7 Mouthwatering Shrimp Recipes You Must Try

Are you a seafood enthusiast or someone who can't get enough of shrimp? Shrimp is not just a delight to the taste buds; it's also an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From savory to spicy, from appetizers to main courses, shrimp can transform any meal into something special. Here are seven mouthwatering shrimp recipes that you must try to elevate your culinary repertoire.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish known for its garlic, lemon, and butter sauce. Here’s how you can whip up this flavorful dish at home:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pasta or bread for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Increase heat to medium-high, add the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink, about 2 minutes on each side.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the remaining butter, white wine (or broth), lemon juice, and zest to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Return the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately over pasta or with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

💡 Note: For a twist, you can add red pepper flakes for some heat.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers

For an easy outdoor grilling experience, Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a perfect choice:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high.
5. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with a side salad or as an appetizer.

Coconut Shrimp

A tropical twist to shrimp with Coconut Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In one bowl, mix coconut and panko. In another, place the flour. In a third, beat the eggs.
2. Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, then coconut mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the shrimp until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with salt.
5. Serve with a sweet chili or mango dipping sauce.

Shrimp Paella

Impress with a Shrimp Paella:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups paella rice (such as Bomba or Arborio)
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed and soaked in 3 tablespoons hot water
• 4 cups chicken or seafood stock, heated
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup peas
• Parsley and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a paella pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell pepper, cook until softened.
2. Add garlic, cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the rice, saffron, and tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the rice is well coated.
4. Pour in the hot stock, do not stir, let the rice absorb the liquid.
5. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.
6. Arrange shrimp and peas on top of the rice. Cover and cook until the shrimp are pink, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

💡 Note: The key to perfect paella is not stirring too much after adding the liquid to the rice.

Shrimp Tacos

Enjoy a taste of Mexico with Shrimp Tacos:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 8 small tortillas
• Cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with taco seasoning and olive oil.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas in the same skillet or oven.
4. Assemble tacos with shrimp, cabbage, a drizzle of salsa, a sprinkle of cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Shrimp Alfredo

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Shrimp Alfredo:

• 8 ounces fettuccine
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp, cook until they turn pink, then remove.
4. Reduce heat, add cream, and simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper. Add shrimp back into the sauce.
6. Toss with pasta, garnish with parsley.

💡 Note: Ensure not to overcook shrimp as they can become rubbery.

Shrimp Cocktail

Start your meal with elegance with Shrimp Cocktail:

• 1 pound large shrimp, cooked and chilled
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce for the cocktail sauce.
2. Serve chilled shrimp with the sauce and perhaps a bit of parsley as garnish.

These seven shrimp recipes offer a variety of flavors and cuisines, showcasing the versatility of shrimp. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy like grilled skewers, a show-stopping dish like Paella, or a luxurious starter like Shrimp Cocktail, there's a recipe here for every occasion. Enjoy cooking these dishes and indulge in the rich, delicate flavors shrimp can offer. Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful exploration of shrimp cuisine.

Can I substitute shrimp in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops, prawns, or even chunks of firm white fish in most of these recipes. The cooking times might vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the seafood is cooked through but not overcooked.

How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?

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Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, and their flesh is firm. They should form a C shape when cooked; if they curl into an O, they’re likely overcooked.

What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

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Start by peeling the shrimp if they are not already peeled. Make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a small, sharp knife to expose the vein. Gently lift the vein out with the tip of the knife or your fingers. Rinse the shrimp under cold water if needed.

Are these recipes good for meal prep?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be prepared in advance. Shrimp Paella, Shrimp Alfredo, and Shrimp Tacos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, though for the best texture and flavor, they should be consumed within one to two days.

How can I make shrimp less fishy?

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To reduce the fishy smell, soak shrimp in cold salted water for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps to draw out some of the compounds that give shrimp their fishy flavor. Also, adding lemon juice, vinegar, or another acid to the cooking process can neutralize the fishiness.