12 Delicious Ways To Eat Shrimp
Shrimp is one of those magical ingredients that can transform any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
I’ve been obsessed with these little crustaceans since my first bite of buttery shrimp scampi at my grandmother’s seaside cottage.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your weeknight meals, shrimp offers incredible versatility in the kitchen.
Let me share my favorite ways to enjoy this seafood superstar!
1. Buttery Shrimp Scampi
The aroma of garlic butter sizzling in the pan takes me right back to those Italian restaurants my parents would save up for as special treats. Nothing beats plump shrimp swimming in a pool of garlicky, lemony butter sauce.
I like to add a splash of white wine and red pepper flakes for extra zip. The trick is not overcooking those beautiful shrimp – they only need about two minutes per side until they turn that perfect coral pink.
Serve over linguine or with crusty bread for sopping up that heavenly sauce. My husband claims he married me for my scampi recipe alone, and honestly, I can’t blame him – it’s that good!
2. Zesty Shrimp Tacos
Tuesday nights at our house mean one thing: TACO TIME! I discovered shrimp tacos during a beach vacation in San Diego and haven’t looked back since. The combination of spicy seasoned shrimp with cool, crisp toppings creates flavor fireworks in your mouth.
Quick-cooking makes these perfect for weeknights. Just toss those shrimp in chili powder, cumin, and lime zest before a quick sauté. Load up warm corn tortillas with your pink treasures, then pile on avocado, crunchy slaw, and a squirt of lime.
Pro tip: make a simple crema with sour cream, lime juice and a dash of hot sauce for drizzling. My kids, who normally eye seafood suspiciously, devour these without complaint!
3. Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boy
Holy moly, talk about a sandwich that demands both hands and plenty of napkins! My first authentic po’ boy happened in New Orleans, and creating this messy masterpiece at home brings back all those jazzy memories.
Crispy cornmeal-crusted shrimp are the stars here. The contrast between that crunchy coating and soft French bread is pure magic. Layer on remoulade sauce (mayo, mustard, hot sauce, pickles – you know the drill), shredded lettuce, and tomato slices.
What makes mine special? A sprinkle of Old Bay in the cornmeal coating and a few minutes in the fridge before frying helps that crispy shell stick. When friends visit from out of town, this is always their most-requested meal!
4. Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
Sometimes you just need comfort food that hugs your soul, and this creamy pasta dish delivers every single time. I created this recipe during a snowstorm when we were stuck indoors with limited ingredients – now it’s our celebration dinner!
The secret to amazing alfredo is real Parmesan (not the stuff in the green can, folks) and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Juicy shrimp cook quickly in the same pan where you’ll build your sauce, which means all those delicious seafood flavors infuse the cream.
Fettuccine is traditional, but any pasta works beautifully. Want to elevate it further? Add some sun-dried tomatoes and a handful of fresh spinach at the end. Pure creamy, dreamy heaven on a plate!
5. Southern Shrimp And Grits
Y’all aren’t ready for how this humble dish changed my life! During a road trip through Charleston, I tasted authentic shrimp and grits for the first time and immediately begged the chef for cooking tips.
The magic happens in layers of flavor. Stone-ground grits (not instant!) simmer slowly with butter and cheese until creamy and dreamy. Meanwhile, sauté those beautiful shrimp with bacon, garlic, and a splash of hot sauce. Some folks add bell peppers or mushrooms, but I’m a purist at heart.
What makes this dish sing is the sauce – a little bacon fat, some chicken broth, and a squeeze of lemon create a silky finish that brings everything together. Sunday brunch will never be the same!
6. Refreshing Shrimp Ceviche
Summer heat waves call for no-cook meals, and ceviche answers that call perfectly! After watching a Peruvian chef prepare this during a cooking class, I was amazed at how the acidic lime juice actually “cooks” the shrimp without any heat.
Fresh is non-negotiable here. Chop raw shrimp into bite-sized pieces, then bathe them in fresh lime juice until they turn opaque and pink (about 30 minutes). Mix in diced cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, avocado, and cilantro for a rainbow of flavors and textures.
Serve it in margarita glasses for fancy occasions or scoop it up with tortilla chips for casual gatherings. Fair warning though – I’ve never made enough of this! Guests always scrape the bowl clean and ask for seconds.
7. Classic Shrimp Cocktail
Retro is totally back in style, and nothing says vintage glamour like a properly prepared shrimp cocktail! This appetizer reminds me of my parents’ dinner parties in the 80s – I’d sneak extras when no one was looking.
The trick to perfect cocktail shrimp is poaching them gently with aromatics. I simmer water with lemon, peppercorns, and bay leaves before adding the shrimp just until pink. Then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking and preserve that perfect snappy texture.
As for cocktail sauce, homemade beats store-bought every time. Mix ketchup with prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. Arrange those beautiful curved shrimp around a martini glass of sauce, and watch your guests channel their inner Mad Men!
8. Sizzling Shrimp Stir-Fry
Wok this way for dinner in a flash! Sorry, couldn’t resist that pun. My shrimp stir-fry obsession began when I realized I could recreate my favorite takeout flavors at home in less time than delivery takes.
High heat is your friend here. Get that wok (or large skillet) screaming hot before adding a splash of oil, then toss in marinated shrimp for just a minute or two. Remove them while you flash-cook colorful veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, and water chestnuts. The sauce brings everything together – I mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey.
The beauty of stir-fry is its adaptability. Clean out that veggie drawer and customize the spice level to your family’s preference. From wok to plate in 15 minutes flat!
9. Rich Shrimp Etouffee
Laissez les bon temps rouler! This New Orleans classic brings the party to your taste buds. My mother-in-law from Louisiana taught me her family recipe, and I’ve been perfecting my roux-making skills ever since.
Patience makes this dish special. A proper roux takes time – slowly browning flour in butter until it’s the color of peanut butter. Then the holy trinity of Cajun cooking (onions, celery, bell pepper) goes in, followed by garlic, tomatoes, and spices. The shrimp join the party at the very end to keep them tender.
Serve this rich, spicy stew over fluffy white rice with plenty of hot sauce on the side. Fair warning: making this dish might result in spontaneous jazz music playing in your kitchen and unexpected dinner guests following their noses to your door!
10. Velvety Shrimp Bisque
Fancy restaurant vibes at home? Yes please! I mastered this luxurious soup after a particularly inspiring anniversary dinner where the bisque cost almost as much as our entrées. Worth every penny, but even better when you can make a whole pot for the same price!
The secret is in the stock. I save shrimp shells in the freezer until I have enough to make a rich, flavorful broth. Sautéing the shells before adding water extracts maximum flavor. The soup base combines this homemade stock with tomato paste, cream, and a splash of sherry for depth.
Blending creates that signature silky texture, with tender shrimp pieces added at the end. Serve in warmed bowls with a swirl of cream and chives on top. This is my go-to first course when I really want to impress dinner guests!
11. Vibrant Shrimp And Avocado Salad
Who says salads can’t be the main event? This protein-packed beauty has converted even my most dedicated carnivore friends into salad enthusiasts. I created it during a heat wave when turning on the stove seemed criminal.
Simplicity is key here. Tender poached shrimp mingle with creamy avocado chunks, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and peppery arugula. The dressing brings everything alive – I whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard.
What makes this salad memorable is the texture contrast between the firm shrimp and buttery avocado. Add some toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch and feta crumbles for a salty punch. This has become my go-to lunch when I’m working from home and need something that feels special but won’t put me in a food coma!
12. Smoky Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Fire up those grills! Nothing says summer like food on sticks, and these skewers are the highlight of every backyard gathering I host. The smoky char from the grill adds a dimension that’s impossible to achieve indoors.
Marinating makes all the difference. My go-to mix includes olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey. Thirty minutes is all you need – the acid in the lemon starts cooking the shrimp if left too long. Thread those beauties onto skewers (after soaking wooden ones to prevent burning).
The magic happens fast on a hot grill – just 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and slightly charred. I serve these with grilled lemon halves for squeezing over top and usually make double what I think we’ll need. They disappear that quickly!