19 Shrimp Recipes To Add A Tropical Touch To Your Dinner Table

No one’s saying you need palm trees to serve shrimp, but it wouldn’t hurt. These 19 ways to tropical-ize dinner prove that shrimp isn’t just for fancy restaurants or beach trips. It’s fast, fun, and just quirky enough to shake up the usual dinner routine. Add flip-flops if you must.

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

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.

Bring some tropical flair to your starter with Shrimp Cocktail. It stands out with chilled shrimp paired alongside a tangy, fresh-from-the-islands dipping sauce. This is great to set the tone for something a little different at dinner. Perfect for when you want a chilled appetizer that feels just right for a breezy meal.
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.

Add a tropical punch to your meal by serving Mango Shrimp Salad. This combines sweetness and seafood in a way that feels perfect for a warm-weather-inspired dish. It holds onto those tropical flavors without weighing you down. A great choice for a light dinner or a side dish to try something new.
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.

Warm island flavors come together in Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with a unique tropical taste that’s perfect for shrimp lovers. Bringing convenience to bold meals, it’s an easy way to turn dinner tropical quickly. Great option for when you’re looking to enjoy shrimp with a flavorful twist.
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.

Dream up a tropical marriage of shrimp and creamy pasta with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. The shrimp brings the beachy flair, while the saucy pairing gives it an extra “wow” factor. A tropical-meets-romantic pairing of bold seafood with comforting pasta. Perfect for dinner when you want something rich with tropical flair.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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.

Turn things tropical with some crowd-pleasing flair in Bang Bang Shrimp. The shrimp is bold and brings a slightly sweet yet balanced kick that feels fun and island-inspired. Pairs perfectly with casual dinners or group hangouts. Great if you’re after something that feels exciting without being complicated to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Tropical flavors are front and center in Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. This dish highlights shrimp in a way that’s full of bold flavor, yet creamy and unforgettable. It fits perfectly as a main when you’re craving tropical warmth at your dinner table. Amazing for pairing with simple accompaniments to keep the focus on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

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.

Street food meets island vibes with Shrimp Tacos. These tropical-inspired tacos combine fresh and bold flavors that feel light and fun to eat. They’re great for switching up taco night with a refreshing twist. Perfect dish if you want something easy to share while still feeling transporting.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

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.

A tropical spin on something hearty, Shrimp Burrito Bowls mixes bold toppings and seafood for something unique but familiar. Bursting with color and flavor, this bowl is perfect for fresh and vibrant meals. Balanced in a way that feels simple yet impactful, with shrimp as the star.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Shrimp Scampi

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

A coastal-inspired shrimp classic, Shrimp Scampi leans into rich flavors paired with bold seafood. It’s straightforward yet tropical enough to feel like a beachside treat. Great for when you’re after minimal fuss but big flavor that leaves everyone satisfied. Perfect paired with pasta or a simple side for an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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.

Take things tropical and flavorful with Massaman Curry shrimp. Borrowing bold spice blends, this dish highlights shrimp in a warm and hearty meal. Great for dinners when shrimp is your main focus and you want a twist on another global-inspired classic.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Shrimp Tempura

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

Light and crispy, Shrimp Tempura brings the tropical feel to your dinner table with its playful crunch. Perfect as a party food or shared small plate, it keeps the shrimp the focus in every bite. Simple yet bold enough to stand out as something special with every bite. Snackable or shared, it’s hard to go wrong with a tempura twist.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

If you’re in the mood for noodles, the bold tropical vibes of Thai Drunken Noodles with shrimp can’t be missed. It’s a stir-fry masterpiece, mixing shrimp with fresh textures in a balanced plate. Great for when you want shrimp and pasta together but with a flavorful twist.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

Crispy and tropical with its balance, Shrimp Toast is seafood in fun bite-sized portions. Great for an appetizer or snack that feels inspired and unique. It’s bold in its own small way yet delivers a lot of flavor for its size. Perfect if you’re out to try shrimp in a completely different way.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

A flavorful and tangy soup, Tom Yum Soup blends shrimp into a tropical broth that’s warm and bold. Great when you’re after something light yet flavorful on a cool or clear evening. Its unique way of balancing shrimp and broth leaves you wanting another bite.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

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.

For something fresh, Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing feels like the perfect new go-to. The shrimp comes with a flavorful kick, paired with creamy textures that take the salad up a notch. It’s great for when you want light shrimp-based meals packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Add a family-style tropical option with Sushi Bake featuring fun layers of cooked shrimp. It’s a take on island vibes that works well when shared and scooped with warmth and seafood. Bold and easy in a new twist on baked crowd-pleasers, bringing a touch of fresh shrimp tones to a comforting style.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Add bold flavors to your dinner table with Tandoori Shrimp, striking the balance between charred textures and bright flavors. The shrimp is full-on flavorful, drawing out tropical-inspired tones while leaning into a spiced preparation. Great if you’re after shrimp but want it with a rich, bold profile unlike the norm.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

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 brings tropical charm to a classic comfort dish like Shrimp and Grits. The mix of rich, creamy grits and vibrant shrimp creates a perfect balance for any evening meal. Great for when you want something warm yet expect a slight tropical flair instead of typical tones.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Air Fryer Shrimp

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

Shrimp becomes crunchy and addictive in Air Fryer Shrimp, a tropical-inspired twist that’s light yet bold. The balanced crisp on each bite makes this dish something quick yet fully enjoyable packed. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or paired with sides for an easy island-inspired plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

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