Southern Style Shrimp Recipes

Recipe: Georgia Shrimp and Radish Salad

Radishes at the farmers' market can seem as varied and abundant as the colors of Easter eggs. Two different varieties give this salad vibrant color, texture, and flavor: watermelon radishes and D'avignon (French breakfast) radishes. If you're looking for a quick-fix try this salad, hands on time for this recipe is only 20 minutes. 

Recipe: Guleff's Shrimp and Grits

Created by a teenager from Memphis, Tennessee, this recipe wowed the Test Kitchen pros at Southern Living.  Building on the traditional ingredients of stone-ground grits and shrimp, Chef Guleff set out to make his own version of the iconic Southern dish. Roasted celery root may not instantly come to mind when you think of shrimp and grits, but this ingredient adds a distinct, refreshing flavor, a cross between celery and parsley. Combined and cooked with onions, bell peppers, tomato, and black-eyed peas, these ingredients create a flavor-filled mixture. Bay scallops, which have simmered alongside the shrimp, enhance the low-country essence of this dish.

Recipe: Pan-Seared Shrimp with Chive Grits and Salsa Verde

"My mom made shrimp and grits way before it became such an overwhlmingly popular dish. Here, it's made her way but I added a bright, herbaceous salsa verde, which I learned from my days at Gramercy Tavern." - Chef John Hall

Recipe: Shrimp Malacca with Rice

Entertaining columnist Julia Reed found this recipe by Maurice Moore-Betty in a late-1970s issue of House & Garden while she was still in college, and she's been making it ever since. Moore-Betty was an Irish-born author, cooking teacher, and all-around lovely man who advised many a prominent Manhattan hostess. This dish is essentially shrimp Creole with the addition of curry powder, which elevates it by a surprising degree. Serve over rice, accompanied by a simple green salad.

Recipe: Shrimp-and-New Potato Chowder

Add shrimp a few minutes before serving so they don't overcook. 

Recipe: Skillet Rice with Shrimp and Chicken

Simple substitutions give these hearty dishes flavorful twists: Swap sausage for chicken, crabmeat for shrimp, or make a vegetarian option by subbing vegetable stock and omitting proteins.

Recipe: Easy Barbecue Shrimp

For a flavorful, Southern-style dish, serve this Easy Barbecue Shrimp with Jalapeño Biscuits. 

Recipe: Gulf Coast Seafood Stew

Hurricane Katrina and a subsequent oil spill off the coast of Louisiana renewed appreciation for our region's seafood. This stew shows off its incomparable flavors, colors, and beauty. 

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Sausage Gumbo

Enjoy a smoky and spicy classic that takes just a couple of minutes to prepare. When it's ready, serve over a bed of herbed rice.

Recipe: Buttery Garlic Shrimp

Ready in just 15 minutes, this quick appetizer is perfect for last-minute company. When making the sauce in Step 2, whisk in the butter 1 Tbsp. at a time--the key technique in making the sauce velvety.

Recipe: Grain Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Sweet Peppers

If you use wooden skewers, submerge them in water for 30 minutes before threading on the shrimp.

Recipe: Creole Shrimp and Sweet Potato Grits

Add a little sweetness and a big superfood boost to your traditional shrimp and grits.

Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

These coconut shrimp are baked so you can enjoy all the flavor of the dish and still feel good about what you're eating! Not craving seafood? Make coconut chicken using this recipe and serve with honey mustard dipping sauce.

Recipe: Peel-and-Eat Shrimp

Set up a serving area for the shrimp and sauces on your kitchen island or breakfast table, and let everyone help themselves. To shortcut prep, ask your seafood monger to steam shrimp for you. Try them with Tangy Garlic Tartar Sauce, Rémoulade Sauce, or Spicy Cocktail Sauce.

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Blue Cheese Spread

Serve this rich-and-creamy dip with French bread baguette slices, pickled Jerusalem artichokes, and crunchy baby vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumber slices, and radishes.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp-and-Green Bean Salad

This salad is perfect for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers. The shrimp can be grilled up to a day ahead. Store the prepared dressing in the fridge for up to a week, then return to room temperature just before tossing with the salad.

Recipe:  Shrimp Mojo de Ajo

Try these shrimp that are smothered in a Mojo de Ajo sauce made from Guajillo peppers that boast a tangy taste with a kick of heat.

Recipe: Cajun Shrimp-and-Crab Sauce

Serve this zesty shrimp recipe over hot grits or fresh baguettes for a quick entrée for a casual dinner party or just something to spice up a weeknight menu.

Recipe: Quick Shrimp Chowder

We've streamlined this favorite creamy shrimp chowder by using canned soup as the base.

Watch: Quick Shrimp Chowder

Recipe: Tex-Mex Shrimp Cocktail

Fiery jalapeño pepper jelly adds a sweet kick to this variation on classic shrimp cocktail. The jelly, lime juice, mango, red bell pepper, and cilantro marinate with cooked shrimp for fresh flavor. Finish off the cocktail with diced avocado, and serve with tortilla chips.

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Sausage Stew

Shrimp-and-Sausage Stew is similar to gumbo, but without the roux. The recipe gets its thick glossiness from a cornstarch-and-water slurry that’s stirred in at the end.

Take a taste of the bayou with shrimper, Timmy Cheramie

Recipe: Citrus Shrimp Tacos

These citrus shrimp tacos pair marinated, grilled shrimp with Southwest Cream Sauce and fresh corn salsa for a colorful entree that's full of flavor.

Recipe: Mexican-Grilled Shrimp with Smoky Sweet Sauce

Make this zesty Mexican seafood recipe for an appetizer or a fragrant main dish; simply serve with rice and a vegetable for a complete meal.

Recipe: Spicy Boiled Shrimp With Creamy Buttermilk-Avocado Sauce

Boiled shrimp makes a perfect party starter, especially when paired with a delicous dipping sauce like Creamy Buttermilk-Avocado Sauce. Tip: To ensure that shrimp stays chilled, place half out when guests arrive, and replenish the platter as needed.

Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

The original recipe for this hearty shrimp and grits dish is from Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner, the landmark Southern restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Recipe: Old Bay Shrimp Salad

Chilled shrimp salad is an ideal filler for a lunch roll-up or a plated salad. Simply serve a scoop of the salad over lettuce, pair with crackers, and enjoy.

Recipe: Shrimp Casserole

Take a break fom the usual chicken and rice combo and make this creamy, hearty seafood casserole.

Recipe: Lemon-Basil Shrimp Salad

Don't skip the fresh lemon rind and juice in the lemon-basil marinade—it's what makes this salad recipe special. These shrimp also make a terrific appetizer. The shrimp and dressing, as well as the Parmesan Baskets, can all be made a day ahead.

Recipe: One-Pot Shrimp and Grits

Spicy andouille, sautéed shrimp, and old-fashioned grits are the backbone of flavor for this One-Pot Shrimp and Grits. Avoid overcrowding the pot when cooking the shrimp so they will brown and cook through quickly.

Recipe: Shrimp Burgers With Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Tartar Sauce

Recipes for shrimp burgers, a favorite food of Southern shrimping towns, are often a big secret. Here we divulge our version, which is chunky and spicy with some Cajun flair.

Recipe: Boiled Shrimp With Rémoulade Sauce and Spicy Cocktail Sauce

This recipe is great for a large crowd—it makes up to 25 servings! To save time, use peeled, large frozen cooked shrimp. Thaw according to package directions, and serve with sauces.

Recipe: Southern Shrimp Cocktails

Have the seafood market steam shrimp to save time, or follow our easy instructions below. Serve the shrimp, okra, and breadsticks on a platter around a bowl of the sauce, or make individual cocktails. Use 4-oz. votive candleholders, shot glasses, cordial glasses, or mini-martini glasses.

Recipe: New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp

Bring the taste of New Orleans to your table this summer with this tasty barbecue shrimp recipe. Serve with a green salad and corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Recipe: Coconut Shrimp

Oven-fried healthier Coconut Shrimp tops our list of fabulous party foods.

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Grits Eggs Benedict

Chef Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill in Charleston put a delicious twist on classic Lowcountry shrimp and grits using fried grits squares, asparagus spears, and a creamy shrimp sauce.

Recipe: Avocado Soup With Marinated Shrimp

Instead of bowls, consider using martini glasses or other fun glassware to serve this soup.

Recipes: Thai Pesto Shrimp

Chances are even your picky eaters will love this family favorite, Thai Pesto Shrimp over zesty Coconut-Lime Rice. Give it a try, and see what your family thinks.

Recipe: Crab-and-Shrimp Étouffée

Étouffée (ay-too-FAY) isn't just a fancy-sounding name—it's Cajun comfort food at its best. The thick, spicy mixture of crawfish, shrimp, or crab (or a combination of these) with onions and peppers is cooked in a light gravy and then served with rice.

Recipes: Tempura Shrimp Tacos

Fajita seasoning does double duty in the tacos and Mexi-Coleslaw Mix. Make the coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance to jump-start this recipe.

Recipe: Shrimp Po’boys

Try this authentic shrimp po'boy recipe to get a taste of New Orleans' famous cajun cuisine.

Recipe: Bayou Fried Shrimp

For these Cajun-flavored fried shrimp, peel the shrimp but leave the tails on and coat the shrimp in fish fry mix to get a crispy brown coating.

Recipe: Hominy Grill's Shrimp and Grits

This Lowcountry favorite won its way into our readers’ hearts with its rich flavor and easy preparation. Shrimp and mushrooms are sautéed with garlic and bacon drippings then mixed with green onions and crispy bacon, and all are served on top of buttery cheese grits.

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Pasta Salad

Light and lemony, this recipe easily doubles for dinner with friends. Juicy raspberries and cool cucumber chunks create a colorful presentation.

Cooking Demo: Shrimp-and-Pasta Salad  

Recipe: Shrimp-Pesto Pizza

Tired of the same old, same old? Then try this delicious grilled pizza. Fresh shrimp and sautéed veggies all atop a pesto sauce make for great flavor and a unique slice of pie.

Recipe: Spicy Glazed Shrimp and Vegetable Kabobs

The sweet and tangy shrimp and seasoned vegetables are like a meal on a stick. The Caribbean jerk seasoning gives these kabobs a special, spicy flair.

Recipe: Beach Shrimp

Serve with toasty French bread to sop up the sauce. To bake this when you are on vacation at the beach, purchase a large disposable roasting pan for easy cleanup.

Cooking Video: What's for Supper? Beach Shrimp

Recipe: Carolina Grilled Shrimp

These zesty marinated shrimp taste perfect with a light char off the grill. Serve on small skewers for an easy-to-eat presentation.

Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Lemon and garlic combine with delicate angel hair pasta and mild-flavored shrimp for a refreshing and quick pasta supper. Buy peeled and deveined shrimp at the grocery store to cut prep time.

Recipe: Shrimp-and-Poblano Chili

This chili starts with frozen corn and diced poblano chile peppers to help you save time in the kitchen.

Recipe: Curried Shrimp Tarts

Ready-made pastry shells make preparation of these tarts super-fast. Simply spoon a shrimp-and-cream-cheese mixture and jarred mango chutney into the shells. Top with chopped fresh chives and toasted sweetened coconut.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Gumbo Salad

Terrific flavors from the garden and grill come together in this twist on a New Orleans favorite. Served in smaller portions, it also makes a great first course.

Recipe: Spicy Pickled Shrimp

Spicy Pickled Shrimp makes an elegant presentation of this Lowcountry favorite. Flavors pop after the shrimp marinate with onions and a tangy vinaigrette overnight. Serve with cocktails or on lettuce leaves as a plated first course.

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Piccata

Save on prep time by buying shrimp peeled and deveined.

Recipe: Perfect Poached Shrimp

Poach (don’t boil) for moist, tender-crisp shrimp with loads of flavor.

Recipe: Marinated Shrimp Salad with Avocado

Enjoy shrimp in a salad with this easy, fresh recipe. Drizzle with Citrus Vinaigrette for the perfect punch of flavor.

Recipe: Spicy Coconut Shrimp Soup

For a spicier finish to this soup, top with minced Thai chile pepper.

Recipe: Grilled Blackened Shrimp Skewers

Blackberries and mango add color, flavor and sweetness to this tropical dish.

Recipe: Fritto Misto Po’boys

Pepperoncini and sliced green tomatoes brighten our take on the Italian “mixed fried” seafood combo. Spoon with Cajun Coleslaw.

Recipe: Shrimp Pizza

Pizza gets a taste of the sea with poached shrimp. This pizza is sure to please seafood lovers—and land lovers alike.

Recipe: Perfect Poached Shrimp

Recipe: Tex-Mex Mini Shrimp Cocktail

Recipe: Peachy Shrimp Crostini

Recipe: Shrimp in Cucumber Cups

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp-and-Macaroni Salad

Poach shrimp the correct way, and these recipes are sure to be a big hit at a party or for a weeknight meal.

Recipe: Bloody Mary Tomato Salad with Quick Pickled Shrimp

Mix and match colorful assorted tomatoes, such as 'Beefsteak,' 'Brandywine,' and 'Cherokee Purple.' Their rich, meaty flavor counters the dressing's tang and zip. Don't overlook the tender inside leaves of the celery bunch—they're quite delicious, and they add an herbal note to the dish.

Recipe: Shrimp, Watermelon, and Halloumi Kabobs

Addictively briny, halloumi cheese is a favorite for grilling, especially when paired with the sweetness of watermelon.

Recipe: Mexican-Grilled Shrimp with Smoky Sweet Sauce

Make this zesty Mexican seafood recipe for an appetizer or a fragrant main dish; simply serve with rice and a vegetable for a complete meal.

Recipe: Shrimp Rémoulade Deviled Eggs

Ready in under an hour, these spicy shrimp bites are simple to make but packed with flavor. You'll love this unique twist on deviled eggs with shrimp, spicy Creole mustard, and lots of garlic.

Recipe: Creole Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Shrimp and Creole seasoning give these deviled eggs a distinctly Southern taste.

Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Casserole

This hearty seafood casserole is filled with shrimp, cheese and rice and gets its Cajun flair from the addition of okra, bell peppers, and cayenne pepper. It's a great choice for a special occasion meal. If you're not a fan of okra, you can leave it out of this dish.

Recipe: Grilled Shrimp and Spinach Salad

A colorful mix of sliced mangoes, fresh raspberries, goat cheese, and of course, grilled shrimp pumps up this spinach salad.

Recipe: Shrimp-Boil Potato Salad

Your favorite ingredients of a Lowcountry boil are tossed together in this main-dish salad.

Recipe: Pickled Shrimp with Fennel

Marinated, plump shrimp and crunchy sliced fennel make great passed hors d'oeuvres with toothpicks and an even better no-fuss cold salad.

Recipe: Shrimp Boil Skewers

Serve this colorful appetizer in small cups if you want to skip the skewers.

Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

A tasty appetizer of Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp will be hit with your party crowd. They'll savor the hint of heat mingled with sweetness in each bite.

Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Dip with Crispy Wonton Chips

If you don't have time to make fried wontons, use fancy potato chips or crispy tortilla chips.

Recipe: Shrimp and Citrus Cocktail

Modern stemmed glassware gives this updated classic a fresh look.

Recipe: Tomato Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Look for beautiful and tasty heirloom tomatoes in a rainbow of colors at your local farmers' market, and keep them at room temperature until you're ready to slice and serve. 

Recipe: Shrimp-in-a-Pickle

Shrimp is a light and flavorful appetizer. Guests will enjoy this zesty recipe without filling up before the main dish.

Recipe: Grilled Lime Shrimp and Vegetable Rice

This fresh dinner recipe pulls together in less than 40 minutes. It's sure to be a new family favorite.

Leftover Dinner Recipe: Lime Shrimp Rolls

Recipe: Peanut Shrimp Salad With Basil-Lime Dressing

Salty and spicy shrimp breaded with peanuts, red curry powder, and breadcrumbs makes the perfect topping for a bed of mixed baby greens and mint leaves. Serve as a main-dish salad or in smaller portions as an appetizer.

Free your imagination when you break out the silver for the season. Check out this nifty idea for a traditional shrimp cocktail. We used a julep cup from Kentucky, but we bet there's something in your china cabinet that would work every bit as beautifully.

To prepare our version, first fill the julep cup with crushed ice. Tuck a 2-oz. ramekin or sauce cup into ice; then fill with your favorite cocktail sauce. Arrange shrimp around the rim of the cup. Makes 1 serving. Prep: 5 min.