When it comes to entertaining, a delicious and impressive appetizer can make all the difference. And what better way to wow your guests than with a platter of succulent, flavorful shrimp? Whether you’re hosting a summer soiree or a casual get-together with friends, these 20 mouthwatering shrimp appetizer recipes are sure to impress. From classic combinations like garlic butter and crispy coconut, to spicy twists like sriracha and jalapeño, there’s something for every taste bud. And the best part? These bite-sized treats are easy to make and can be tailored to suit your unique style and flavor preferences.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of shrimp appetizers and explore some of the most creative and delectable recipes out there. From elegant options like shrimp ceviche and bruschetta, to playful takes like bang bang bites and jalapeño poppers stuffed with shrimp, you’ll find inspiration for your next gathering or special occasion.
So grab a pen and paper, and get ready to scribble down some recipe notes!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your dinner party or social gathering with these succulent Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, garlic, lemon juice, and paprika until smooth.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with garlic butter mixture.
4. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Crispy Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
Elevate your snack game with this addictive combination of crunchy coconut shrimp and tangy sweet chili sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
3. Dip each shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Elevate your wrap game with this flavorful and spicy dish that combines succulent shrimp, crunchy lettuce, and a tangy sriracha sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)
– Optional: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil, garlic, and Sriracha sauce. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble wraps by placing cooked shrimp onto lettuce leaves. Top with desired toppings (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Lime
A refreshing and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for warm weather or anytime you crave a light and tangy snack. This ceviche is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to “cook” in the acidity of the lime.
2. Just before serving, stir in the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapeño pepper.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp with Brown Sugar Glaze
Impress your guests with this decadent appetizer that combines the rich flavors of bacon, shrimp, and brown sugar. This recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the bacon into strips and wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, and honey.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Brush the brown sugar glaze evenly over the shrimp.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls
Beat the heat with these delicious and easy-to-make Shrimp and Mango Summer Rolls, perfect for a light and satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked shrimp
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (such as mint, basil, and cilantro)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 package of rice paper wrappers (usually found in the international section of your grocery store)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together shrimp, mango, and mixed greens.
2. Add chopped scallions and stir to combine.
3. Lay a rice paper wrapper flat on a clean surface.
4. Place about 1/2 cup of the shrimp-mango mixture in the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form a neat package.
6. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! These summer rolls are ready to eat as soon as you assemble them.
Bang Bang Shrimp Bites
Experience the flavorful fusion of spicy and sweet with these bite-sized treats inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp dish from Bonefish Grill. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this addictive appetizer at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon Bang Bang Sauce (or store-bought equivalent)
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
4. Remove the shrimp from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve immediately with Bang Bang Sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Bites!
Shrimp Cocktail with Homemade Cocktail Sauce
Elevate your seafood game with this classic Shrimp Cocktail recipe, paired with a tangy and flavorful homemade cocktail sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup cold water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine shrimp and cold water. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the shrimp to “cook” in the refrigerator.
2. Just before serving, drain the shrimp and rinse with cold water.
3. For the cocktail sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve chilled shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce for dipping.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Shrimp
Elevate your seafood game with this creative twist on traditional shrimp recipes! Succulent shrimp are stuffed with a flavorful mix of cream cheese, jalapeños, and cheddar, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup crumbled cheddar cheese
– 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cilantro, cheddar, and jalapeños.
3. Stuff each shrimp with the mixture, dividing it evenly among the shells.
4. Place stuffed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Shrimp Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Elevate your appetizer game with this flavorful combination of succulent shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant basil on toasted bread. Perfect for a quick and impressive start to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 baguette slices, toasted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, toast baguette slices until lightly browned.
5. Top each toasted slice with a shrimp, a spoonful of diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with this tangy and savory lemon garlic shrimp crostini recipe. Perfect for a quick and impressive gathering, this bite-sized treat combines succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic on toasted baguette slices.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. Remove shrimp from the marinade and place one or two shrimp per crostini.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Shrimp Tempura with Dipping Sauce
Experience the crispy, savory delight of Japanese-style shrimp tempura, paired with a tangy and sweet dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup ice-cold soda water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Dipping Sauce (see below)
– Optional: tempura batter mix
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and soda water to form the tempura batter.
2. Add the shrimp to the batter and coat evenly, letting any excess liquid drip off.
3. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the tempura from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Dipping Sauce:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Serve immediately over your crispy shrimp tempura.
Shrimp and Cream Cheese Wontons
Elevate your snack game with these savory and indulgent shrimp and cream cheese wontons. Perfect for a quick appetizer or party favorite, these crispy and creamy bites will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp, cream cheese, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place a small spoonful of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press the edges together to seal the wonton.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the wontons until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through cooking (about 2-3 minutes per side).
5. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa: A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional tacos!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Pineapple Salsa (see below)
– Optional toppings: cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream
Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, and olive oil. Add shrimp; marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating on the grill for a few minutes.
5. Assemble tacos with grilled shrimp, Pineapple Salsa, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp Scampi Dip with Toasted Baguette
Elevate your snack game with this creamy, flavorful dip featuring succulent shrimp and toasted baguette. Perfect for parties or a quick indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch slices
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
3. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet.
4. Toast baguette for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Serve warm dip with toasted baguette.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shrimp and Grits Bites
These bite-sized shrimp and grits treats are perfect for parties or snacks. Fluffy grits, savory shrimp, and a hint of spice come together in a deliciously addictive package.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked grits
– 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine cooked grits, melted butter, and grated cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. Add chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to the grit mixture and stir until smooth.
4. Cut shrimp into small pieces and add to the grit mixture. Stir until well coated.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the shrimp-grits mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Thai-Inspired Shrimp Spring Rolls
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these crispy and flavorful Thai-inspired shrimp spring rolls! With a combination of succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious snack or appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked and chilled shrimp
– 1/4 cup finely chopped cabbage
– 1/4 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 package spring roll wrappers (usually found in the frozen food section or at Asian markets)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine shrimp, cabbage, carrots, and cilantro.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the shrimp mixture and mix well.
4. Lay a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the shrimp mixture in the center of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom half of the wrapper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a tight cylinder.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the spring rolls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes total
Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms
A flavorful and savory appetizer or main course, these shrimp-stuffed mushrooms are a great way to impress your dinner guests. Succulent shrimp and sautéed onions are nestled inside tender mushroom caps for a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello)
– 1/2 cup cooked shrimp
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, sauté onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add cooked shrimp to the pan and stir until combined with the onion mixture.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the shrimp-onion mixture, dividing it evenly among the caps.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the mushrooms and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Avocado Cucumber Cups
These refreshing bites are perfect for a light and healthy snack or appetizer. Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber come together to create a flavor combination that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re pink and cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, mix together diced avocado and lime juice.
4. To assemble the cups, place a grilled shrimp on each cucumber slice, followed by a spoonful of avocado mixture.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled egg game with the bold flavors of the Cajun Bayou! This recipe combines creamy deviled eggs with spicy shrimp and crunchy textures.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup Cajun seasoning blend
– 1/2 cup chopped cooked shrimp (about 12-15 shrimp)
– Chopped scallions and paprika for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, combine the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the Cajun seasoning blend and chopped shrimp.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with scallions.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes ( prep and assembly)
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these 20 mouthwatering shrimp appetizer recipes! From classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers to innovative dishes like Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Shrimp and Thai-Inspired Shrimp Spring Rolls, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and easy snack, these recipes are sure to delight. So go ahead, get creative with shrimp, and start planning your next culinary adventure!
