Shrimp is one of the most versatile and popular seafood ingredients in the world. It’s an excellent source of protein, with a low calorie and fat content, making it a healthy addition to any meal. In this article, we’ll explore 5 most popular shrimp dishes that cater to every taste bud. So, whether you prefer sweet and savory, or spicy and tangy, we’ve got you covered with some amazing recipe ideas that will leave you craving for more.
Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp
Shrimp is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your health.
- High in protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.
- Low in calories and fat: Shrimp is a low-calorie and low-fat food, making it an excellent choice for those trying to maintain a healthy diet or lose weight.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Shrimp is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases.
- Supports brain function: Shrimp contains an essential nutrient called choline, which is important for brain development and cognitive function.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Shrimp for Your Dish

When selecting shrimp for your dish, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you get the best quality shrimp possible.
- Freshness: Fresh shrimp is essential for any dish. Look for shrimp that is firm and smells like the sea. Avoid shrimp that has a strong fishy odor or is slimy to the touch.
- Size: Shrimp come in different sizes, from small to jumbo. The size of the shrimp will affect the cooking time and texture of your dish.
- Farm-raised vs. wild-caught: Farm-raised shrimp is often cheaper than wild-caught shrimp but may contain antibiotics and other harmful chemicals. Wild-caught shrimp is a better option if you’re looking for a healthier and more sustainable choice.
- Peeled vs. unpeeled: Peeled shrimp is more convenient but can be more expensive than unpeeled shrimp. Unpeeled shrimp is often fresher and more flavorful but requires more prep time.
Here Are The 5 Most Popular Shrimp Dishes
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that is simple to make but bursting with flavor. You may be wondering how to make scampi sauce? Here’s a recipe that will have you making this dish in no time:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
I recently got this new 3-piece cast iron skillet set and love it!
Instructions:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Add the white wine and lemon juice to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Shrimp Pasta Dishes: Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Here’s a recipe that will have you enjoying this dish in no time:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Toss the pasta with the shrimp Alfredo sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Shrimp Stir-Fry
Shrimp stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a recipe that will have you enjoying this dish in no time:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp. sesame oil
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Shrimp Curry
Shrimp curry is a spicy and flavorful dish that is popular in many cultures around the world. Here’s a recipe that will have you enjoying this dish in no time:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. curry powder
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the curry powder and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the coconut milk and chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy shrimp. Here’s a recipe that will have you making these tacos in no time:

Ingredients:
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Guacamole, salsa, and sour cream, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss the shrimp, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper together in a large bowl.
- Spread the shrimp and vegetables out on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
- Serve the shrimp and vegetables in warm tortillas with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
The Perfect Shrimp Taco Holders – Stainless Steel or Wooden – Whatever You Prefer
2. Vintage Wood Taco Holder For 8 Tacos – These are similar to what I have
How to cook shrimp? Here are My Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly
- Don’t overcook shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and curl up into a C shape.
- Use high heat. Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s important to use high heat to ensure that they cook evenly and don’t become overcooked.
- Season shrimp properly. Shrimp have a mild flavor, so they need to be seasoned well to bring out their full potential. Use a combination of spices and herbs to add flavor to your shrimp dishes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding the pan can cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear, resulting in a less flavorful dish.
Other shrimp dish dinner ideas.
Conclusion
Shrimp is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic scampi to spicy curry. Whether you prefer sweet and savory or spicy and tangy, there’s a shrimp dish out there for everyone. With these 5 most popular shrimp dishes, you can enjoy shrimp in a variety of ways and explore new flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When recipes say a cup how much is that?
A cup is equal to 16 tablespoons, 48 teaspoons, 0.23 liters or 236 milliliters.