WORLDWIDE VERSATILE RECIPES FOR SHRIMP
Shrimp are always competing for the top place as the most popular shellfish on the menu due to its diverse flavor and strong following among diners of all ages. According to MarketResearch.com, these quick-cooking crustaceans are among the most popular seafood in the world, with consumption expected to rise further this decade through 2026. Shrimp are used in a range of ethnic recipes because of their delicate flavor and texture.
The easy-cooking recipes in this guide feature the beloved taste of shrimp in both classic and unique preparations that span the flavor profile. A perfectly prepared shrimp provides a subtly sweet seafood flavor and tender texture that absolutely melts on the palate. Shrimp should be cooked carefully, as they can easily turn rubbery when they ideally should have a tender bite (think al dente but for seafood).
It’s hard to beat fresh shrimp, but one of the appealing qualities of this shellfish is that they are friends of the freezer, making it easy to create delicious fare on the fly. Once cooked, a shrimp dish can be refrigerated without emitting the off-putting odors associated with other sea creatures, and extras can be frozen for up to six months (per StillTasty.com).
It’s no wonder that shrimp is a welcome addition to many meals, as they soak up surrounding flavors and bring delicate structure to side dishes and entrées alike. You likely won’t have any leftovers with these delicious Tasting Table recipes that offer a multitude of preparations on the ever-popular shrimp.
Simple Shrimp Mofongo
Hailing from Puerto Rico, mofongo is a Caribbean flavor-packed dish that features tastes descendant from Africa, Spain, and the Dominican Republic. Based on a fried plantain mash, this unique dish is traditionally made with pork but pays homage to its island roots when prepared with sweet shrimp delicately simmered in a tomato-pepper sauce.
Fried plantains are mashed with crispy bacon, creating a salty-sweet textural foundation that is smothered with the fresh flavors of the tomato-based vegetable sauce featuring shrimp with hints of rosemary and lemon.
Air Fryer Spicy Shrimp
This flavorful recipe for fried shrimp is easy in every way. Using fully cooked shrimp and an air fryer ensures that you’ll end up with perfectly crispy crustaceans and a clean kitchen. The shrimp are triple coated in flour, beaten egg, and Cajun-spiced panko breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic and chile powders, creating an extra crispy coating with a kick.
The mild spiciness of these shrimp makes them enjoyable for sensitive palates, but feel free to add extra chile and Cajun seasoning if you’re not afraid of a more fiery flavor. Cool these crispy shrimp by dipping them in a cilantro sour cream sauce lightened with lime zest and enjoy as an appetizer or entrée.
Shrimp Burger
Lighten up your basic burger by subbing in a tender shrimp patty, fresh toppings, and a spicy mayo spread. Roughly chopped shrimp is bound with egg, panko breadcrumbs, and finely minced shrimp seasoned with garlic, ginger, and lemon to create a patty that has texture and a solid pop of refreshing flavor.
Creamy avocado slices and delicately crisp butter lettuce are ideal toppings, but you can bring in sliced tomato and red or green onion based on your personal preference. A spicy Sriracha-mayo gives just enough kick to this light shrimp burger when spread over a buttered and grilled brioche bun.
Simple Shrimp Bisque
Bisque is the culinary synonym for fancy soup, but you don’t have to be a professional chef to make this deliciously creamy French dish. Classically made with seafood stock full of crustaceans simmered for hours on end and thickened by a roux, this simple shrimp bisque takes out the guesswork but leaves all flavor.
Subbing in flavorful vegetable stock and using a vegetable-potato puree as a thickening agent allows this soup to go from pot to table in 30 minutes but tastes like it took all day. Finished with heavy cream and sweet fresh shrimp, this velvety bisque will dazzle the palate and impress diners.
Grilled Summer Shrimp Salad
This shrimp salad combines many of the favored flavors of summer in a fresh dish that will leave you feeling light on your feet. Tender shrimp get a smoky kiss from the grill, balancing their sweet taste with a savory char. The craveable crustaceans sit on a bed of tender-crisp lettuce enhanced with tangy cherry tomatoes and sweet corn.
The fresh ingredients of this ideal summer salad are tossed in a creamy and zesty red wine vinegar mayo dressing with an essential squeeze of lemon that will get guests excited about eating their greens.
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Bold layers of Cajun flavor and hardy vegetables combine with sweet shrimp to create a dish that’s sure to satisfy. Signature gumbo vegetables like earthy-sweet okra, thick-cut celery, sweet onion, and bell peppers seasoned with Creole and filé powder lend their unmistakable flavor profile to the tender shrimp that is the star protein in this Southern-style stew. It’s thickened by a slow-cooked dark roux that brings a deliciously nutty and smoky element adding yet another layer of flavor. Serve with a scoop of rice, a garnish of chopped scallions, and a big spoon.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Few things beat the simply delicious delight that is sweet shrimp swimming in garlic butter served with a hunk of crusty bread. As if this dish wasn’t easy enough to prepare, you can substitute fresh shrimp with frozen that are of equal flavor quality and thaw out in mere minutes.
Sautéed shrimp are coated in decadent butter garlic sauce lightened with a squeeze of lemon and a light pour of crisp white wine. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a hint of heat that can be increased to taste. This satisfyingly simple shrimp dish comes together quickly for a delicious anytime meal that everybody enjoys.
