan, combine heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer the sauce over low heat until it thickens.

Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sauce. Add the shrimp back in and mix gently. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.

23. Baked Parmesan Shrimp

Baked Parmesan Shrimp is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Mix shrimp with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and minced garlic in a bowl. Spread this mixture in a baking dish.

Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.

For a twist, you can serve it over pasta. Cook your pasta, then mix it with a creamy sauce before adding the shrimp on top.

This dish is quick, simple, and sure to please. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without much fuss.

24. Shrimp Étouffée

Shrimp Étouffée is a classic Cajun dish that will bring New Orleans flavor to your kitchen. You start by making a roux with butter and flour, cooking it until golden brown.

Next, you add onions, celery, and bell peppers – known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking. Garlic and Cajun spices join the mix to create a rich base.

The star of the show is the shrimp, which cooks quickly in the flavorful sauce. Serve your Étouffée over rice for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

This dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something tasty. With its blend of spices and seafood, Shrimp Étouffée is a true crowd-pleaser.

25. Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp

This dish brings the flavors of Chinese takeout to your kitchen. You’ll love the crispy texture and savory taste of these shrimp.

To make this recipe, coat large shrimp with cornstarch. Fry them in hot oil for about 2-3 minutes until they turn light brown and crispy.

The key to the flavor is a mix of salt, black pepper, and Sichuan peppercorns. Toast and grind these spices for the best taste.

After frying, toss the shrimp with minced garlic and sliced green onions. This adds a fresh, aromatic touch to the dish.

Serve your crispy salt and pepper shrimp hot. They make a great appetizer or main course with rice.

26. Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

This tasty dish combines sweet and savory flavors. You’ll need large shrimp, bacon, maple syrup, and BBQ sauce.

Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Cut bacon slices in half.

Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Mix maple syrup and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.

Brush the sauce over the bacon-wrapped shrimp. Place them on a baking sheet.

Cook the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for a few minutes at the end.

27. Shrimp and Chorizo Paella

Shrimp and chorizo paella is a tasty Spanish dish you can make at home. It combines juicy shrimp with spicy chorizo sausage.

To make it, start by cooking onions and garlic in a large pan. Add tomato paste, rice, and spices like paprika and saffron.

Next, add broth and let the rice cook. While it’s simmering, cook the shrimp and chorizo separately.

When the rice is almost done, mix in the cooked shrimp and chorizo. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes.

The result is a flavorful meal with crispy rice on the bottom and tender seafood on top. It’s perfect for feeding a group or enjoying as a special dinner.

28. Shrimp Risotto

Shrimp risotto is a tasty dinner that combines creamy rice with juicy shrimp. You’ll need Arborio rice, large shrimp, chicken or vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese.

Start by cooking the rice slowly, adding broth bit by bit. This creates the dish’s signature creamy texture. While the rice cooks, prepare the shrimp.

Add the shrimp to the rice near the end of cooking. Stir in some lemon zest and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. The whole dish takes about 40 minutes to make.

You can serve this risotto as a main course. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

29. Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp is a tasty appetizer or snack that’s quick to make. You’ll need small shrimp, flour, eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs.

Start by coating the shrimp in flour. Then dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk. Finally, roll them in seasoned breadcrumbs.

For extra flavor, add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Cajun seasoning to your breadcrumbs. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer.

Fry the breaded shrimp for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving. Enjoy your crispy popcorn shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce!

30. Margarita Grilled Shrimp

Margarita grilled shrimp brings the flavors of your favorite cocktail to the grill. You’ll love this zesty and refreshing dish.

To make it, marinate shrimp in a mix of lime juice, tequila, olive oil, and spices. Let them soak up the flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, adding lime wedges between them for extra flavor.

Grill the shrimp for just a few minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook them.

Serve your margarita grilled shrimp hot off the grill. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy this tasty summer meal!

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp packs a powerful nutritional punch in a small package. It offers high-quality protein and many essential vitamins and minerals to support your health.

High Protein Content

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving provides about 20 grams of protein with only 84 calories. This makes it a great choice for building and repairing muscles.

Protein in shrimp helps you feel full longer. This can aid in weight management by reducing hunger between meals.

Shrimp protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. These amino acids support various bodily functions and help maintain healthy tissues.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Shrimp offers a wide range of important vitamins and minerals. It’s particularly high in selenium, which acts as an antioxidant in your body.

You’ll get good amounts of vitamin B12 from shrimp. This vitamin is crucial for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.

Shrimp provides zinc, which supports your immune system. It also contains iodine, important for thyroid health.

The pink color of shrimp comes from astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. This compound may help protect your cells from damage.

Cooking Techniques for Shrimp

Shrimp can be cooked in many ways. Each method brings out different flavors and textures. Here are three popular techniques to prepare delicious shrimp dishes.

Sautéing

Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook shrimp. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat.

Add peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. This helps the shrimp cook evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor. Add lemon juice at the end for a bright taste.

Sautéed shrimp works well in pasta dishes, stir-fries, or as a simple appetizer. It’s perfect for busy weeknight meals when you need dinner on the table fast.

Grilling

Grilling gives shrimp a smoky flavor and slightly charred edges. Skewer large shrimp or use a grill basket for smaller ones. Brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Be careful not to overcook, or they’ll become tough.

Try marinating the shrimp before grilling. Use a mix of oil, herbs, and citrus juice. Marinate for 15-30 minutes max to avoid making the shrimp mushy.

Boiling

Boiling is great for cooking lots of shrimp at once. It’s often used for shrimp cocktail or seafood boils.

Fill a large pot with water, salt, and spices like bay leaves or Old Bay seasoning. Bring the water to a boil.

Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float and turn pink. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

For extra flavor, try a beer or wine boil. Replace some of the water with your chosen drink. This adds depth to the shrimp’s taste.