20 Must-Try Shrimp Appetizers for Seafood Lovers
Some appetizers get picked at. Shrimp appetizers? They tend to vanish! Whether it’s a casual gathering or any holiday celebration like Labor Day brunch, Thanksgiving Day gathering or Christmas Eve dinner, they are a favorite choice for every occasion.
Served hot, cold, crispy, grilled, or wrapped in bold flavors, shrimp offer endless possibilities for creating impressive starters your guests will remember long after the party is over. To make your life easier and your gathering fun, I’ve got 20 easy shrimp appetizers for you. You can prepare them a day ahead instead of spending hours in the kitchen after guests have arrived!
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Best Shrimp Appetizers
If you’ve ever wished, even for a microsecond, to give your guests something to talk about, don’t miss out on the best shrimp appetizers. Pair them with suitable sides and mains, and people might even call you later asking for the recipe! (Been there, done that)
Bang Bang Shrimp
One bite is all it takes to understand why Bang Bang Shrimp rarely survives on the appetizer table! It’s a bite-sized, saucy appetizer with a crispy texture and a sweet, spicy flavor. Shrimp are crispy and saucy on the outside and tender inside! How? Soak the shrimp in buttermilk. Coat the shrimp with seasoned cornstarch or flour before frying. For the Bang Bang sauce, mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce like Mae Ploy, and sriracha or chili garlic sauce work the best.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
If you’re a bacon lover and you like shrimp as well, why have them separately? You can have Bacon Wrapped Shrimp! It’s one of the best shrimp appetizers you might not want to share! This delicious appetizer combines crispy bacon and juicy shrimp. Just to make sure shrimp don’t become rubbery due to overcooking, the bacon is par-cooked. Even though it’s an easy shrimp appetizer, wrap the bacon around the shrimp carefully, or else you might ruin it. If you get more time, fill the shrimp with cheese to elevate the seafood experience!
Buffalo Shrimp
If you like shrimp appetizers with a little heat, Buffalo Shrimp brings the perfect kick, just in about 10 minutes! Toss the crispy fried shrimp in a spicy buffalo sauce, and it’ll turn out to be better than anything! If you are a beginner, or let’s say you just started cooking, this is one of the easy shrimp appetizers. 2 minutes for prep; the rest of the time goes for cooking. And no, it doesn’t require a buffalo. Just a traditional buffalo sauce, a blend of a hot sauce and melted butter. To serve it better, present this dish with carrot sticks or blue cheese dressing.
Popcorn Shrimp
Popcorn Shrimp are small, crispy, golden and dangerously easy to keep popping into your mouth! Shrimp become ultra-crispy and crunchy when coated well and deep-fried to golden-brown perfection. It’s one of the best shrimp appetizers. You can freeze the breaded popcorn shrimp for days and fry to eat. To make it a restaurant-style appetizer, pair it with any sauce you like, such as cocktail or tartar sauce.
Grilled Shrimp
When looking for shrimp dinner ideas, nothing’s better than serving your guests grilled seafood like shrimp. Prep takes less than 10 minutes. On a hot grill, cook for a few minutes, and it’s ready! Have it garlicky or spicy; it’s your choice. When preparing grilled shrimp at home, you’ll find it among the easy shrimp appetizers. Make sure you use large shrimp. I prefer jumbo shrimp, though. It’s comparatively easier to turn on the grill.
Shrimp Bisque
Shrimp bisque is one of the perfect game-changing shrimp appetizers! It’s elegant and indulgent with every bite full of flavor. For shrimp dinner ideas, you can serve this creamy French-style soup altogether, whereas for appetizers, you can serve it in small portions. The subtle brightness of tomato paste, aroma of garlic-infused seasoning and velvety cream texture make it a wonderful starter for any celebration or party.
Shrimp Étouffée
Shrimp Étouffée served over rice is often considered among shrimp dinner ideas. However, you can also make a delicious Shrimp Étouffée appetizer by serving the indulgent seafood mixture in bite-sized vessels, like crisp wonton cups or puff pastry. You can enjoy Shrimp Étouffée in Vol-au-Vents. If you aren’t familiar, let me school you a bit. Vol-au-Vent is a puff pastry shell. You can serve Shrimp Étouffée as an appetizer in that hollow shell.
Cold Shrimp Appetizer Ideas
All shrimp appetizers don’t have to be sizzling hot out of the fryer. Cold shrimp appetizers are fresh and flavorful and, of course, incredibly easy to serve, particularly when serving a crowd. Whether it’s fresh and citrusy shrimp or the one that’s simply nestled in a buttery roll, you’re in for a lot of flavor with very little effort.
Shrimp Ceviche
When you’re looking for just enough kick to keep things interesting, try Shrimp Ceviche. It’s fresh and tangy. The shrimp is tossed with lime juice, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes and jalapeño, making every bite flavorful! Wondering if it’s raw shrimp or cooked? Traditionally, people use raw shrimp. However, I prefer boiling shrimp before pouring fresh lime over them. When ready, serve with crunchy tortilla chips or in small cups as a party appetizer. They’re as good as they sound!
Shrimp Dip
Creamy and savory dips aren’t for the faint of heart. So, this one’s a must-serve for your shrimp appetizer table! With a spicy dip, each scoop of tender shrimp becomes irresistible. If you like to turn up the heat, squeeze lemon, fresh herbs or a little hot sauce to spice things up. Serve chilled with buttery crackers, toasted bread or crisp veggies for dipping, and you won’t regret it!
Shrimp Roll
A shrimp roll has all the ingredients that a perfect seafood starter should have. A soft roll ties shrimp, creamy dressing and some crunch all together. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery and fresh herbs to cooked shrimp and transfer to toasted mini rolls. In case you aren’t up for rolls, you can also look into the Shrimp Po’ Boy recipe. It’s quick and delivers the perfect taste.
Crispy and Fried Shrimp Appetizers
Fried appetizers are the best option for crunchy shrimp. A crisp coating transforms tender shrimp, whether you want it in a golden egg roll or dipped in tempura batter. As you fry these bite-sized foods, you’ll find them rich and crisp! (Make sure you don’t over-fry! Or else, the shrimp won’t be tender but rubbery.)
Shrimp Tempura Rolls
Shrimp tempura rolls are a fusion of two irresistible ingredients: crispy shrimp and sushi. Lightly battered shrimp is fried until golden and crunchy. Then, you roll it with sushi rice, nori and fresh fillings. A bold-flavored shrimp, creamy avocado and fresh rice provide a satisfying contrast with each bite. Drizzle with spicy mayo or sauce for extra flavor.
Shrimp Egg Rolls
Shrimp egg rolls are a delicious, crispy and savory classic dish. Seasoned shrimp with shredded cabbage, carrots and other crunchy vegetables are all together wrapped in a thin egg roll and fried until deep brown. Peel off the crispy skin and you’ll find a succulent tasty filling inside. Serve with sweet chili sauce or a dipping sauce.
Chinese Shrimp Toast
Another easy shrimp appetizer that you should give more attention to is Chinese shrimp toast. The seasoned shrimp paste is smeared on bread slices, sprinkled with sesame seeds and deep fried until the bread becomes golden and crunchy. It has a nice crisp outside and tender shrimp topping. Slice into small triangles and you have a simple party bite that will have plenty of crunch.
Shrimp Toast
The shrimp toast is a very plain but highly addictive appetizer. The shrimp is finely chopped and mixed with flavorful seasonings. It’s served on a bed of bread and fried until golden brown. The shrimp topping remains juicy and the toast gets crunchy making it an outstanding appetizer. Serve this shrimp appetizer with a sweet chili, soy or spicy dipping sauce for a memorable experience.
Shrimp Appetizers for Special Occasions
Planning a holiday feast or looking for shrimp dinner ideas? An easy way to jazz up the menu are the shrimp appetizers. They will serve well on a serving platter, cook up fast and pair perfectly with various different flavors. These are the recipes I would choose when I want something that my guests can munch on as they talk to each other.
Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms
Shrimp stuffed mushrooms are a popular option when you’re looking for a warm, feel-good shrimp appetizer for a moodier time of year. The creamy filling is flavored and mixed with shrimp and baked into mushroom caps. The mushrooms become tender and juicy in the oven and the filling is golden on top. You can serve them warm!
Cajun Deviled Eggs with Shrimp
If you can’t say no to deviled eggs, try Cajun deviled eggs with shrimp. Put your favorite creamy deviled egg filling in each egg. Drizzle a bit of Cajun seasoning to give it a little heat. Finish each deviled egg with a cooked shrimp. Some green onion chopped and a sprinkling of paprika make a great garnish. They are particularly excellent for potlucks, holidays and game days!
Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
For those who enjoy the blend of salty and sweet flavors, Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp is a good option. It’s a thin layer of prosciutto that covers shrimp. Fry it until the shrimp turns opaque, curls into a loose “C” shape, and the prosciutto is crisp on the sides. You don’t need a dipping sauce or garlic butter for Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp. A good squeeze of fresh lemon makes it better.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Wraps
Cilantro and lime add a bright flavor to shrimp wraps! They’re perfect for serving at a party. Small lettuce leaves or tortillas with the seasoned shrimp and crisp vegetables inside make every bite indulgent. A drizzle of lime juice completes the wrap. Nevertheless, make the wraps small. They’re easier to grab and eat.
Shrimp Appetizers Inspired by Global Flavors
Shrimp is an ingredient that you can include in any dish! Serve with ginger and garlic seasoning, in dumplings or with something sweet and fruity, these appetizers have a global flavor. You can consider them a good alternative to the traditional shrimp cocktail.
Shrimp Dumplings
Shrimp dumplings require very few ingredients to prepare. You’ll need chopped shrimp, garlic, ginger and seasonings to wrap in thin dumpling skins. Steam them for soft and tender bites or pan-fry for crispy bottoms. Use soy or chili oil to serve. They’re even better when still hot.
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Shrimp tacos with mango salsa make a perfect combo. The shrimp adds savory, seasoned flavor. Mango brings in sweetness and a touch of acidity. Add crunchy cabbage, fresh cilantro and lime juice and you’re in for a fresh taco! Use small tortillas to serve these tacos for appetizers.
How to Serve Shrimp Appetizers Like a Pro
The best shrimp appetizers don’t require fancy equipment. You can serve them like a pro! All you need to do is:
- Set the shrimp appetizers on a large platter.
- Serve the dipping sauces in small bowls around the platter.
- Add lemon wedges, lime slices, fresh herbs or some colorful veggies to make it look better.
- Offering multiple shrimp appetizers? Try a variety of crispy, creamy, fresh and spicy flavors. It’ll help you avoid repetition.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Shrimp appetizers make an excellent choice for parties, as you can prepare some of them in advance.
- Prepare dips, sauces and cold shrimp appetizers at least a day ahead of time. Place them in the refrigerator.
- If you want to serve fried shrimp appetizers, prepare in advance, but cook when it’s time to serve. That’ll keep them crispy.
- Got leftovers? Refrigerate after sealing them in an airtight container. Reheat and eat them within 2 to 3 days.
Tips for Making Shrimp Appetizers
Make shrimp appetizers better by following these tips:
- When cooking shrimp, the cooking time matters more than you might’ve thought. Shrimp cooks fast. If cooked longer, it can be tough and rubbery.
- To keep shrimp in the spotlight, keep the seasoning simple. Add citrus, herbs, garlic or spices to highlight the shrimp
- Fry shrimp in batches. It’ll help avoid an overcrowded pan and a soggy crust.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood Favorites at Red Crab Seafood
When craving shrimp appetizers, seafood boils or signature seafood dishes but not in the mood to cook, instead of spending time searching ‘seafood near me’, dine at seafood places like Red Crab Juicy Seafood that have a lot to offer!
At Red Crab, guests enjoy a variety of flavorful options. Besides shrimp, you can have crab legs, lobsters, and more for main courses and appetizers. Each dish is prepared with quality ingredients and bold seasonings!
frequently asked questions
Why are shrimp perfect for appetizers?
What other appetizers to serve with shrimp cocktail?
Light and fresh appetizers work well with shrimp cocktail. They don’t overpower the seafood flavor. Consider stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, bruschetta, crab cakes, oysters or a plain veggie platter. For a party menu, consider a crunchy item like fried calamari or shrimp egg rolls to offer variety.
What are the most popular shrimp appetizers?
Shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp, shrimp tempura, coconut shrimp, shrimp dumplings and shrimp-stuffed mushrooms are some of the most popular shrimp appetizers.
Can shrimp appetizers be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, numerous shrimp appetizers can be prepared in advance. You can prepare shrimp dip, ceviche and shrimp cocktail a couple of hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. If you plan to use fried shrimp or other crispy appetizers, prepare ahead, but don’t cook them until it’s almost time to serve, or they get soggy.
What size shrimp is best for appetizers?
Medium to large-sized shrimp are typically best for appetizers. Smaller shrimp are great in dips, in ceviche, dumplings, and stuffed mushrooms. Larger shrimp are suitable for shrimp cocktail, grilling on skewers and for shrimp dinner ideas when you want the shrimp to be the star.
How do you keep shrimp appetizers from becoming rubbery?
What dipping sauces pair best with shrimp appetizers?
Shrimp pairs well with all types of dipping sauces. Cocktail sauce is a favorite; sweet chili sauce is excellent with fried shrimp, egg rolls, and dumplings. A lime-based sauce is good for chilled or grilled shrimp.
Discover More Seafood Favorites at Red Crab Seafood
Love shrimp appetizers? Explore the Red Crab Seafood menu for delicious seafood dishes, signature flavors, and crowd-pleasing favorites perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next gathering.