I Made 25 Shrimp Dishes That Didn’t Leave Anyone Asking “What Else Is There?”

Turns out, 25 shrimp dishes are more than enough to quiet a crowd and make leftovers disappear. A few folks tried to be polite and wait for the rest, but gave up after round two. It was the kind of dinner where silence means business, not boredom. Next time someone says shrimp can’t carry the meal, show them this magic number.

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.

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers served on a plate, topped with chopped herbs and a drizzle of sauce.
Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Group meals always get a boost when somebody serves up Grilled Shrimp. You catch people reaching for seconds before the platter’s gone. It lands well with both older and younger guests. Even picky eaters are glad to have more of it for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled 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.

Weeknight cooking gets easier when you add Air Fryer Shrimp to your go-to list. The simple method delivers crunch and keeps cleanup easy. People ask how you made it so quick once they try a bite. There’s rarely any left for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer 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.

Southern favorites have staying power at the table, especially with Shrimp and Grits as the main dish. Creamy, hearty, and layered, it brings comfort with each bite. Guests ask for seconds and sometimes for your recipe. It’s always a top pick at brunch.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

A white plate holds grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sharing food from a stick is just more fun, and Grilled Shrimp Kabobs go before anything else. They always get devoured first at gatherings and BBQs. The smoky touch keeps people coming back for more. Everyone wants at least another skewer.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of fettuccine pasta with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper.
Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy pasta meals get upgraded when you mix in Shrimp Alfredo. The mix of noodles and seafood feels both easy and special for dinner. It’s a good fit for family meals or cozy date nights. Leftovers don’t seem to last long, which says a lot.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

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.

Whenever there’s a tray of Bang Bang Shrimp nearby, people go straight for it. With its bold, crowd-pleasing flavor, it vanishes fast. Dinner parties get a spark when this sits on the appetizer table. Everyone asks if there’s another batch coming.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate.
Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sushi night feels a level up with Shrimp Tempura Roll on the plate. Each bite brings crispness and a mild sweetness that works for all ages. Friends can’t help but reach for seconds. This roll rarely makes it to the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

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.

Brunch menus get more interesting when Shrimp Toast is an option. With only a few pieces to share, it disappears in minutes. The combination of crunch and seafood always starts conversation. It’s often the first appetizer to run out.
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.

Hearty soups with a little kick bring warmth on any night, especially with Tom Yum Soup as the star. Plates keep getting filled until the pot is empty. People mention how the mix of heat and seafood stands out. Serve it as a meal or a starter anytime.
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.

Healthy feels fresh but never boring with Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. It’s perfect for those who want something a little lighter without losing flavor. Plates clean up fast at group lunches. Some folks grab seconds just for the dressing.
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.

Curry night hits its stride when you include Massaman Curry with shrimp. The blend of sweet and spice keeps conversation going at the table. Plenty of people fill their bowls with seconds. It always gets finished before other sides.
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.

Crisp, light, and fun to dip, that’s what brings people to Shrimp Tempura at gatherings. They stick around during game days and get snapped up before long. It’s always a favorite for picky eaters. Hosts often mention they can never make quite enough.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

Cool, simple, and easy to pass, Shrimp Cocktail stays a reliable pick for crowds. People enjoy a quick bite before dinner gets underway. Even those who say they’re not hungry grab just one more. It’s gone before the main dish hits the table.
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 and light, adding Mango Shrimp Salad to your meal draws praise every time. Bold color and bright combination make this a stand-out side. Guests reach for extra spoonfuls before moving on. There’s never enough left for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

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.

Dinner with friends gets more relaxed when Sushi Bake is part of the spread. Sharing by the scoop makes it less formal and more fun. Each bite hints at classic sushi flavors without the fuss. People go back for more until the pan is empty.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Home cooks look for crowd-pleasers, and Marry Me Shrimp Pasta often makes the top of the list. Rich sauce mixes with seafood for a meal that feels a bit special any night. Extra plates always get requested when it’s on the table. It holds its own as a loved comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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.

Smoky, red, and bursting with spice, Tandoori Shrimp turns up the excitement at dinner. Each piece is fast to grab and easy to pair with rice or flatbread. It’s a strong choice when you want something besides plain grilled shrimp. This dish never lasts long at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori 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.

Bringing Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry to dinner means bowls get filled again and again. It stands out for being creamy without weighing you down. If you want something quick yet rich, it has you covered. Friends tend to ask for the recipe.
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.

Taco night finds new energy with Shrimp Tacos in the mix. These fold-ups work at every age, every gathering, and keep people happily munching through the meal. You see bright toppings and healthy crunch in every bite. There aren’t any left by the end.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast meals don’t have to feel plain once you put out Shrimp Fried Rice. Breezy weeknights meet a quick fix with a good mix of shrimp and veggies. It pairs easily with meals or stands alone as a main. Most folks fill up their bowls twice.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl.
Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Light, sharp, and full of life, bowls of Shrimp Ceviche get fans gathering fast. This dish stands out when you need a snack that’s different. It’s cool enough to serve with chips or on its own. Most ask how soon you’ll make it again.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

Weeknight struggles ease up thanks to Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot on busy days. Flavors blend fast and turn plain shrimp into something worth sharing. Everybody around the table wants more once they try it. There’s almost never a spoonful left behind.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Shrimp Scampi

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

Quick seafood dishes make everyone think of Shrimp Scampi for a reason. A buttery finish meets noodles for a plate that hits every craving. It suits both fancy dinners and quiet nights on the sofa. No one complains when this is on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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.

Noodle dishes with a kick meet seafood in Thai Drunken Noodles. Spicy sauce clings to each bite, making it easy to finish your plate. Groups go back for more as soon as it comes out. It might become your new favorite shrimp noodle dish.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

Burrito bowls come alive with Shrimp Burrito Bowls as a main choice. Layers of rice, crunch, and seafood make each scoop something different. Mixing toppings lets everyone enjoy it their way. These bowls are often scraped clean at group lunches.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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