16 Delicious Fresh Shrimp Recipes for Seafood Lovers

Nothing beats the succulent taste of fresh shrimp when you’re craving something light yet satisfying. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special weekend feast, our roundup of 16 delicious shrimp recipes has got you covered. From zesty stir-fries to creamy pastas, these dishes are sure to delight any seafood lover. Dive in and discover your next favorite shrimp recipe today!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Alright, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for those nights when you want something fancy without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Butter – 4 tbsp
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Pepper – ¼ tsp
• Pasta – 8 oz

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Tip: Salt the water like the sea for the best pasta flavor.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Tip: Don’t let the butter brown; keep the heat medium.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.
6. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together until well combined.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Kick back and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness of this dish. The shrimp are juicy, and the pasta soaks up all that buttery sauce beautifully. Try serving it with a crisp white wine for an extra touch of elegance.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa

Alright, you’re in for a treat with this one. Imagine juicy shrimp with a kick, paired with sweet mango salsa—it’s summer on a plate.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Chili powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Mango – 1, diced
• Red onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped
• Cilantro – 2 tbsp, chopped
• Lime juice – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high, about 400°F.
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re pink and slightly charred. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking.
4. While the shrimp cooks, mix the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl to make the salsa. Tip: Let the salsa sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the grilled shrimp topped with the mango salsa. Tip: For an extra zing, add a sprinkle of chili powder on top before serving.

Just like that, you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavors—spicy, sweet, and tangy all at once. Perfect for a quick dinner or to impress at your next BBQ.

Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Biting into crispy, golden coconut shrimp with a side of sweet chili sauce is like a mini vacation to the tropics. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser at home.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Flour – 1 cup
• Eggs – 2
• Shredded coconut – 1 cup
• Panko breadcrumbs – 1 cup
• Sweet chili sauce – ½ cup
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation.
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess. Tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to keep things tidy.
4. Dip the floured shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat with the coconut-panko mixture. Press gently to adhere.
5. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
6. Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce. Tip: For extra crunch, place fried shrimp on a rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm.

These shrimp are irresistibly crunchy on the outside with juicy, tender meat inside. Try serving them over a bed of greens for a light meal or as appetizers with toothpicks for easy grabbing.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Oh, you’re going to love this Shrimp and Avocado Salad—it’s fresh, easy, and perfect for those days when you want something light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Avocado – 2
• Lime – 1
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp, then rinse under cold water.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F).
3. Add shrimp to the pan, cooking for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove shrimp from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
5. Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and dice the flesh.
6. Juice the lime into a large bowl.
7. Add the cooled shrimp and diced avocado to the bowl.
8. Sprinkle with salt, then gently toss to combine. Tip: Use a rubber spatula to avoid mashing the avocado.
9. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of chili flakes when tossing.

Here’s the deal: this salad is all about the contrast between the creamy avocado and the tender shrimp, with a bright lime finish. Try serving it in avocado halves for a fun, edible bowl situation.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something light yet satisfying, this lemon garlic shrimp pasta comes together in no time. You’ll love the zesty kick and the way the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

• Pasta – 8 oz
• Shrimp – 1 lb, peeled and deveined
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Lemon – 1, juiced and zested
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp
• Parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Tip: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the shrimp to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add lemon juice, zest, and half of the chopped parsley. Stir to combine.
5. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Tip: The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
6. Garnish with the remaining parsley before serving.

Mouthwatering and vibrant, this dish boasts a perfect balance of tangy lemon and savory garlic. Serve it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

These shrimp tacos are your next go-to for a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a mini vacation. Tossed in a zesty marinade and topped with a creamy cilantro lime crema, they’re a breeze to make and even easier to love.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Lime – 1, juiced
• Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped
• Sour cream – ½ cup
• Corn tortillas – 8
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and garlic powder. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. While the shrimp marinates, blend sour cream with chopped cilantro to make the crema. Set aside.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds each side.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas and drizzling with cilantro lime crema.

Vibrant and fresh, these tacos offer a perfect crunch with every bite. Serve them with extra lime wedges on the side for an added zing, or pile on some avocado slices for creaminess.

Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables

Even on the busiest weeknights, you deserve a meal that’s both easy and exciting. This shrimp stir fry with vegetables is your ticket to a flavorful dinner in no time.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
• Broccoli – 2 cups
• Bell pepper – 1, sliced
• Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger – 1 tsp, grated

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Add shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure each shrimp gets perfectly seared.
4. In the same skillet, add broccoli and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
5. Add garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Pour soy sauce over everything, tossing to combine. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through. Tip: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with the soy sauce before adding.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Tip: Garnish with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Fresh off the skillet, this dish boasts a delightful crunch from the veggies and a savory depth from the soy sauce. Try squeezing a little lime over the top before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Let me tell you about a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful—Cajun Shrimp and Grits. It’s the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and downright delicious, making it a must-try for any seafood lover.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Grits – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 4 cups
• Butter – 2 tbsp
• Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Green onions – ¼ cup, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Slowly whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. While grits cook, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Stir green onions into the cooked grits, then divide grits among plates. Top with Cajun shrimp.

Unbelievably creamy grits meet perfectly spiced shrimp in this dish. Serve it with a side of steamed greens for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Sauce

Feeling fancy but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen? This shrimp cocktail with homemade sauce is your go-to for a quick, impressive appetizer.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Ketchup – 1/2 cup
• Horseradish – 2 tbsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tsp
• Hot sauce – 1/2 tsp

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque.
3. Immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Tip: This keeps them juicy.
4. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired.
5. In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Tip: Adjust the horseradish to your liking for more or less kick.
6. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Tip: Making the sauce ahead of time enhances the taste.
7. Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of the chilled sauce on a serving platter.

Bright, tangy, and with just the right amount of heat, this shrimp cocktail is perfect for dipping. Serve it on a bed of ice for an extra touch of elegance at your next gathering.

Shrimp and Corn Chowder

Venturing into the cozy realm of comfort foods, this shrimp and corn chowder is a hug in a bowl. You’ll love how the sweetness of the corn pairs with the succulent shrimp, making every spoonful a delight.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Corn kernels – 2 cups
• Potatoes – 2, diced
• Heavy cream – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 4 cups
• Butter – 2 tbsp
• Flour – 2 tbsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp, then set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps.
5. Add the diced potatoes and corn kernels to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper.
8. Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.
9. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Unbelievably creamy and rich, this chowder boasts a perfect balance of textures—tender shrimp, soft potatoes, and bursts of sweet corn. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Baked Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes

Craving something deliciously simple yet packed with flavor? This baked shrimp with feta and tomatoes is your go-to dish for a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Feta cheese – 1 cup, crumbled
• Tomatoes – 2 cups, diced
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Oregano – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the diced tomatoes at the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Arrange the seasoned shrimp over the tomatoes in a single layer.
5. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the shrimp and tomatoes.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
7. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Light and flavorful, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or over a bed of steamed rice. The juicy tomatoes and creamy feta create a perfect backdrop for the succulent shrimp, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Shrimp Fried Rice

Mmm, you know those nights when you’re craving something quick, delicious, and a little bit fancy? Shrimp fried rice is your go-to. It’s packed with flavor, easy to whip up, and way better than takeout.

Ingredients

• Cooked rice – 2 cups
• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Eggs – 2
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
• Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
• Green onions – ¼ cup, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp to the pan, cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil and scramble the eggs until just set. Tip: Don’t overcook the eggs; they’ll finish cooking with the rice.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
5. Return the shrimp to the pan, add soy sauce, and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes. Tip: For extra flavor, let the rice sit for a minute to get a slight crisp on the bottom.
6. Stir in the green onions and cook for 30 seconds more. Tip: Fresh green onions add a nice crunch and color, so don’t skip them!

Now you’ve got a dish that’s perfectly balanced—tender shrimp, fluffy eggs, and just the right amount of savory soy sauce. Try serving it in a bowl with a sprinkle of extra green onions on top for that Instagram-worthy finish.

Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage

Hey, you ever crave something that’s both comforting and a little fancy? This shrimp and grits with andouille sausage is your answer—creamy, spicy, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Andouille sausage – ½ lb
• Stone-ground grits – 1 cup
• Chicken broth – 4 cups
• Heavy cream – ½ cup
• Butter – 2 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Green onions – ¼ cup
• Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp
• Salt – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat.
2. Whisk in grits, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Stir in heavy cream and butter until fully incorporated, then remove from heat.
4. Slice andouille sausage into ¼-inch rounds.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook sausage until browned, about 5 minutes.
6. Add shrimp and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until shrimp are pink, about 3 minutes.
7. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning and salt over the shrimp and sausage, stirring to coat evenly.
8. Chop green onions and stir half into the grits.
9. Serve grits topped with shrimp and sausage mixture, garnished with remaining green onions.

The grits are luxuriously creamy, a perfect base for the spicy kick of the andouille and the sweetness of the shrimp. Try serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of flavor.

Thai Shrimp Curry with Coconut Milk

Even if you’ve never tried your hand at Thai cooking before, this shrimp curry with coconut milk is a foolproof way to dive in. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and comes together in no time.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Coconut milk – 1 can (13.5 oz)
• Thai red curry paste – 2 tbsp
• Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
• Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
• Sugar – 1 tsp
• Lime juice – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add the Thai red curry paste to the pan and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine with the curry paste. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the shrimp to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
6. Remove from heat and let it sit for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Velvety from the coconut milk with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy, this curry is a dream over steamed rice. For an extra crunch, top with chopped peanuts right before serving.

Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Unwrap the flavors of the South with this Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich, a crispy, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. You’ll love how easy it is to bring this classic to your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• French bread – 1 loaf
• Mayonnaise – ½ cup
• Hot sauce – 1 tbsp
• Lettuce – 2 cups
• Tomato – 1, sliced
• Vegetable oil – 2 cups
• Cornmeal – ½ cup
• Flour – ½ cup
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Pepper – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired.
2. In a shallow dish, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the shrimp in this mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot to ensure even cooking.
4. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Tip: Keep them warm in a low oven while you prepare the rest.
5. Slice the French bread horizontally and toast lightly if desired.
6. Mix mayonnaise and hot sauce in a small bowl. Spread this sauce on both sides of the bread.
7. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and fried shrimp on the bottom half of the bread. Cover with the top half and press gently.
8. Cut the sandwich into portions and serve immediately. Tip: Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy.

Dig into the crunch of perfectly fried shrimp against the soft, pillowy bread, with the creamy sauce adding just the right kick. Try serving it with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Lemon Herb Marinade

Ready to fire up the grill for something quick and delicious? These grilled shrimp skewers are your ticket to a flavorful meal with minimal fuss, perfect for those warm summer evenings.

Ingredients

• Shrimp – 1 lb
• Olive oil – ¼ cup
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp
• Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to make the marinade.
3. Add the shrimp to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.
4. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
6. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Now, these skewers are all about that juicy, tender shrimp with a zesty kick from the lemon herb marinade. Try serving them over a bed of quinoa or alongside a crisp salad for a light, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Luscious and varied, these 16 shrimp recipes are a treasure trove for seafood enthusiasts looking to spice up their meals. Whether you’re craving something quick, healthy, or indulgent, there’s a dish here to satisfy. We’d love to hear which recipe becomes your go-to—drop a comment below! And if you found this roundup helpful, don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest. Happy cooking!