These crowd-pleasing shrimp recipes are versatile: serve over rice, pasta, or salads, or as finger food with dipping sauces. Use fresh or thawed large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on optional) for best results. Let’s dive into each full recipe with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.
1. Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter, garlic, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return shrimp to pan, toss to coat in sauce. Squeeze in lemon juice and stir 30 seconds.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over.
Tips: For extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Pair with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce. Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 10 min. Calories per serving: ~320.
2. Classic Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 1 minute.
- Add shrimp; cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice; simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Tips: Use a good dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) for best flavor. Add cherry tomatoes for a twist. Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 10 min. Calories per serving: ~280.
3. Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients (Serves 4 as appetizer):
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) for frying
Instructions:
- Set up three bowls: flour mixed with salt/pepper, beaten eggs, and Panko mixed with coconut.
- Dredge each shrimp in flour, dip in egg, then coat in Panko-coconut mix. Press gently.
- Heat ½-inch oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry shrimp in batches 2–3 minutes per side until golden and coconut is toasted.
- Drain on paper towels. Serve with sweet chili sauce or pineapple dipping sauce.
Tips: For baked version, spray with oil and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 10 min. Calories per serving: ~400.
4. Parmesan Shrimp (Garlic Parmesan Crusted)
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb large shrimp (thawed if frozen), peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat skillet.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, garlic powder, salt, and lemon pepper.
- Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet (or skillet).
- Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake 8–10 minutes (or sauté 4–5 minutes per side) until shrimp are pink and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crisp.
Tips: Use fresh-grated Parmesan for better melting. Serve with lemon wedges. Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 10 min. Calories per serving: ~250.
5. Bang Bang Shrimp (Crispy with Creamy Spicy Sauce)
Ingredients (Serves 4 as appetizer):
- Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- Bang Bang Sauce: ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha, to taste (1–3 tbsp for heat)
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix buttermilk with onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Marinate shrimp 15–30 minutes.
- Dredge shrimp in cornstarch, shake off excess.
- Heat oil to 350°F; fry in batches 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain.
- Whisk sauce ingredients. Toss hot shrimp in sauce (or serve on side).
- Garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.
Tips: For air-fryer: Spray and cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Adjust Sriracha for spice level. Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 10 min. Calories per serving: ~450.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely, pat dry, and proceed. Frozen works well in all recipes.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Use GF flour/Panko for coconut and bang bang shrimp; check seasonings.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover shrimp?
Oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to keep crispiness—avoid microwave.
Can I make these ahead?
Prep coatings/marinades ahead. Cook just before serving for best texture and flavor.
Are these recipes spicy?
Cajun and bang bang are adjustable—reduce flakes/Sriracha for mild versions.
Conclusion
These 5 shrimp recipes bring bold, restaurant-style flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort! From the fiery Cajun garlic butter shrimp and elegant shrimp scampi to crunchy coconut shrimp, cheesy Parmesan shrimp, and addictive bang bang shrimp, there’s a perfect option for every craving. Quick, customizable, and always delicious—ideal for weeknights, parties, or impressing guests. Try one tonight and elevate your seafood game! Which shrimp dish will you make first? Drop your favorites or tweaks in the comments—happy cooking!