10 Delicious Shrimp Recipes You Have to Try

In the vibrant culinary world, shrimp stands out not only for its delightful taste but also for its versatility. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your regular menu, these 10 delicious shrimp recipes will elevate your cooking game. Here, we'll dive into recipes that celebrate the succulent nature of shrimp, offering you dishes from around the globe.

Shrimp Scampi

Start with a classic:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₄ cup white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Pasta or bread for serving

Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until aromatic, about a minute. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, around 2 minutes per side. Pour in wine or broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley. Serve over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorsome sauce.

💡 Note: Don’t overcook the shrimp as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp with Lemon

A quick stir-fry with a spicy kick:

• ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt to taste
• Juice of one lemon
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Once the garlic is golden, add the shrimp, cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Sprinkle with salt, add lemon juice, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Coconut Shrimp Curry

Bring some exotic flavors to your table:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Lime juice, to taste
• Cilantro for garnish

In a pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir in curry powder, then pour in coconut milk. Add shrimp, cook until pink. Add fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice for balance. Garnish with cilantro.

🌿 Note: For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with chickpeas or cauliflower.

Shrimp Tacos

A fresh and light take:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Lime juice
• Tortillas
• Shredded cabbage, avocado, salsa, and cilantro for toppings

Season the shrimp with spices and lime juice. Grill or sauté until cooked. Serve on warm tortillas with toppings of your choice.

Shrimp Pesto Pasta

A dish that’s green with goodness:

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 pound shrimp
• ¹⁄₂ cup basil pesto
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Lemon zest

Cook pasta as per instructions. In a pan, cook shrimp, then mix with pesto, pasta, and Parmesan. Zest lemon over the top for an aromatic finish.

Shrimp Paella

A traditional Spanish feast:

• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken stock
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup peas
• Lemon wedges and parsley for garnish

In a paella pan or wide skillet, cook onions, bell pepper, and garlic in oil. Add rice, saffron, and stock. Simmer until rice is almost done, then add shrimp and peas. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Garnish with lemon and parsley.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

A sweet and savory treat:

• ¹⁄₃ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 pound large shrimp
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Combine honey, soy, garlic, and ginger. Sauté shrimp in oil, then pour in the sauce, cooking until caramelized and sticky.

Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple

A delightful BBQ option:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¹⁄₂ pineapple, cut into chunks
• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Juice from one lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Marinate shrimp in soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Thread shrimp and pineapple alternately onto skewers. Grill until charred and cooked.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Recycle leftovers deliciously:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup chopped veggies (peas, carrots, onions)
• 2 cups cooked rice, cooled
• ¹⁄₂ pound shrimp, cooked
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt, pepper, and green onions for garnish

Heat oil, scramble eggs, set aside. Sauté veggies, add rice, then mix in shrimp, eggs, and soy sauce. Adjust seasoning, garnish with green onions.

Shrimp Bisque

A luxurious soup to indulge in:

• 1 pound shrimp, shells on
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¹⁄₄ cup brandy or dry sherry
• 4 cups seafood or vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste

Shell shrimp, sauté shells to make a broth. In another pot, cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add tomato paste, brandy, and broth. Simmer, strain, blend half, then return to pot with cream and shrimp. Season and serve hot.

In this exploration of shrimp dishes, we’ve journeyed through various cuisines, capturing the essence of global flavors. From the comforting richness of a shrimp bisque to the sizzling thrill of BBQ skewers, these recipes offer a delightful array of tastes and textures, showcasing the humble shrimp in the most appetizing ways. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these recipes invite you to experiment, indulge, and enjoy the culinary versatility that shrimp provides.

Can I substitute shrimp with other seafood in these recipes?

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Yes, you can replace shrimp with scallops, crab, or even lobster for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times according to the size and thickness of the seafood used.

What should I do if I’m allergic to shellfish?

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For those with shellfish allergies, consider using chicken, tofu, or mushrooms as substitutes. These alternatives will not mimic the taste of shrimp but can still deliver a satisfying meal.

How can I make these recipes healthier?

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Reduce fat by using less oil or opting for low-fat versions of ingredients like cream. Incorporate more vegetables, use whole grain or brown rice, and limit salt with herbs and spices for flavor.