37 Shrimp Recipes That’ll Go Over Big Time
Our best shrimp recipes will remind you just why those tiny little crustaceans are so lovable. First, they’re quick to cook. Second, shrimp practically thrive in the freezer, so you can always have a stash to whip out at a moment’s notice. And third, when it comes to flavor pairings, she’s got versatility. Spicy chile? Check. Garlicky marinara? Check. Tossed in mayo and stuffed in a hot dog bun? Check and check.
Also, thanks to the internet there’s an excellent chance you can stock up on as many pounds of shrimp as you like from the comfort of your home. From poached to fried to grilled, these shrimp recipes offer endless inspiration for busy weeknights and casual dinner parties alike.
Need a little guidance? Head this way for our complete guide to cooking shrimp →
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Christina Allen, Food Styling by Thu Buser1/37Gorgeous Green Shrimp
When a shrimp recipe is this good-looking, we feel we have no other choice than to acknowledge it by putting “gorgeous” in its title—and this dish gets bonus points for also being easy to execute.
- Laura Murray2/37
Shrimp Scampi
We think of shrimp scampi as garlic butter shrimp, a.k.a. one of the best shrimp dishes on earth. This version gets an extra punch of flavor from a quick marinade before cooking.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro3/37
Jerk Shrimp With Pineapple Salad
The gang’s all here: large shrimp, jerk seasoning, fresh pineapple and cucumber. Another lovable example of the partnership between pineapple and shrimp? This sheet pan shrimp recipe for tacos.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.4/37
Crispy Golden Shrimp Burgers
Who can resist crispy shrimp patties and shredded cabbage nestled between toasted brioche buns? P.S. Cut your prep time day-of by making the patties and egg salad ahead of time.
- Photo by Alex Lau5/37
BA’s Best Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is about two things: the big, fat, and perfectly cooked shrimp and the cocktail sauce that gets its bite from horseradish, hot sauce, and lots of black pepper.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Emilie Fosnocht, prop styling by Gerri Williams6/37
Buttery Shrimp Rolls
A lobster roll is best eaten with a view of the water, prepared by someone with all the time in the world to boil and break down a fresh catch. But a shrimp roll? That, you can make in any kitchen.
- Photograph by Cody Guilfoyle, Prop Styling by Nicole Louie, Food Styling by Thu Buser7/37
Crispy Noodles With Coconut Shrimp
The noodles in this shrimp dish—you’ll want to buy Hong-Kong-style pan-fry noodles like these ones from Twin Marquis—are crispy-meets-soggy at its best. (Yes, crispy-meets-soggy is a thing.)
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Gerri Williams8/37
Avgolemono Seafood Stew
Inspired by Greek avgolemono, a silky but tangy sauce made with eggs, lemon, and a warm broth, this stew is a seafood party with a lemony punch.
- Photograph by Cody Guilfoyle, Prop Styling by Nicole Louie, Food Styling Thu Buser9/37
Bánh Cuốn With Pork, Shrimp, and Mushrooms
Originating in Northern Vietnam, bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls) are a hallmark of the country’s cuisine and a common street food. And from Southern Vietnam, another staple shrimp dish: Shrimp and Sugar Snap Pea Bánh Xèo.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Jesse Szewczyk, Prop Styling by Dayna Seman10/37
Bangladeshi Spiced Shrimp and Green Bean Stir-Fry
We love the high heat, quick-cooking method of stir-frying, which can be a life-saver when you’ve only got the minimum amount of energy to spend on dinner. Here’s another shrimp stir-fry with one of our other favorite veggies, asparagus.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne, Prop Styling by Gerri K. Williams11/37
Sweet-and-Sour Shrimp Ball Soup
Gently poached in an aromatic broth, these plump and juicy shrimp balls come together in a snap in the food processor for an easy weeknight meal.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Beth Pakradooni12/37
Shrimp Pasta With Preserved Lemon
This one’s a shrimp recipe for carbohydrate lovers. You’ll want a medium tube-shaped pasta such as rigatoni or penne, salty preserved lemon—this is way punchier than alfredo—and lots of Parmesan cheese.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Thu Buser, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca13/37
Shrimp Vuelve a la Vida
There are many styles of shrimp cocktail. This one is great after a night of, let’s say, excess; vuelve a la vida translates to “come back to life.”
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Nicole Louie14/37
Shrimp Scampi Udon With Doenjang Butter Sauce
An Italian-American favorite gets an Asian spin with chubby udon noodles and a dab of assertive Korean doenjang bean paste mixed into a garlicky soy-butter sauce.
- Photograph by Jessica Pettway, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie Yeh15/37
Shrimp and Tomato Toasts
When you’re out of shrimp dinner ideas, just cook the the crustaceans and put them on toast—toast spread with a bright but creamy aioli, that is.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Rosanna Anil, Prop Styling by Paola Andrea16/37
Lemon-Oregano Shrimp and Tiny Potatoes
Allow one of our readers to convince you that this is a great weeknight dinner: “Butter and shrimp and potatoes. What a combination. My husband and I devoured the whole meal. It was so good.” (Yes, we read the comments.)
- Photograph by Maria Be, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Marina Bevilacqua17/37
Lasooni Prawns With Cilantro
When you need a flavorful but quick option for the grill, get into this jumbo shrimp dish. The garlicky shrimp is marinated not once, but two times; after that, they just need five minutes on the heat.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Emilie Fosnocht, Prop Styling by Emma Ringness18/37
Shrimp With Feta and Tomatoes
Inspired by the Greek classic shrimp saganaki, this riff features a bright mix of fresh tomatoes with shrimp and feta for a fast dinner with plenty of oomph.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.19/37
Creamy Coconutty Shrimp Salad
This is one of our go-to easy shrimp recipes that also makes for a flavorful, healthy dinner. Instead of the typically acidic broth, in this Peruvian-inspired dish, the shrimp bathe in garlic-infused coconut milk.
- Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Judy Kim, Prop Styling by Stephanie De Luca20/37
Crunchy Coconut-Sesame Shrimp With Spicy Lime Mayo
This is not a time for your air fryer. To get these breaded coconut shrimp crispy and golden-brown, it’s all about a hot vegetable oil sizzle.
- Photo by Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Amy Wilson21/37
Sambal Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Fresh Bibb lettuces and crunchy accompaniments—sliced cucumbers, crushed salted, dry-roasted peanuts, whole mint leaves—turn sambal-marinated shrimp into a light and easy dinner.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman. Food Styling by Pearl Jones.22/37
Shrimp and Crispy Rice With Citrus
The combination of juicy citrus with avocado and sautéed shrimp is striking and, yes, delicious, but we all know that the bed of crispy fried rice is why you’re really here.
- Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Micah Morton, prop styling by Stephanie Yeh23/37
Shrimp and Grits With Fennel Potlikker
This shrimp dinner recipe is many things: gluten-free, comforting, and surprisingly rich despite being dairy-free (thanks to Carla Hall’s method, which requires frequent stirring).
- Photo by Chelsie Craig, styling by Judy Mancini24/37
Seafood Spaghetti With Mussels and Shrimp
Mussels and shrimp cooked in a savory sauce of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and white wine, then tossed with spaghetti... It’s simply one of the best shrimp recipes in existence. But then, if you’re a pesto person, so is this Pasta With Pesto, Shrimp, and Cured Ham.
- Peden + Munk25/37
Grilled Garlic-and-Black-Pepper Shrimp
Salt, pepper, garlic, acid, and a bit of heat are all you need to punch up this easy Indian-inspired shrimp skewer recipe. Serve with lime wedges dipped in Kashmiri chile powder or paprika and you’ve got a great summer appetizer.
- Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio26/37
Bright and Spicy Shrimp Noodle Salad
This noodle salad recipe, which one reader calls “so bright, fresh, and zingy,” is like a pared-back version of Thai yum woon sen.
- Photo by Emma Fishman, food styling by D'Myrtrek Brown27/37
Shrimp and Okra With Sausage
Creole seasoning is key for this shrimp recipe, but if you can’t find it, a pinch each of onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper can work as a rough substitute.
- Photo by Heidi's Bridge28/37
Honey-Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
These easier-than-easy shrimp tacos are ideal for busy weeknights, but those fancy-seeming toppings—lime juice–softened red onions and a garlic crema—are destined for dinner party greatness.
- Alex Lau29/37
Shrimp Tostadas With Herbed Mojo de Ajo Slaw
This Mexican-influenced shrimp preparation works as-is for tostadas, but if you feel like firing up the grill, you can cook the shrimp that way instead. Throw on tortillas, too, and you’ve got taco night.
- Photo by Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott, Food Styling by Alison Attenborough, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski30/37
Creamy Shrimp Risotto With Mascarpone
Low-carb, this is not. Delicious, it very much is. Bursting with a double dose of shrimp flavor, it contains shrimp meat as well as risotto cooked in shrimp stock.
- Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Bowl from Heath Ceramics31/37
Grilled Shrimp With Old Bay and Aioli
Seasoned with Old Bay, garlic, and charred lemons, these shell-on shrimp capture the vibes of a classic east coast fish shack without any of the long waiting lines.
- 32/37
Quick-Pickled Shrimp
If you didn’t grow up eating Southern-style pickled shrimp, we’re sorry, but it’s never too late to discover its vinegary, jalapeño-infused joys. Serve the shrimp on toast or toss it with orzo and zucchini for an easy dinner.
- Christopher Testani33/37
Shellfish Boil With Spicy Green Dipping Sauce
This is no run-of-the-mill shrimp boil; there are mussels, clams, corn, potatoes, and lobsters present here, too. It’s a one-pot seafood feast—made on a regular stovetop burner.
- Photography by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Adriana Paschen, Prop Styling by Elizabeth Jamie34/37
Shrimp and Cabbage Curry
After you make this shrimp curry recipe, keep the method for the DIY curry paste—made with red bell peppers, chiles, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, paprika, coriander, cumin, and turmeric—on hand. It works with anything: Try a vegetarian variation with cubed squash substituted for the seafood.
- Eva Kolenko35/37
Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp
Crunchy fried shrimp gets its zesty, floral heat from mouth-tingling Sichuan peppercorns. Direct-to-consumer brand Fly By Jing is our go-to source for these berries (yes, berries, not peppers).
- Photo by Alex Lau, Styling by Sue Li36/37
Shrimp Salad With Yogurt
We like tossing whole shrimp in this yogurt-based sauce, but if you wanted to turn this shrimp dish into an appetizer with chips or a sandwich filling, then you could chop the meat into smaller pieces.
- Photograph by Laura Murray, food styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, prop styling by Sophie Strangio37/37
Spicy Shrimp Pilaf
Our last shrimp recipe is a pilaf, and those of you who are regular pilaf makers will notice something a little different about this one: Normally, you would cook the meat or fish with the rice so the flavors mingle, but because shrimp cook so quickly, we recommend frying them in a large skillet and then tossing them in at the end.
