For quick weeknight meals and fancy friend group dinners alike, the answer is shrimp.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Gerri Williams
Get ready to fall in love with our best shrimp recipes all over again. First, they’re quick to cook. Second, shrimp practically thrive in the freezer, so you can always have a stash to whip out at a moment’s notice. And third, when it comes to flavor pairings, she’s got versatility. Spicy chile? Check. Garlicky marinara? Check. Tossed in mayo and stuffed in a hot dog bun? Check and check.
Also, thanks to the internet there’s an excellent chance you can stock up on as many pounds of shrimp as you like from the comfort of your home. From poached to fried to grilled, these shrimp recipes offer endless inspiration for busy weeknights and casual dinner parties alike.
Need a little guidance? Head this way for our complete guide to cooking shrimp →
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, Prop Styling by Christina Allen, Food Styling by Thu Buser
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Gorgeous Green Shrimp
When a shrimp recipe is this good-looking, we feel we have no other choice than to acknowledge it by putting “gorgeous” in its title—and this dish gets bonus points for also being easy to execute.
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Laura Murray
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Shrimp Scampi
We think of shrimp scampi as garlic butter shrimp, a.k.a. one of the best shrimp dishes on earth. This version gets an extra punch of flavor from a quick marinade before cooking.
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Tim Ferro
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Jerk Shrimp With Pineapple Salad
The gang’s all here: large shrimp, jerk seasoning, fresh pineapple and cucumber. Another lovable example of the partnership between pineapple and shrimp? This sheet pan shrimp recipe for tacos.
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Photograph by Emma Fishman, food styling by Caroline Hwang, prop styling by Elizabeth Jaime.
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Crispy Golden Shrimp Burgers
Who can resist crispy shrimp patties and shredded cabbage nestled between toasted brioche buns? P.S. Cut your prep time day-of by making the patties and egg salad ahead of time.
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Photo by Alex Lau
5/37
BA’s Best Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is about two things: the big, fat, and perfectly cooked shrimp and the cocktail sauce that gets its bite from horseradish, hot sauce, and lots of black pepper.
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Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Emilie Fosnocht, prop styling by Gerri Williams
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Buttery Shrimp Rolls
A lobster roll is best eaten with a view of the water, prepared by someone with all the time in the world to boil and break down a fresh catch.