Because Fancy Food Should Be Easy 19 Shrimp Recipes To Try

When dinner needs to feel impressive but you’d rather not break a sweat, there’s a trick: shrimp. It works whether you’re hosting or pretending you’re not just heating things up again. 19 ways exist to fake fancy without trying too hard. Because fancy food should honestly be way less complicated.

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You’ll love the crispy texture that pairs so well with a creamy sauce. Bang Bang Shrimp is a balance of crunch and cream without being overly heavy. Perfect for casual snacking or a starter before other meals. It’s simple yet bold, a crowd-pleaser for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Shrimp

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cooking shrimp doesn’t have to be messy, and Air Fryer Shrimp is proof. It comes out crispy and well-cooked without the grease or fuss. You get shrimp that works for salads, wraps, or on its own. Plus, the air fryer makes cleanup easier.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes simple is all you need, and Shrimp Cocktail delivers that perfectly. It’s cold, refreshing, and ideal for pairing with a tangy dipping sauce. Easily served at gatherings or enjoyed as a quiet snack. No overly complex preparation makes it accessible for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet meets savory in a fresh way with Mango Shrimp Salad. The mix of textures makes every bite interesting, from the shrimp to the tropical touch of mango. Great for a light meal or when you want something a little different. It’s perfect for days when you want food that’s easy yet vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

A bowl of Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot, served on a blue woven placemat with a spoon on the side.
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

The rich and creamy vibe of Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot makes it worth trying. The instant pot ensures a quick cooking process, perfect for busy days. You’ll love how the shrimp absorbs the flavors without being overpowered. It’s hearty yet not heavy on effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta lovers will enjoy the twist with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. The shrimp pairs perfectly with a saucy pasta to create an easy but impressive meal. It’s a nice shift from your regular pasta dishes without requiring advanced cooking skills. Quick enough for dinner but special enough for guests.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Tacos

Close-up of a shrimp taco with avocado, tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of sauce in a toasted tortilla.
Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re craving tacos that feel fresh and different, Shrimp Tacos are a good pick. The shrimp adds a nice texture and makes them light but still filling. Perfect for mixing things up while keeping it handheld and easy. Great for gatherings or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For lovers of bold, rich broth, Tom Yum Soup is a great option. It has shrimp that adds extra appeal to a dish already full of flavor. Perfect when you crave something filling but not too dense. It’s a comforting bowl that brings variety to your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Close-up of a shrimp curry dish with rice, topped with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add something creamy and flavorful to your meal list with Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. This dish pairs shrimp with a rich base that balances well. It’s quick to prepare but leaves a lasting impression after eating. Works well for shared meals or keeping it all for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Need an appetizer or snack packed with texture? Shrimp Toast delivers simplicity in a bite-sized form. The bread’s crunch pairs nicely with the softness of the shrimp. It’s a practical dish to whip up and share, especially at social events.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shrimp and Grits combine smoothly with savory in one hearty dish. Great as a comfort food for any time of day, not just breakfast. You can enjoy it alone or serve it family style for bigger meals. It’s filling and brings variety to your plate with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Tandoori Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers seasoned with spices and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a dark plate.
Tandoori Shrimp. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For that lightly smoky, bold touch, try Tandoori Shrimp. It brings shrimp into a dish with simple but impactful flavor elements. It’s great alone or as part of a larger meal spread. No overly complex prep, but still far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Here’s a salad that stands out thanks to shrimp. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing mixes bold shrimp with a fresh base and dressing. Perfect for those days when you want green-based meals that don’t feel plain. It works equally well as a side or main dish.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Massaman Curry

A creamy shrimp curry with peppers, chopped nuts, sliced green onions, red chili slices, and lime wedges. Metal spoon submerged in the dish.
Massaman Curry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Whip up something cozy and warm with Massaman Curry. The shrimp adds texture to a dish already rich with flavor. This is a dish that balances hearty elements without becoming heavy. It’s versatile whether for individual meals or sharing at events.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of cooked shrimp seasoned with herbs and black pepper.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy pasta dishes don’t get better than Shrimp Scampi. The shrimp pairs perfectly with a lightly sauced base, ideal for quick lunches or dinner. It’s flavorful but not overwhelming, making it a reliable go-to recipe. A mix of simple ingredients works well together without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Want a simple bowl that’s filling and varied? Shrimp Burrito Bowls combine shrimp with the ease of a single-serving style meal. Great for quick dinner ideas or meal prepping in advance. It doesn’t require fancy processes but still feels complete after making.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add shrimp to your noodles in Thai Drunken Noodles for a fun twist on your traditional recipes. The shrimp enhances the dish while pairing well with the noodles’ textures. It’s fast to prepare for those busy evenings when you need something tasty. Works just as well for dinner parties as after-work meals.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shrimp in baked form works fantastically in Sushi Bake. This dish is compact, easy to serve, and perfect for shared meals. It mixes typical sushi elements into something different but not complicated. Great as a centerpiece for casual get-togethers or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

You get crispy shrimp with Shrimp Tempura that works great as a snack or side option. It’s crunchy but light, making it something almost everyone enjoys. No need to overthink the prep, and it works in various meals. Great for casual munching or adding variety to big spreads.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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