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Simply Recipes
The best thing about shrimp is its versatility. You can really cook it in every way imaginable. Is it hot and sunny and you want to cook outside? Fire up the grill! Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner? Then you can enjoy shrimp baked, sautéed or poached. Oh, and let’s not forget about fried shrimp!
Each preparation creates a different flavor profile and your recipe options are endless. Shrimp can be enjoyed as a simple snack, as a protein in salads, mixed into pasta, wrapped in a tortilla, or stirred into a dip.
As culinary directors of our own kitchens we also have many options for the type of shrimp we buy, ranging from the size of the shrimp to where it comes from. You can choose your favorite brand from the supermarket freezer or a pound of fresh, or wild-caught from a local fishmonger depending on where you live.
While pre-cooked shrimp is easy to thaw and serve, don’t shy away from fresh shrimp. It’s really not that difficult to peel and devein shrimp yourself at home.
In this list of satisfying shrimp recipes, you’ll find a selection of tasty ideas that incorporate different types of shrimp and cooking methods to create everything from appetizers and lunches on-the-go to full dinners.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Marta Rivera Tacos are the way to go if you’d like to enjoy your shrimp deep fried. A copycat recipe of a restaurant favorite, there is no messy batter to deal with for this recipe. The shrimp are coated in buttermilk and tossed in a dry flour mix before quickly cooking in oil until golden brown. Then they get a dip in a special sauce before they are snuggled in a warm tortilla.
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Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Elise Bauer Shrimp seasoned with lime and chipotle powder gets wrapped in bacon and cooked until crisp. You have two options for preparing these flavorful bites: Take them to the grill or bake them in the oven. They make a nice topper for your favorite salad or enjoy them as a snack. Serve a small bowl of Bourbon Barbecue Sauce alongside for dipping.
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Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup
Sally Vargas Enjoy your shrimp in an aromatic soup with seasonal green beans and summer squash. The broth gets a creamy luscious feel from coconut milk and is seasoned with fresh ginger, lemongrass, Makrut lime leaves, and Thai basil. Not only does it taste good, but the aroma will fill the whole kitchen, welcoming everyone to the table.
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Cauliflower Rice Bowl with Garlic Shrimp
Sally Vargas | Art Banner Credit: Elena Resko These bowls are loaded with vegetables for a healthy meal at home or to pack for a lunch on-the-go. Savory shrimp are cooked with garlic and paprika and then paired with filling cauliflower, earthy spinach, sweet tomatoes, and creamy avocado. Feel free to experiment with this one. Instead of cauliflower rice, try it with cooked brown rice or Israeli couscous.
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Grilled Shrimp with Tomato Olive Salsa
Elise Bauer Take your shrimp skewers to the grill! Then pair them up with a fresh salsa made of plump ripe tomatoes and black olives. Serve this recipe as-is for an appetizer or grain-free meal. It also pairs nicely with quinoa which you can make in the Instant Pot.
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Ginger Garlic Sesame Shrimp
Elise Bauer Whether you need an easy dinner idea or a quick-cooking lunch, this recipe delivers. These shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger for a mouthwatering masterpiece. Create a simple salad for lunch by serving them over your favorite mix of greens or pair them with Ginger Pineapple Fried Rice and Baby Bok Choy for dinner.
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Sautéed Shrimp with Tropical Fruit Salsa
Elise Bauer This easy skillet meal will have dinner on the table in minutes. Succulent shrimp are paired with sweet mango and slightly tart pineapple and kiwi with a touch of toasted coconut. Enjoy this as is, with fresh tortillas, chips or pair it with some Cilantro Lime Rice for a satisfying meal. You can also try it with Green Cauliflower Rice if you want to add some vegetables and keep the meal grain-free.
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Seafood Paella
Sally Vargas If you really want your shrimp to shine in a special meal, then go all out with this paella. Spanish rice is combined with vegetables, fresh seafood, and chorizo and flavored with saffron. The best part of this recipe is that you don’t need a special pan. It can be prepared in your favorite skillet right on the grill. This meal is best served with friends and family while sharing a pitcher of sangria!
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Shrimp Cakes
Elise Bauer There are so many layers of flavor in these shrimp cakes. Sweet potato and chopped shrimp make up the base along with cilantro and jalapeños. Seasoned with coriander and cumin, these cakes are skillet cooked in a little oil to create crispy edges. Make the patties small and serve this one as a starter for a multi-course meal or pair it with an easy Caesar Salad for brunch.
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Shrimp Cobb Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing
Sally Vargas If there is one way to describe this salad, the word is fresh! Crisp cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes go so well with mango, avocado, bacon, and chilled shrimp. It’s a great one to take for lunch or along on a picnic. Each of the ingredients can be packaged side-by-side in a meal prep container or in separate containers, then you can mix it all and add the dressing when you are ready to eat.
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Shrimp Pasta Salad
Elise Bauer A potluck or backyard cookout isn’t complete without a pasta salad. This recipe adds a twist on the classic with the addition of shrimp. It’s all dressed in a lemon basil vinaigrette for a refreshing dish that can be served as a side or enjoyed as a full meal.
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Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Lisa Lin Wrap up your shrimp in a beautiful spring roll to serve as an appetizer or a light lunch. These little gems are loaded with veggies and served with a tangy peanut sauce. Set up a spring roll station and get the whole family involved in wrapping their own with their favorite fillings.
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Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Nick Evans Taco night is so much better when you add these fajitas to your menu! Seasoned shrimp comes together with onions and bell peppers to make the ultimate filling for your corn or flour tortillas. Top them with all your favorite toppings from avocado, to homemade pico de gallo, and sour cream.
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Pickled Shrimp
Sheryl Julian Skip the salami and make some pickled shrimp to serve with your next cheese board. Tender and tangy, these shrimp rest in a bath of citrus-infused vinegar with red onion, fennel, and thyme. Once ready to eat, layer them on crackers with sliced cucumber or with a piece of 1-year aged cheddar.