You may think you know the limits of shrimp, but just you wait!
When it comes to versatile seafood options, shrimp stands in a league of its own. Its delicate flavor, quick cooking time, and adaptability to a wide range of culinary styles makes it a go-to ingredient for countless dishes. While classics like shrimp scampi and shrimp cocktail have earned their rightful place on dinner tables around the world, there exists a treasure trove of lesser-known shrimp recipes waiting to be discovered.
From exotic international delicacies to creative reinventions of familiar favorites, this collection promises to take your shrimp game to new heights. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to add a fresh twist to your weeknight dinners, these recipes are bound to tantalize your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons.
Shrimp Dish #20: Shrimp Saganaki
Dive into the heart of Greece with Shrimp Saganaki, a sizzling masterpiece of plump shrimp, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. This dish turns your kitchen into a Mediterranean taverna, offering a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
Often served as a sort of tapas or with an assortment of other appetizers, shrimp saganaki can be served with a tomato and feta salad to highlight the flavors in the dish. As you scoop up a succulent bite, the tangy feta melds seamlessly with the sweet shrimp and robust tomato sauce, leaving you longing for just one more dip.
Shrimp Dish #19: Moqueca de Camarão
Take your palate on a tropical escape with Moqueca de Camarão, a Brazilian seafood stew that embraces the vibrant flavors of coconut milk, dendê oil, and fresh shrimp. A taste of Bahia that’s as rich in tradition as it is in taste. The dendê oil is spicy, sweet, and bitter all at the same time, giving this stew a flavor other stews fail to replicate.
This stew is not hard to make! Just sauté the dende oil, prawns, tomatoes, chillies, garlic, coconut milk, and lime juice all together before adding your shrimp and desired seafood. With its vibrant hues and exotic aroma, Moqueca de Camarão is more than a dish—it’s a sensory journey to the sunny shores of Brazil, where every spoonful evokes the spirit of Bahian coastal living.
Shrimp Dish #18: Shrimp Tempura
Light, crispy, and utterly addictive, Shrimp Tempura is a star in Japanese cuisine (especially in a shrimp tempura roll). Each bite delivers a delicate crunch, revealing succulent shrimp inside – it’s like a flavor fireworks show in your mouth.
Each exquisite bite of Shrimp Tempura is a testament to the artistry of Japanese cuisine, where the delicate crunch gives way to the juicy, lightly fried tempura batter that is a culinary delight.
Shrimp Dish #17: Gambas Pil Pil
Spain’s culinary gem, Gambas Pil Pil, brings sizzling romance to your table. Spicy chili, garlic, and olive oil transform humble shrimp into a fiery fiesta, begging for a crusty baguette to sop up all that exquisite sauce.
“Pil pil” is supposed to be the sound of popping garlic as it cooks in hot oil according to Spanish culture. So, you know garlic must be the star of this dish! It’s only supposed to take 3-4 minutes to cook this dish, wait for the “pil pil” and you’re all set!
Shrimp Dish #16: Shrimp Fried Rice
A whirlwind tour of Asian cuisine is just one stir-fry away with Shrimp Fried Rice. Perfectly cooked rice, tender shrimp, and an orchestra of seasonings combine to make this classic a staple in every home cook’s repertoire.
In each mouthful of Shrimp Fried Rice, the harmonious marriage of tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and an array of crisp vegetables – whether it be corn, peas, asparagus, peppers, or anything else not traditionally in the recipe that you want to add – will show you the amazing wizardry that turns simple, humble ingredients into harmonious flavors!
Shrimp Dish #15: Goong Pad Krapow
Thailand’s beloved street food, Goong Pad Krapow, brings the unmistakable aroma of Thai basil and chilies to your kitchen. These stir-fried shrimp pack a punch of flavor that’ll leave you coming back for more.
The fragrant basil leaves make give this flavor a twang you might not expect! Thai basil leaves have a peppery kick that traditional basil leaves don’t have – some even say it has a licorice flavor!
Shrimp Dish #14: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Creamy and indulgent, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo is a pasta lover’s dream. Succulent shrimp nestle in velvety Alfredo sauce, making every forkful a celebration of Italian-American cuisine.
The indulgence of the creamy Alfredo sauce embraces the tender shrimp in a loving embrace. Alfredo isn’t hard to make, being mostly a blend of cream and parmesan cheese, however if you’re looking for a quick dish you can buy jarred Alfredo sauce from the store. It’s become such a beloved flavor, sauce shelves are bursting with options!
Shrimp Dish #13: Shrimp Curry
Spice up your life with Shrimp Curry, where succulent shrimp swim in a pool of fragrant spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes. This dish is an invitation to India, and every bite is a journey through its diverse culinary landscape.
As the layers of spices – a blend of turmeric, cumin, chiles, and ginger – unfold, each bite of Shrimp Curry offers a tantalizing exploration of India’s culinary tapestry, leaving you with a warmth that lingers long after the last morsel.
Shrimp Dish #12: Shrimp Ceviche
The epitome of fresh and zesty, Shrimp Ceviche is a Latin American masterpiece. The vibrant citrus-y marinade gently cooks the shrimp while infusing them with a burst of tangy flavors.
At its core, ceviche is basically fresh seafood steeped in a lime (or other acidic!) marinade. The acid in the lime forms an extremely low pH condition that breaks down the fish’s proteins networks, much the same as heating would. Basically, the lime cooks the shrimp! The bright, zesty marinade in Shrimp Ceviche effortlessly coaxes the shrimp into tender perfection, creating a refreshing dish that’s as invigorating as a coastal breeze.
Shrimp Dish #11: Baked Shrimp Scampi
Turn the classic Shrimp Scampi – shrimp cooked in a sauce of butter, white wine, and garlicy goodness – on its head by baking it to perfection. This gives it a crunchy top that makes the shrimp taste oh-so-smokey. It’s a garlic-buttery delight that effortlessly merges simplicity and sophistication.
The aromatic garlic-butter sauce, lovingly baked into every shrimp, is a testament to the transformative power of simple ingredients, leaving you with a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
Shrimp Dish #10: Shrimp Étouffée
Cajun culture comes to life in Shrimp Etouffee. A spicy, roux-based gravy bathes plump shrimp, creating a comforting dish that’s as soul-warming as a Louisiana sunset. Roux can be made by mixing flour and fat and adding it to sauces in order to make it thick and delicious.
With its rich, smoky roux and plump shrimp, Shrimp Etouffee is a Louisiana love letter that warms your soul, transporting you to the heart of the Bayou with every sumptuous spoonful.
Shrimp Dish #9: Tom Yum Goong
Thailand’s iconic hot and sour soup, Tom Yum Goong, teems with shrimp, mushrooms, and a symphony of spices. The lemongrass used to flavor takes center stage to give this soup a sour taste. Tamarind paste also adds to the sour sting in each spoonful.
The bold taste of lemongrass, chili, and lime in Tom Yum Goong is a sensory symphony that elevates the humble shrimp into a Thai masterpiece, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight.
Shrimp Dish #8: Shrimp Po’ Boy
A delicious taste of New Orleans, the Shrimp Po’ Boy piles crispy shrimp onto a soft French baguette, then drowns it in zesty remoulade sauce. It’s a sandwich that’s ready to transport you to the heart of the French Quarter.
Po’ Boys are a rich part of New Orleans history. Originally known as the poor boy sandwich, this originated in 1929 during the streetcar strike at Martin Brothers’ French Market and Coffee Stand in New Orleans. The owners of the coffee stand were streetcar workers before opening the stand. The poor boy sandwich was then created in 1929 when the Electric Street Railway employees went on strike, and the Martin brothers gave away sandwiches to the strikers!
Shrimp Dish #7: Prawn Masala
Spice up your dining experience with Prawn Masala, a dish that showcases the rich, aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. The focus for this dish is creating a thick sauce of coconut milk and spices. Prawns are the perfect canvas for this spicy symphony of spices.
The vibrant blend of Thai chili, garam, cinnamon, and curry leaves in Prawn Masala transforms the prawns into a fragrant masterpiece that pays homage to the rich culinary heritage of India, inviting you to savor every aromatic bite.
Shrimp Dish #6: Shrimp Tacos
Give Taco Tuesday a seafood twist with Shrimp Tacos. These tortilla-wrapped wonders are a fiesta of flavors, with succulent shrimp, fresh salsa, and zesty crema.
These can be nearly anything you want! Grilled shrimp? Sure. Fried shrimp? You got it. Cheese? Tomatoes? Lettuce? Corn? Pineapple salsa? Chile queso? Top with whatever you’d like to make this versatile meal your new favorite dinner rotation.
Shrimp Dish #5: Shrimp Gumbo
The Deep South’s culinary jewel, Shrimp Gumbo, is a hearty stew teeming with shrimp, okra, and a medley of seasonings. If a meal is originating from Louisiana, you know it’s gonna taste inviting!
With each spoonful of Shrimp Gumbo, you’ll taste the soul of the Deep South. When eating gumbo, you don’t have to limit your options to just shrimp. Gumbo can also be made with beef, chicken, or any other kind of shellfish! Use shrimp when you want to balance your meal with healthy fats and taste a little bit of the sea.
Shrimp Dish #4: Shrimp and Grits
Hailing from the American South, Shrimp and Grits is a delightful harmony of creamy, cheesy grits and perfectly cooked shrimp, offering a taste of Southern hospitality in every bite.
The creamy, cheesy grits form a luxurious bed for the perfectly cooked shrimp. Grits can be seen in any meal of the day. Add some spiced shrimp to your grits when you want to use your leftover breakfast grits for dinner. Get that protein in!
Shrimp Dish #3: Garlic Butter Shrimp
Simplicity at its finest, Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and easy treat that delivers an explosion of flavor. Melted butter and garlic infuse each bite with irresistible savory goodness.
The sizzle of garlic-infused butter coats each succulent shrimp. These shrimp can be served on its own or with a lot of accompaniments! Sometimes these shrimp will be poured over spaghetti or linguini noodles to model a sort of scampi. Using mini shrimp to make this dish, many steakhouse now often offer garlic butter shrimp as a steak topping. Did someone say surf and turf?
Shrimp Dish #2: Shrimp Pad Thai
Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok with Shrimp Pad Thai. This Thai stir-fry masterpiece combines rice noodles, shrimp, and a symphony of flavors for a meal that’s sweet, salty, and incredibly satisfying.
The five flavors of Pad Thai, salty, sweet, spicy, sour, and creamy, are all supposed to be perfectly balanced in order for the meal to taste authentic. The sweet, salty, and spicy symphony of tamarind, brown sugar, peanuts, oyster sauce, and fish sauce in Shrimp Pad Thai invites you to experience the vibrant streets of Bangkok.
Shrimp Dish #1: Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Fire up the grill and savor the succulent delight of Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Marinated in nearly any flavor you want – traditionally something sweet and citrusy like a sweet lime marinade – smoky, and oh-so-delicious, they’re the perfect way to celebrate shrimp’s natural flavors.
The smoky, charred exterior of Grilled Shrimp Skewers gives way to the succulent, tender shrimp within, creating a dish that’s a celebration of shrimp’s natural sweetness and the magic of the grill. Each bite is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest preparations yield the most extraordinary results.
And For Dessert…
So there you have it—a whirlwind tour through 20 shrimp sensations that are sure to tickle your taste buds and ignite your culinary creativity.
From the fiery sizzle of Gambas Pil Pil to the comforting embrace of Shrimp and Grits, these dishes prove that shrimp is a culinary chameleon, capable of stealing the show in dishes from every corner of the globe. So why not embark on your own shrimp-inspired adventure? With these recipes in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to turn any mealtime into a seafood extravaganza.
Happy cooking!
