Shrimp is one of those ingredients that most of us never tire of—its subtle sweetness and fresh, briny flavor pair well with a wide range of flavor combinations, which makes it easy to create a diverse playbook of recipes.

We’ve rounded up ten of our favorite shrimp recipes, all of them designed to deliver maximum shrimp flavor. From rich, buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi to Cajun shrimp with a kick, these recipes are all about bringing out the best in shrimp. At left, Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp combines flavors that bring out the delicate sweetness of the seafood.

A few quick tips when you’re buying shrimp. Frozen isn’t a bad choice, since most shrimp is frozen right after it’s caught to preserve freshness. (What you see in your fishmonger’s display is likely just thawed shrimp that were previously frozen.)

Look for packages free of freezer burn, and feel the bag—there shouldn’t be any big lumps, which suggests the shrimp are stuck together after being kept at varying temperatures. Bigger is usually better when it comes to these shellfish, so if you can afford it, splurge on larger shrimp. Since they’re sold by count (the number of shrimp per pound) that means a smaller number is better. Aim for 21/25 if you want good-sized shrimp on the plate.

Shrimp Scampi

This garlic-rich pasta dish is beautifully balanced with a bright lemon sauce made with white wine.

Cajun Shrimp

Cajun spices give plump shrimp a welcome kick—serve this before dinner to kick-start your guests’ appetites.

Shrimp Lo Mein

Say no to takeout—this flavorful lo mein, full of pea pods, cabbage, carrots, and scallions, is easy to create in your own kitchen

Season’s Best Shrimp Parmesan

A liberal dose of heavy cream gives this parmesan sauce a rich, silky mouthfeel.

Shrimp Paulista

This easy-to-make dish is a favorite in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It’s loaded with fresh lime and cilantro.

Shrimp and Broccoli

Using canned soup is a handy shortcut to creating the savory sauce for this shrimp-and-broccoli combo.

Healthified Garlic and Shrimp Pasta 

If you’re looking to keep calories and fat in check, this flavorful version of garlic shrimp pasta won’t disappoint.

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Vegetables

Colorful red peppers and fresh asparagus give this dish a festive look and great flavor.

Sizzled Citrus Shrimp

A quick sauté with fresh lemon juice, good olive oil and a glug of white wine produces amazingly delicious shrimp.

Check out our handy Shopping List app to make your trip to the grocery store a breeze.

You might also like:

Shrimp Scampi: Make the Takeout

Pad Thai with Shrimp: Make the Takeout

Quick and Easy Dinners for After Thanksgiving

Quick and Easy Dinners for the Holiday Rush

Healthy Dinners: Low Fat, Big Flavor

Categories: Dinner Tonight | Tags: Fish and Seafood, Seafood Pasta, Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi
5 Comments | Post Your Comment