It was Bubba from Forrest Gump that said it best — you can make shrimp by frying, boiling, baking, sautéing, stir-frying, barbecuing… Basically, to sum it up, there are a million different ways to cook up shrimp and make it taste amazing. Whether you’re letting it shine as the star ingredient of a dish, or keeping it a wonderful, secret surprise, here are 17 delicious ways to cook shrimp.

1. Coconut Shrimp: This recipe combines sweet and savory to create a deliciously simple fried shrimp. With a Thai-inspired, easy-to-make dipping sauce on the side, this recipe is sure to win you over. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

2. Summer Gazpacho: Chilled veggie soup topped with warm grilled shrimp? Sounds like summer in a bowl! (via Very Culinary)

3. Shrimp Étouffée: Étouffée is a spicy, creamy and classic Creole stew. With a rich, tomatoey and buttery broth paired with spicy shrimp and rice, this is not one to skip! (via Turntable Kitchen)

4. Shrimp Rangoon: One giant reason to try this recipe for shrimp rangoon? They’re made in a muffin pan! But don’t let the size fool you — these mini bites pack some serious punch. (via Brit + Co)

5. Chorizo Shrimp Burger: Yup, you read that right! A fiery chorizo patty and garlic marinated shrimp team up in this flavor bomb of a burger. With tequila, cheese and a paprika mayo also on the ingredient list, this burger is a total fiesta in your mouth. (via Lady and Pups)

6. Lemon Basil Shrimp Risotto: The Pioneer Woman is the brains behind this beautiful summer risotto. The cheesy, creamy goodness of a classic risotto combines with fragrant basil and lemon zest for a fresh take on this luscious rice dish. (via Tasty Kitchen)

7. Acorn Squash Enchiladas: These shrimp enchiladas roll sweet, spicy and savory into a make-ahead meal that you can enjoy anytime. (via Brit + Co)

8. Bacon + Shrimp Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Just when you thought bacon couldn’t possibly be a part of any more combinations, this scrumptious recipe is revealed. (via Paleo Leap)

9. Shrimp Avocado Tostadas: Making these tostadas takes a bit of prep, but the spicy chile and lime flavors can’t be beat! (via Girl Versus Dough)

10. Grilled Shrimp in a Banana Leaf: Seal in lots of flavor by wrapping shrimp in banana leaf pouches. With herbs, spices and lime juice, your foodie friends will be impressed with more than just the presentation of this dish. (via My Recipes)

11. Shrimp Ceviche: A beautifully layered ceviche with cool cucumber, pickled jalapeños and perfectly cooked shrimp is a surefire way to wow guests at your next summer soiree. (via My Recipes)

12. Summer Couscous With Shrimp: Need dinner in a jiffy? This wonderfully quick recipe combines sautéed veggies, fluffy couscous, vibrant spices and seared shrimp for a fast meal that’ll cook almost as quickly as you’ll eat it once it’s on the table. (via Olga’s Flavor Factory)

13. Po’ Boys: Try this po’ boy, a super stuffed sub hailing from New Orleans that was created to fill empty bellies on a tight budget. With seasoned shrimp, spicy mayo and crunchy French bread, this pick promises to pack a ton of flavor into each bite. (via Bev Cooks)

14. Moroccan Shrimp With Spinach: Fragrant spices and spinach surround shrimp in foil packets bursting with deliciousness. Make this quick meal for a healthy, yummy dinner that will satisfy any international eater. (via Gourmet Beauty)

15. Steak and Shrimp Kabobs: Fire up the grill and get to cookin’ these tasty steak + shrimp kabobs! A marinade with orange juice, soy sauce and ginger gives these skewers a little bit of sweet spice reminiscent of Asian cooking. (via Family Corner)

16. Thai Shrimp Salad: Vermicelli noodles, tons of veggies, ground peanuts and shrimp come together in this dish that will whet your palate just by looking at it! (via Bev Cooks)

17. Shrimp Wontons: Mini, fried and full of flavor, these are sure to be a crowd pleaser. (via Use Real Butter)

Any of this recipes have your mouth watering? Tell us which ones you’re going to try in the comments below!

Ashley Lee
Ashley is a homegrown New Englander with an affinity for artwork living in the Boston area. She loves painting with watercolors, the city of New Orleans, and like most Bostonians, she enjoys her iced coffee year-round. See her latest creative works on her Etsy shop, Oh My, How Lovely!