Shrimp can be the star ingredient in a wide variety of fast and easy weeknight dinners. And because shrimp is so versatile and can be easily adapted to any cuisine, it’s easy to see why shrimp is America’s favorite seafood. From a classic but simple appetizer, to a rich gumbo, there are plenty of tasty shrimp recipes to be found.
Some more great news about shrimp is that it’s high in protein, but not high in calories. And on the health front, shrimp is low in mercury, unlike other seafood varieties, but is packed with selenium, vitamins B12 and D, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The year-round availability of shrimp is yet another one of its bonuses.
When shopping for shrimp, it is always wise to opt for the highest-quality available. There are many different species and sizes of shrimp to choose from. They can be sourced from warm or cold water, and some shrimp lovers claim the cold water varieties tend to have more flavor. Whatever shrimp you choose, make sure it’s the freshest possible, and if you can buy it locally, that’s even better. If you are lucky enough to be able to buy fresh, wild, U.S.-caught varieties such as Key West pink shrimp or Atlantic northern shrimp from New England, seize the opportunity. You won’t regret it.
One popular question about shrimp is what is the difference between shrimp and prawns? Although they are quite similar, “prawns” are generally larger than shrimp. Shrimp also have only one pair of legs (or claws), whereas prawns have three.
24/7 Tempo sifted through many recipe websites and cookbooks to find effortless and delicious recipes shrimp recipes from around the world. We have compiled a list of photographs and brief descriptions. For a more extensive collection of recipes, a quick online search will provide many mouth-watering options. (If you’d rather let get out of the kitchen and let somebody else do the cooking, you’ll find plenty of shrimp dishes at the best seafood restaurants in America.)
Shrimp ceviche
You can make ceviche with raw or cooked shrimp. Just mix together chopped shrimp, onion, chiles, tomatoes, and cilantro. If using raw shrimp, the citrus will “cook” and soften the shrimp. Tortilla chips and avocado slices are optional additions.
Classic shrimp cocktail
Shrimp cocktail has always been a favorite staple on restaurant menus. Just steam or boil large shrimp and arrange around a decorative glass dish of cocktail sauce. Homemade cocktail sauce is easy to whip up with ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and a dash of hot sauce.
Shrimp and avocado salad
After the avocado is scooped out, you can use the shell as a salad bowl. Mix up the salad ingredients and arrange with some bay shrimp for a refreshing salad.
Shrimp bisque
Shrimp, like lobster, makes an excellent bisque cooked with seafood stock and cream. Garnish with steamed shrimp.
Spicy shrimp dip
Roasted Eggplant Dip (Baba Ghanoush) with ingredients such as eggplant, parsley, tahini and olive oil from vendors at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farmers Market is the feature food at the VegU tent, where people learn how to how to pick, store, and prepare where USDA employees from the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) volunteer as ‘VegUcators’ conducting free 10-minute fruit and vegetable classes in Washington, D.C., on Friday August 5, 2016. During this season of the outdoor USDA Farmers Market, 26 recipes will be taught at the VegU tent. Their scheduled demonstration dates are the peak harvest time to look for these foods. The goal is to increase fruits and vegetables in meals and help people understand what is in season. Guests can receive a free recipe card, and can start shopping for ingredients at the market.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes2 medium eggplant¼ cup tahini¼ cup lemon juice3 garlic cloves, finely minced¼ tsp ground cumin½ tsp salt2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped1 tbsp olive oil, optional1. Prick each eggplant several times using a fork. Placeon foil-lined baking sheet.2. Broil eggplants for 2 minutes on each side in theoven. Once browned, turn off broiler leaving eggplant inoven at 375°F. Roast eggplant for 30 minutes until softthen remove to cool for 15 minutes.3. Combine tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and salt inbowl.4. Cut cooled eggplant lengthwise, drain liquid, scoopout flesh, and add to bowl. Mash ingredients togetherwith a fork until smooth or blend in food processor.5. Stir in parsley & drizzle with olive oil, if desired.Serve at room temperature with your favorite crackers,vegetables, in a sandwich or wrap!------------------www.usda.govwww.usda.gov/farmersmarket peoplesgarden.usda.gov
This warm dip is made with chopped shrimp, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and shredded cheese. Toasted pita chips or crackers make excellent accompaniments.
Shrimp scampi
Shrimp scampi is a very popular Italian-American dish that is made with butter, garlic, and parsley. This can be served over angel hair pasta for a filling meal.
Shrimp and grits
The recipe for this Southern classic blends grits (cornmeal porridge), butter and cheese (optional). The delicious, creamy mixture is then topped with sautéed shrimp.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp
Bacon-wrapped shrimp are delicious when made on the grill and served up as an appetizer or used as a garnish for a Sunday morning bloody mary.
Coconut-crusted fried shrimp
The pairing of coconut and shrimp may have Caribbean origins, but wherever it came from, it’s extremely tasty and very popular. Serve with cocktail sauce or a fruit-based sauce.
Fried shrimp
Breadcrumb-coated, deep-fried shrimp served with cocktail sauce, marinara or hot sauce is always a winner.
Shrimp po’boys
Fried shrimp poboy with sweet potato fries and a draft beer.
This sandwich was popularized in Louisiana, but is enjoyed the world over. Serve on a baguette and include mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, and lemons, as desired.
Grilled shrimp
One of the easiest and fastest ways to cook shrimp is on the grill. Put them on skewers, brush with oil and season. Serve with grilled vegetables for a quick and easy meal.
Garides saganaki (Greek shrimp with tomatoes and feta)
This Greek dish combines shrimp, feta cheese and oregano in a rich tomato sauce. Serve with crusty bread to sop up every bite.
Shrimp and zucchini risotto
Risotto is a versatile dish. The tasty combination of shrimp and zucchini pair nicely with the creaminess of the risotto. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish.
Spaghetti with shrimp
Spaghetti with clams is a famous seafood dish, but the same basic preparation with pasta, tomatoes and shrimp is a winner, too.
Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp
Fettuccine Alfredo is buttery, creamy and satisfying. Experiment different combinations of romano, parmesan, mozzerella, and asiago cheese to find your favorite recipe. Don’t forget the garlic and basil while you’re at it.
Shrimp rolls
Just like a classic lobster roll, you can warm up a split-top bun and fill it with seasoned shrimp for an incredible sandwich.
Shrimp tacos
We eat this easily once a week.
Fried or grilled shrimp tacos are a standard dish in much of Mexico. It doesn’t get much faster or easier than piling shrimp, lettuce and cheese in a flour or corn tortilla. Customize with any host of other ingredients for dish that is on the table in minutes.
Shrimp enchiladas
Cheesy enchiladas filled with shrimp and topped with a creamy, chile-spiced sauce is great go-to for a cold winter night.
Shrimp curry
Shrimp curry is a super easy dish to add to your repertoire. You can use thai spices and coconut milk, or put an Indian spin on it and flavor with garam masala. Either version is guaranteed to spice up dinner time.
Shrimp spring rolls
Shrimp spring rolls are wonderful for a light and flavorful meal or appetizer. Wrap up shrimp, lettuce, fresh vegetables, and herbs in rice paper wrappers and serve with a spicy peanut dipping sauce.
Thai shrimp salad
Flavored with chiles, garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and herbs, this vibrant Thai specialty is much lighter and more flavorful than the mayonnaise-based version of shrimp salad.
Shrimp stir-fry
Shrimp stir-fry is one of the most versatile shrimp dishes because you can use any vegetable combination that suits you. Cook the vegetables until tender-crisp and make sure not to overcook the shrimp.
Shrimp with rice paella-style
Paella is a delicious one-dish meal that features short-grain Spanish-grown rice enhanced with shrimp and other ingredients. A paella pan is great if you have one, but this dish can be made without one as well.
Cajun shrimp gumbo
Shrimp and sausage in a spicy tomato sauce thickened with okra or filé powder is the perfect Louisiana version of comfort food.