The Best Shrimp Recipes to Make for National Shrimp Day (and Any Day)

Shrimp can be purchased fresh or frozen and come in a range of sizes, which makes shrimp recipes flexible for almost any meal. They cook quickly, work well in everything from appetizers to full pasta dishes, and pair easily with bold seasonings, fresh citrus, herbs, and sauces.

Whether you want something grilled, baked, pan-seared, or simmered in a skillet, there’s a shrimp recipe that fits the plan. Below are seven of our favorite shrimp recipes to help inspire your National Shrimp Day menu (or any time you’re craving shrimp).

Seven of the Best Shrimp Recipes

There are so many ways to cook shrimp, but the best shrimp recipes are the ones that are easy to prepare and flexible enough for different occasions. These seven options range from sheet pan dinners to creamy pasta dishes and light appetizers.

Sheet Pan Shrimp in the Oven

This version takes a traditional shrimp boil and turns it into one of the easiest shrimp recipes for busy nights. Everything roasts together on one pan, which means less cleanup and big flavor.

Ingredients

• Quartered potatoes
• Olive oil
• Old Bay seasoning
• Coriander
• Dill
• Salt and pepper
• Corn on the cob
• Shrimp

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
• Start with quartered chunks of potatoes because these take longer to cook. In a bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil and seasonings to taste, like Old Bay seasoning, coriander, dill, salt, and pepper. Place on two parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.
• Cut the cobs of corn into 2 or 3 or 4 pieces, depending on how large you want them. Using the same bowl, mix the corn with olive oil and seasonings. Add the corn to the baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes.
• In the same bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil and seasonings. Add the shrimp to the veggies on the baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes.

Why it works

Among shrimp recipes, this one stands out because it combines vegetables and protein in one simple cooking method. It’s practical, flavorful, and easy to scale up for a crowd.

Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers

If you’re looking for shrimp recipes that feel perfect for cookouts or warm evenings, grilled shrimp skewers are always a safe choice. They cook quickly and carry bold flavor.

Ingredients

• Olive oil (1/4 cup)
• Cilantro (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
• Parsley (1/4 cup, finely chopped)
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cayenne pepper (pinch)
• Jumbo shrimp

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the thawed shrimp with 80% of the marinade until they are completely coated.
2. Let the marinated shrimp sit in a covered bowl for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Thread the shrimp on skewers and brush some more of the marinade on top.
4. Heat a grill or grill pan on medium-high heat, and place the skewers on the grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skewers to a platter and drizzle the remaining marinade on top.

Why it works

Grilled shrimp recipes are popular because shrimp cook so quickly over high heat. The citrus and garlic keep this version bright without overwhelming the natural flavor.

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is one of the most classic shrimp recipes you can serve. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

• Ketchup (1 cup)
• Hot horseradish sauce (1/4 cup)
• Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Dijon mustard (1 1/2 teaspoon)
• Tabasco sauce (1/2 teaspoon)
• Applesauce (2 tablespoons)
• Lemon zest
• Jumbo shrimp, shells on (2 pounds)

Directions

1. Boil water with lemon and then let the water come down to a simmer.
2. Add the shrimp with the shells on them.
3. Simmer the shrimp for 4 minutes. Then turn the heat off and let them sit in the water for 2 minutes.
4. Drain but don’t rinse the shrimp. Let them cool. Then, peel and devein.
5. Put in the refrigerator or freezer to chill (do not freeze).
6. In a small bowl, mix together everything except the shrimp and lemon until smooth.

Why it works

Classic shrimp recipes like shrimp cocktail stay popular because they’re easy to prepare ahead of time and require minimal ingredients.

Cold Shrimp Dip

This is one of those shrimp recipes that works especially well for gatherings. It’s simple, chilled, and easy to serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

• Canned tiny shrimp, drained and rinsed (1 can)
• Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
• Mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip) (1/2 cup)
• Fresh green onions (1/3 cup)
• Garlic salt (1/2 teaspoon)

Directions

1. Chop the shrimp finely. Reserve a few of the prettier shrimp.
2. Chop the green part of the green onions.
3. Blend cream cheese and mayo with an electric mixer or blender.
4. Stir in shrimp, green onion, and garlic salt. Top with the reserved shrimp and additional green onion.

Why it works

Cold shrimp recipes like this are practical because they can be prepared ahead of time. It’s one of the easiest shrimp recipes to bring to a party or set out as an appetizer.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is one of the most recognizable shrimp recipes for a reason. It feels a little special, but it’s straightforward and cooks quickly in one pan.

Ingredients

• Butter (4 tablespoons)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic cloves, minced (6)
• Dry white wine (3/4 cup)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon)
• Large or extra-large shrimp, shelled and deveined (1 1/2 lbs)
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup)
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

1. In a large skillet melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add in wine and bring to a simmer. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 6 minutes. Add in salt and red pepper flakes.
3. Add in shrimp and sauté until shrimp is pink, about 2 to 4 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp.
4. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread.
5. If serving over pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. Stir the reserved liquid into the butter sauce before tossing with pasta.

Why it works

Among shrimp recipes, shrimp scampi stands out for its simplicity. Garlic, butter, and lemon create bold flavor without complicated ingredients.

Shrimp Alfredo

If you’re craving comfort food, shrimp Alfredo is one of the richer shrimp recipes you can make at home. Creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and pasta make it a filling option.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine pasta (8 ounces)
• Shrimp (1 pound large or small, your preference)
• Butter, unsalted (2 tablespoons)
• Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened and cut into small pieces)
• Heavy cream (3/4 cup)
• Chicken broth (1/4 cup)
• Garlic (2 large cloves minced)
• Parmesan cheese (1 cup grated)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Add the butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the parmesan cheese and let it cook for about a minute.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 5-6 minutes.
4. Season to taste and toss with pasta.

Why it works

Cream-based shrimp recipes like shrimp Alfredo are popular because they feel substantial and satisfying. It’s an easy weeknight option that still feels like a full meal.

Mediterranean Shrimp

If you prefer lighter shrimp recipes with bold flavors, this Mediterranean version combines tomatoes, olives, feta, and herbs for a balanced dish.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp (1 pound frozen or fresh, peeled, deveined with tails on or off)
• Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon, divided)
• Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, divided)
• Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Small red onion
• Garlic (2 cloves)
• Fire roasted diced tomatoes in juices (1 14.5 ounce can)
• Oregano (1 teaspoon, dried)
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon)
• Honey (1 teaspoon)
• Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon)
• Artichoke hearts (1 14 ounce can)
• Kalamata olives (1/2 cup pitted)
• Feta cheese (3/4 cup, crumbled)
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons)
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
• Serve with rice, couscous, crusty bread, or pasta

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Pat the shrimp dry, place in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat and set aside.
3. In a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Cook, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes. Do not brown the onion. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let gently simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the red wine vinegar and honey. Remove from heat.
5. Scatter the artichoke hearts and olives over the top, then arrange the shrimp on top in a single layer. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tomatoes are bubbling and the shrimp are cooked through.
7. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with parsley.

Why it works

This is one of the more balanced shrimp recipes on the list. The tomatoes and herbs keep it light, while the feta and olives add texture and contrast.

Come Enjoy Shrimp in Raleigh

If these shrimp recipes have you thinking about dinner plans, we’d love to see you at NC Seafood Restaurant at the Farmers Market in Raleigh. From Calabash-style shrimp to seafood platters and daily specials, shrimp is one of the dishes our guests return for again and again.

And if you enjoy recipes like these, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. We share seasonal seafood ideas, special announcements, and updates from the restaurant throughout the year.