Best Shrimp Recipes - Cooking Light

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Seviche-Style Shrimp and Avocado Tacos

“I have made this recipe three times in the past three months and am totally obsessed with it,” an anonymous reviewer raves. “It is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is also a great dish to bring to a warm weather get-together. Highly recommended.” Pair with fluffy rice pilaf or fresh fruit slices and you'll have a truly memorable meal.

View Recipe: Seviche-Style Shrimp and Avocado Tacos

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Grilled Lemon-Bay Shrimp

The earthy citrus flavors in this dish floored mscocinera. “I cannot say enough about how delicious these shrimp are. The lemon, bay leaf and marinade are the perfect combo. I serve this with Lemon Southwest Rice or white rice.”

View Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Bay Shrimp

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Spanish-Style Shrimp with Garlic

“So simple and flavorful!” says northcountrycook, who suggests serving this recipe as part of a Spanish-themed menu along with Asparagus Salad with Piquillo Peppers and Capers and Tortilla Espanola: "I would recommend all three recipes and will make all of them again and again.” If you want a cool summer cocktail to complement this festive spread try our refreshing White Sangria.

View Recipe: Spanish-Style Shrimp with Garlic

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Spicy Orange Sauce

If you're searching for delicious Chinese food without the cost of take-out or delivery, look no further. "Awesome!" Says Lesley, "Tastes like a dish from a restaurant. I added snap peas, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts, but just about any vegetable could work. This is one of my all-time favorite CL recipes!”

View Recipe: Stir-Fried Shrimp with Spicy Orange Sauce

Randy Mayor

Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

Shrimp are naturally sweet, and the bright salsa in this dish enhances that flavor. The rich coconut makes this a top pick for tropical zest. “It is very delicious and easy to make,” Littletxchef explains. “The salsa goes well with any type of grilled dish―especially chicken and seafood.”

View Recipe: Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

Randy Mayor

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi

Creamy orzo pasta and succulent shrimp meld seamlessly together for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive weekend dinner party dish that seems fancy, but is effortless. “This is THE go-to shrimp recipe. Too easy for words,” expresses foodieforpeace. “Served it with roasted asparagus after a long work week. But I wouldn't hesitate to serve this to friends.”

View Recipe: Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Edamame and Bean Salad with Shrimp and Fresh Salsa

“Refreshingly cold, fresh taste and jalapeno kick to keep it interesting,” says hiyya. “My 12 guests raved about this dish over lunch one hot summer day. I will make this dish every summer for guests and for myself!” The unique combination of shrimp, edamame, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, and lime juice renders light seasonal flavors.

View Recipe: Edamame and Bean Salad with Shrimp and Fresh Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

Shrimp Tacos with Green Apple Salsa

Green apple may not be the first flavor that comes to mind when you're thinking of shrimp tacos, but it adds an element of both tart and sweet that complements the dish nicely. Serve with mashed black beans.

View Recipe: Shrimp Tacos with Green Apple Salsa

Photo: Johnny Autry

Fennel and Spinach Salad with Shrimp and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Red grape tomatoes add pops of color to this fresh spinach salad with shrimp. Add it to your weeknight menu when you need something quick, fresh and light.

View Recipe: Fennel and Spinach Salad with Shrimp and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Photo: Johnny Autry

Shrimp-Stuffed Shells

Shrimp is stuffed into pasta shells raw so that it does not overcook while baking in the oven. When you pull it out, you'll find a dish that's full of seafood, cheese, and marinara flavors.

View Recipe: Shrimp-Stuffed Shells

Photo: Johnny Autry

Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad

Creamy avocado and juicy grapefruit are tossed with shrimp for a quick salad that works well as a weeknight meal, or for entertaining guests.

View Recipe: Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad

Photo: Charles Masters

Cajun-Spiced Smoked Shrimp with Rémoulade

Hickory wood and a robust rub give grilled shrimp a smoky and enticing flavor. The rémoulade cools down the dish with its creamy texture.

View Recipe: Cajun-Spiced Smoked Shrimp with Rémoulade

Pan-Fried Shrimp with Creole Mayonnaise

Serve a lighter version of fried shrimp with a creamy Creole dipping sauce. Fresh, seasonal veggies make the perfect accompaniment.

View Recipe: Pan-Fried Shrimp with Creole Mayonnaise

Photo: John Autry

Shrimp and Arugula Salad

White balsamic won't discolor the shrimp or bright veggies in this arugula-based salad, creating a full-color plate. If you'd like something a little sharper, substitute white wine vinegar.

View Recipe: Shrimp and Arugula Salad

Photo: Quentin Bacon

Broiled Herb-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

These skewers are a simple, quick, and fresh-tasting entrée. Shrimp cook fast, making them great for the broiler—but watch the time and keep an eye on them so they don't overcook and dry out.

View Recipe: Broiled Herb-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Adding shrimp to your fettucine alfredo gives it all the benefits of protein, plus a fresh fish flavor. Serve with asparagus to round out the meal.

View Recipe: Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Photo: John Autry

Herbed Shrimp and White Bean Salad

Shrimp are star of this main course salad that is full of colorful veggies and topped with a lemon juice vinaigrette.

View Recipe: Herbed Shrimp and White Bean Salad

Photo: David Prince

Shrimp Sautéed with Broccolini

This ginger-spiced shrimp recipe is a tasty way to enjoy a serving of vegetables and protein.

View Recipe: Shrimp Sautéed with Broccolini

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Southwestern-Style Shrimp Taco Salad

Cilantro, chipotle hot sauce, corn, black beans, and green onion lend fantastic south-of-the-border flavor to this shrimp-topped taco salad.

View Recipe: Southwestern-Style Shrimp Taco Salad

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Coconut Shrimp with Fiery Mango Sauce

Sweet coconut breading on the shrimp tames the heat of the mango sauce.

View Recipe: Coconut Shrimp with Fiery Mango Sauce

Photo: John Autry

Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Salad

Shrimp salad is an easy make-ahead meal. For a kid-friendly twist, substitute diced red bell pepper for the chiles.

View Recipe: Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Salad

Photo: John Autry

Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Pasta with Shrimp

While roasted red pepper pasta is satisfying on its own, shrimp adds something extra to the mix, and pairs well with the olive oil and herbs.

View Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Pasta with Shrimp

Photo: Randy Mayor

Lemongrass and Garlic Shrimp

Marinating shrimp in lemongrass and garlic before grilling gives it a zesty, exciting taste. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind for the lemongrass.

View Recipe: Lemongrass and Garlic Shrimp

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Thai Shrimp Cakes

Vibrant flavors are brought to the plate with this delicious shrimp cake recipe. Serve with a lime wedge for a splash of bright citrus flavor.

View Recipe: Thai Shrimp Cakes

Top-Rated Shrimp Recipes

Seviche-Style Shrimp and Avocado Tacos

Grilled Lemon-Bay Shrimp

Spanish-Style Shrimp with Garlic

Stir-Fried Shrimp with Spicy Orange Sauce

Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

Lemon Pepper Shrimp Scampi

Edamame and Bean Salad with Shrimp and Fresh Salsa

Shrimp Tacos with Green Apple Salsa

Fennel and Spinach Salad with Shrimp and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Shrimp-Stuffed Shells

Shrimp, Avocado, and Grapefruit Salad

Cajun-Spiced Smoked Shrimp with Rémoulade

Pan-Fried Shrimp with Creole Mayonnaise

Shrimp and Arugula Salad

Broiled Herb-Marinated Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

Herbed Shrimp and White Bean Salad

Shrimp Sautéed with Broccolini

Southwestern-Style Shrimp Taco Salad

Coconut Shrimp with Fiery Mango Sauce

Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Salad

Roasted Red Pepper and Herb Pasta with Shrimp

Lemongrass and Garlic Shrimp

Thai Shrimp Cakes