Hey There, Seafood Lover! Dive Into These 3 Crazy-Easy Shrimp Recipes
Is there anything better than plump, juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp? They cook in a flash, they’re incredibly good for you, and they soak up flavors like a dream. But if you’re stuck in a shrimp rut—always boiling or grilling them the same way—I’m here to shake things up!
I’ve got three show-stopping shrimp recipes that will completely transform your weeknight dinners. We’re talking about restaurant-quality meals that you can whip up in 20 minutes or less. Get ready for a flavor fiesta with our crispy Bang Bang Shrimp, our luxuriously creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, and our smoky, spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Trust me, your skillet is about to become your new best friend. Let’s get cooking!
Why Shrimp is Your Weeknight Dinner Hero
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a second to appreciate the humble shrimp. It’s the ultimate fast-acting protein. While a chicken breast needs time to cook through, or a roast needs hours to become tender, shrimp achieve perfection in just minutes. This makes them ideal for those nights when you’re hungry now and don’t have the energy for a complicated culinary project.
Plus, they’re a fantastic source of lean protein and other essential nutrients. So, you can feel great about serving a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
A Quick Tip on Buying Shrimp: For these recipes, I recommend buying large shrimp (often labeled 31/40, which means 31 to 40 shrimp per pound). Look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save yourself a ton of time. I also always keep a bag of frozen, raw shrimp in my freezer—it’s a lifesaver for last-minute meals! Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cool running water.
Okay, preamble over. Let’s make some magic!
Recipe #1: Bang Bang Shrimp – Your New Favorite Appetizer (or Meal!)
If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp at a certain famous restaurant chain, you know the deal. It’s a phenomenon for a reason. We’re creating crispy, golden-fried shrimp coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that is downright addictive. This recipe delivers that iconic taste right in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Love: The incredible contrast between the super-crispy coating and the luscious, tangy sauce. It’s a textural dream come true.
Let’s Gather Your Ingredients:
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For the Shrimp:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 cup buttermilk
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Vegetable oil for frying
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For the Legendary Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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2 tablespoons Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference!)
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1 tablespoon honey
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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Let’s Make It Happen!
Step 1: Create Your Frying Station.
Pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or a large skillet. You want enough oil to shallow-fry the shrimp. Heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dropping a small pinch of the cornstarch mixture into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go!
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp.
While the oil heats, pat your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! Any extra moisture will steam the shrimp instead of letting them get crispy. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In another separate bowl, pour your buttermilk.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp.
This is a simple two-step process. Working in batches, toss the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each one gets a thin, even coating. Then, dip them into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Finally, give them one more quick toss in the cornstarch mixture. This double-dredge is the secret to an extra-craggy, crispy crust!
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection.
Carefully place a single layer of shrimp into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and you’ll get greasy shrimp. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this keeps them crispy better than paper towels).
Step 5: Whip Up the Famous Sauce.
While the shrimp fry, let’s make the magic sauce. It could not be easier. Simply whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a large bowl. Taste it and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking!
Step 6: The Grand Finale.
Once all your shrimp are fried and drained, add them to the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss them until every single shrimp glistens with that gorgeous, creamy, spicy sauce.
Serve it Up! I love to serve these over a bed of crisp lettuce for a light meal, or on top of a bowl of steamed rice to soak up any extra sauce. Scatter some sliced green onions on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Recipe #2: Garlic Parmesan Shrimp – Elegance in 10 Minutes
When you need a meal that feels luxurious and indulgent but requires minimal effort, this Garlic Parmesan Shrimp is your answer. It’s buttery, garlicky, and cheesy, with a little kick from red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you fussed for hours, but the truth is, it comes together faster than you can boil a pot of pasta.
What You’ll Love: The rich, savory pan sauce that forms. You’ll want to sop up every last drop with a piece of crusty bread.
Let’s Gather Your Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (use less if you’re sensitive to heat)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Lemon wedges for serving
Let’s Make It Happen!
Step 1: Season the Shrimp.
Start by patting your shrimp dry (again, key for a good sear!) and seasoning them with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook them for just about 60 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! That beautiful, toasty garlic smell will fill your kitchen and let you know you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side. You’re looking for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. They cook quickly, so stay close!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Coating.
Once the shrimp are cooked, turn off the heat. This is important so the cheese doesn’t clump. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh parsley over the shrimp. Toss everything together. The residual heat will gently melt the Parmesan, creating a creamy, clingy sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly.
Serve it Up! I always serve this with lemon wedges. A big squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end brightens all the rich, savory flavors. This dish is phenomenal over angel hair pasta, tucked into a sub roll for a killer shrimp po’boy, or simply with a simple side salad and some garlic bread to ensure not a drop of sauce goes to waste.
Recipe #3: Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp – A Flavor Explosion!
For those days when you crave something with a little more smoke and spice, this Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers in a major way. It’s bold, it’s zesty, and it has that incredible depth of flavor that comes from a good Cajun seasoning. The garlic butter sauce is so good, you might just consider drinking it.
What You’ll Love: The robust, complex flavor that makes you feel like you’re eating in a New Orleans jazz club, even if you’re just at your kitchen table.
Let’s Gather Your Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Let’s Make It Happen!
Step 1: Season the Shrimp Generously.
In a bowl, toss the dried shrimp with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure every shrimp gets a good coating of that vibrant spice mix.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter and olive oil (the oil helps prevent the butter from burning). Once the butter melts and foams, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear for about 1-2 minutes without moving them, so they get a nice crust. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce.
In the same skillet, you’ll have all those delicious browned bits and spices left behind. This is flavor gold! Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick cook in the spiced butter will create an incredible base for your sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlicky, spiced butter sauce until they’re reheated and beautifully glazed.
Serve it Up! This dish begs for something to soak up that incredible sauce. I love it served over a big pile of cheesy grits or creamy polenta. It’s also fantastic with rice, cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Your Shrimp Adventure Awaits!
See? I told you we could create something amazing without spending all night in the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for the crispy, saucy delight of Bang Bang Shrimp, the elegant simplicity of Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, or the bold, smoky kick of Cajun Shrimp, you now have a fantastic arsenal of recipes to choose from.
The best part? You can make them your own. Love extra garlic? Add more! Want more heat? Crank up the Sriracha or red pepper flakes. Cooking is all about having fun and tailoring things to your own taste buds.
So, the next time you see that bag of shrimp in your freezer, don’t just think “shrimp scampi.” Think of the possibilities! Grab your skillet, pick a recipe, and get ready for a delicious, easy dinner that’s sure to impress.
Happy cooking!
Your friend in the kitchen.
