3 Easy Shrimp Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

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Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp, and Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

Looking for quick, delicious shrimp recipes that are packed with flavor? You’re in the right place. These three easy shrimp recipes—Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp, and Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp—are perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or when you’re just craving something special.

Each dish brings something unique to the table:

  • Creamy and garlicky Parmesan goodness
  • Crispy, spicy Bang Bang crunch
  • Bold Cajun spice with buttery richness

And the best part? They’re all ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Recipes

  • Fast and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
  • Big flavor in every bite, with different flavor profiles
  • Versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, salad, or as an appetizer
  • Made with simple, everyday ingredients
  • Great variety for shrimp lovers and seafood fans

Ingredients

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Bang Bang Shrimp

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
  • ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Bang Bang Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Each Shrimp Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the shrimp.
  6. Let cook another minute until cheese begins to melt.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Bang Bang Shrimp

  1. In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Dip the shrimp in buttermilk, then dredge in cornstarch or flour.
  3. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy.
  5. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Toss the shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce or drizzle sauce on top just before serving.
  7. Serve over shredded lettuce, rice, or as a party appetizer.

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

  1. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  5. Return shrimp to the pan and add lemon juice. Toss everything together to coat.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or vegetables.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp. They’re done when they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape.
  • Use fresh garlic for the richest flavor in all three recipes.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning or Sriracha.
  • These shrimp dishes pair well with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
  • For extra sauce lovers, consider doubling the sauce portions to drizzle on side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures better texture.

How spicy are these recipes?

The Cajun and Bang Bang shrimp both have a bit of heat. You can control the spice by using less seasoning or adding something creamy to tone it down, like extra mayo or a splash of cream.

Can I bake the Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes. Place coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

What side dishes go well with these shrimp recipes?

Try white rice, garlic butter pasta, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Each dish also goes great with warm bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Give These Recipes a Try

These three easy shrimp recipes—Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp, and Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp—are full of bold, delicious flavors and come together in no time. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, crispy, or spicy, there’s a shrimp dish here that’s sure to hit the spot.

Try one or all of them, and let us know which is your favorite. If you enjoy these recipes, feel free to share this post with fellow shrimp lovers or bookmark it for later.

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