10 Mouthwatering Shrimp Recipes You Need to Try Today

Ready to try something new? Dive into 10 shrimp recipes bursting with flavor and variety, sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.

RECIPES & COOKING

Shari Smith

3/5/20257 min read

This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase through them.

a tray of food with shrimp and noodles
a tray of food with shrimp and noodles

Shrimp is one of the most versatile and flavorful proteins out there. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, shrimp delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

From classic garlic butter dishes to bold Asian-inspired creations, here are 10 shrimp recipes you’ll want to add to your favorites.

1. Honey-Garlic Shrimp

This honey-garlic shrimp recipe hits every flavor note: sweet, savory, and just a little tangy.

Start with fresh shrimp, then marinate them in a quick mix of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lime juice.

A hot skillet is all you need to caramelize the sauce around the shrimp for a sticky, mouth-watering finish.

Serve over rice or noodles, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Honey-Garlic Shrimp
Honey-Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp ginger, grated

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, and ginger.

  2. Add shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 15–20 minutes.

  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side.

  4. Pour in the marinade and cook until it thickens, about 2 minutes.

  5. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.

2. Classic Shrimp Scampi

Light, buttery, and perfectly garlicky, shrimp scampi is a go-to recipe every shrimp lover needs.

Toss shrimp in a sizzling mix of olive oil, garlic, and butter, then deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley for brightness.

Pair it with linguine or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that buttery sauce.

Classic Shrimp Scampi over noodles
Classic Shrimp Scampi over noodles

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Cooked linguine or crusty bread for serving

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.

  3. Add shrimp, cooking for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  4. Pour in white wine, scraping the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.

  5. Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter. Return shrimp to the pan.

  6. Toss with parsley and serve over pasta or with bread.

3. Garlic-Butter Shrimp

Garlic and butter are a match made in heaven, and shrimp only takes them to the next level.

To make this simple dish, sauté shrimp in a combination of melted butter, minced garlic, and a touch of paprika.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

It’s quick, elegant, and perfect on its own or paired with rice, pasta, or even roasted veggies.

Garlic-Butter Shrimp
Garlic-Butter Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4 tbsp butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.

  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

  3. Toss in shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side.

  4. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice, pasta, or veggies.

Quick & Easy Shrimp Casserole – Family Favorite! Watch Video...

a woman in a blue shirt and white pants with a plate of fooda woman in a blue shirt and white pants with a plate of food

4. Cajun Shrimp Tacos

For a spicy, satisfying twist, try Cajun shrimp tacos.

Toss shrimp in a smoky Cajun seasoning blend, sear them quickly in a skillet, then load them into warm tortillas.

Top with avocado slices, tangy slaw, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.

These tacos are sure to be a hit at your next taco night.

Cajun Shrimp Tacos
Cajun Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 6 small tortillas

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • 1 cup shredded slaw

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Directions:

  1. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.

  2. Heat oil in a pan and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side.

  3. Warm tortillas and fill with shrimp, avocado, and slaw.

  4. Mix sour cream and lime juice, then drizzle over tacos.

a woman holding a PEPPER GRINDERa woman holding a PEPPER GRINDER

5. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a crispy, tropical treat that’s impossible to resist.

Dip shrimp in a light batter, coat in shredded coconut, and fry until golden brown.

Serve with a zesty orange or sweet chili dipping sauce.

It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ cup flour

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup shredded coconut

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Mix flour, salt, and pepper.

  2. Dip shrimp into flour, then eggs, then coconut and panko.

  3. Fry in hot oil (350°F) for 2–3 minutes until golden.

  4. Drain on paper towels and serve with dipping sauce.

Pro Tip: Mix ¼ cup orange marmalade with 1 tbsp Dijon mustard for an easy dipping sauce.

6. Shrimp Fried Rice

This classic shrimp fried rice recipe is a one-pan wonder.

Combine shrimp with day-old rice, scrambled eggs, veggies, and soy sauce for a quick, hearty dinner.

Add green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers while making something delicious.

Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)

  • 2 green onions, chopped

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Directions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan. Scramble eggs, then set aside.

  2. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

  3. Sauté peas and carrots, then add rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

  4. Stir in eggs and shrimp. Garnish with green onions.

7. Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Lemon-garlic shrimp pasta is a bright, zesty dish that's incredibly easy to make.

Cook your pasta of choice and toss it with sautéed shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice.

Top with grated Parmesan and parsley for a fresh finish.

It’s light, refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 12 oz pasta

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

  2. Heat oil in a pan and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side. Remove.

  3. Sauté garlic, then add lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

  4. Toss in pasta, shrimp, and Parmesan. Add pasta water as needed.

  5. Garnish with parsley and serve.

8. Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is sweet, spicy, and just plain fun to eat.

Coat shrimp in a crispy batter, fry until golden, and toss in a creamy chili sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha.

Great as an appetizer or served over rice for an unforgettable meal.

Bang Bang Shrimp with sauce
Bang Bang Shrimp with sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ cup flour

  • ½ cup cornstarch

  • 1 egg

  • ½ cup buttermilk

  • Oil for frying

Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

  • 1 tbsp sriracha

  • 1 tbsp honey

Directions:

  1. Mix flour and cornstarch.

  2. Dip shrimp into egg and buttermilk, then into flour mixture.

  3. Fry at 375°F for 2–3 minutes. Drain.

  4. Toss shrimp in sauce and serve.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of lime juice for an extra zing in the sauce.

9. Shrimp and Grits

A Southern classic, shrimp and grits is pure comfort food.

Creamy, cheesy grits serve as the perfect backdrop for shrimp cooked in a smoky, spicy sauce.

Add toppings like bacon, green onions, or hot sauce for that extra Southern kick. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

  • 1 cup grits

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 cup milk

  • ½ cup cheddar cheese

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 2 green onions, chopped

Directions:

  1. Cook grits in broth and milk, then stir in cheese and butter.

  2. Cook bacon until crispy, then remove.

  3. Sauté shrimp in bacon fat for 2 minutes per side.

  4. Serve shrimp over grits with bacon and green onions.

10. Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is rich, creamy, and indulgent—ideal for a special occasion or when you’re craving something comforting.

Cook the shrimp in garlic butter, then toss them in a velvety Alfredo sauce made with cream, Parmesan, and more butter.

Pour over fettuccine for a decadent dish your guests will rave about.

Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Alfredo

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

  • 12 oz fettuccine

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook fettuccine and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

  2. Sauté shrimp in butter, then remove.

  3. Add garlic and cream, simmering for 2 minutes.

  4. Stir in Parmesan, then toss with pasta and shrimp.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce for depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp recipes are as diverse as they are delicious, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and citrusy or rich and creamy, these dishes are guaranteed to deliver.

The best part? Shrimp cooks in mere minutes, so you can enjoy these flavorful meals with minimal prep time. Get your skillet or oven ready—shrimp night just got a whole lot more exciting!