If Delish had a "Guide to Party Snacks 101," rule #1 would be this: A party just isn't a party without shrimp cocktail. And shrimp tostada bites. Oh, and don't forget the popcorn shrimp either. We know we can't be alone in our love of shrimp. Since it's crazy simple to prepare and has a quick cook time, you don't have to be a chef of any level to cook up this easy seafood staple. So do yourself a jumbo favor this season and make one of these 30, dare we say it, shrimply irresistible shrimp appetizers this party season. Or a few, just to be on the safe side. 😋
Whether you're on the ball and making apps ahead of time, or need a last-minute snack to save the day, picking up a bag of shrimp before it's party time will be the gift that keeps on giving. Pinky promise, no one will be the wiser it only took you less than 20 minutes to whip up bang bang shrimp!
Shrimp is also a perfect app for the health-conscious or anyone with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and keto friends. Shrimp cocktail and grilled shrimp skewers are two of our go-tos for making sure everyone is able to snack away. And luckily, the flavor opportunities for both are pretty endless; our taco lime shrimp and garlicky shrimp cocktail recipes are both basically a party for your tastebuds, and these shrimp cocktail deviled eggs are hard to resist.
With appetizers this good, you'll need some killer cocktails to go with them. Check out all of our favorite recipes for classic cocktails, Champagne cocktails, and gin cocktails.
Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli
We’re opting for roasting instead of the traditional poaching method to give this old-school appetizer even more flavor. The shrimp are paired with a horseradish-forward sauce to create a perfect winter-season appetizer. Serve the shrimp cocktail warm or chilled to suit your snacking occasion.
Get the Roasted Shrimp Cocktail With Lemon-Horseradish Aioli recipe.
Shrimp Ceviche
Our simple recipe takes inspiration from Mexican-style shrimp ceviche, and is the perfect jumping-off point. If you’re a bit hesitant about the whole raw seafood thing, don’t be! We've got instructions for poaching and the traditional method of solely curing it in citrus here.
Get the Shrimp Ceviche recipe.
Bang Bang Shrimp
These shrimp are bangin'! The pairing of crunchy shrimp and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is ridiculously delicious, and no matter how often we make it, it never gets old.
Get the Bang Bang Shrimp recipe.
Easy Shrimp Toast
Thought to have been created in China about a century ago, shrimp toast combines traditional Chinese shrimp paste with Western white bread to create one of the earliest fusion foods. Today it's a popular item on dim sum menus and as an appetizer throughout the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Get the Easy Shrimp Toast recipe.
Pesto Shrimp Skewers
While we have plenty of recipes we can't get enough of, these skewers—with shrimp, pesto, and lemon—just might be one of our favorites. Ready in under 30 minutes, these skewers are the perfect last-minute app when you just can't decide what to make.
Get the Pesto Shrimp Skewers recipe.
Shrimp Tempura Rolls
This stunning dish is a shrimp tempura roll, which is stuffed with avocado and battered jumbo shrimp that are fried until crisp perfection. The shrimp is slightly sweet and nicely dense, the avocado is super-soft and rich, and the rice is mixed with vinegar, sugar, and salt for a base that enhances all the flavors.
Get the Shrimp Tempura Rolls recipe.
Shrimp Tostada Bites
If you want to make things easy on yourself, use store-bought guac to fill these adorable little cups, but we gotta warn you—homemade guacamole is ALWAYS better.
Get the Shrimp Tostada Bites recipe.
Summer Rolls With Peanut Dipping Sauce
These homemade summer rolls (aka shrimp rolls) make the perfect light appetizer or lunch, especially with this easy peanut dipping sauce. The dish is highly adaptable too. The shrimp can be replaced with slices of cooked pork, cilantro can take the place of mint or basil, and romaine or even iceberg can be a good Napa cabbage substitute.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Air fryers are slowly winning us over. First with these amazing air-fryer pickles (obvs), and now with this amazing coconut shrimp. They get totally crispy, and the spicy mayo goes perfectly with the sweet coconut. Match made in heaven!
Get the Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp recipe.
Lobster-Shrimp Cakes
This recipe was adapted from the new 20th anniversary edition of Patti's cookbook, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About. You can make smaller patties to serve as an appetizer or side, or form larger portions for a more substantial dinner.
Get the Lobster-Shrimp Cakes recipe.
Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp cocktail is a classic, and it couldn't be easier. We've updated this party standby with a zesty homemade sauce that packs a flavorful punch thanks to ketchup, chili sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. The secret ingredient? A small amount of celery salt ties it all together.
Get the Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
Shrimp Scampi Flatbread
Use store-bought flatbread to quickly throw together this take on shrimp scampi that doubles as an easy weeknight dinner and an amazing party app.
Get the Shrimp Scampi Flatbread recipe.
Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp
This recipe is a flavor explosion thanks to a slightly spicy lemon-garlic marinade that infuses each bite with flavor. The quick-cooking shrimp (especially in your air fryer) are ideal served with cocktails or to begin a dinner party.
Get the Air Fryer Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe.
Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Wraps
"Cilantro lime" is a flavor profile we never get over: It's got a kick from cumin, the tang from lime juice, and fresh zing from cilantro. You can let this shrimp recipe marinate for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld, or don't—it'll be great no matter what.
Get the Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Wraps recipe.
Shrimp Cocktail Deviled Eggs
Yup, we went there. Two classic party apps in one convenient bite, we've even added iconic cocktail sauce flavor right to the deviled eggs!
Get the Shrimp Cocktail Deviled Eggs recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
We *bet* we had you at bacon. Topped with a spicy, buttery maple glaze, these shrimp give shrimp cocktail a run for its money.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp recipe.
Shrimp Po'Boy Sliders
Just like for a good po' boy, the shrimp gets battered (with a mixture of flour + cornmeal + Cajun seasoning) and fried (don't worry! it's a shallow fry) and then topped with a remoulade. The simple spread made with mayo, whole-grain mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, and herbs takes these mini sandwiches to the next level!
Get the Shrimp Po'Boy Sliders recipe.
Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Meet your new favorite low-carb app. It's super-flavorful, fresh, and it's ready in under an hour. Want a meatless option? We love adding roasted Buffalo cauliflower to these wraps too!
Get the Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Taco Lime Shrimp
You might not think to add taco seasoning on shrimp recipes—but think again: Marinated in a mix of taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and lime juice, these shrimp are seriously out of this world.
Get the Taco Lime Shrimp recipe.
Shrimp Salad Wraps & Sweet Potato Chips
Lettuce wraps are one of the best ways to eat healthy (and low-carb). These wraps are stuffed with our new favorite twist on shrimp salad: basil avocado. The zip of citrus and vinegar keeps this easy app so light and refreshing.
Get the Basil Avocado Shrimp Salad Wraps & Sweet Potato Chips recipe.
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