4 Shrimp Appetizer Recipes For Your Next Event

The perfect event always includes food and what better way to treat your guests than with shrimp-filled appetizers? Shrimp and other seafood dishes are light and healthy. They’re filling without being too over-the-top.

If you’re planning an event in the near future, you’ll want to make sure your menu is perfect from beginning to end. Here are four shrimp appetizer recipes that are sure to leave your guests wanting more.

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn shrimp is an appetizer that guests and adults are sure to love. It’s easy to eat and is the perfect finger food to munch on while mingling. This popcorn shrimp recipe (check here) only requires a few ingredients and takes only 20 minutes to make! Double or triple the recipe depending on the number of guests you’re expecting.

Ingredients

1-quart oil, for frying

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 cup bread crumbs

24 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon parsley

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Heat the oil to 350 degrees F using a deep-fryer or large saucepan.
2. While oil is heating, place flour in a bowl. In another bowl whisk milk and egg.
3. Combine bread crumbs, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a third bowl.
4. Press individual shrimp into flour. Coat and shake off excess. Dip into the egg mixture and then press into bread crumbs. Place breaded shrimp onto a place and repeat.
5. Place shrimp individually into the oil. Fry until golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Set it on a paper towel to remove excess grease.

Avocado Cucumber Cajun Shrimp

Looking for a light and fresh shrimp-based appetizer to serve your guests? If so, you’re sure to love this recipe for Avocado Cucumber Cajun Shrimp. Plump juicy Cajun shrimp served with a creamy avocado sauce on a crisp slice of cucumber. These bites are a delicious bite to serve your guests at any event. This recipe makes 20-22 servings.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tablespoon of cilantro, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoon olive oil, divided

1 avocado

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 English cucumber, sliced into 22 circles

Directions

1. Place shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Pat dry using paper towels. Add garlic, 1 tablespoon cilantro, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well.
2. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add shrimp and sauté 2 minutes per side. Repeat until all they are cooked.
3. In a bowl mash 1 avocado with 1 tablespoon of lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Combine into creamy. Divide avocado mix over cucumber rounds.
4. Place one shrimp on top of the avocado mix. Garnish with fresh lime juice and finely chopped cilantro.

Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

This appetizer is fresh, flavorful, and can be made in less than 40 minutes. If you’re looking for a light and low-carb appetizer for your upcoming event, this is a recipe you won’t want to pass up!

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 tablespoon butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup hot sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 head romaine lettuce, leaves separated

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

1 rib celery, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. When completely melted, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add hot sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let simmer.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook it for about 2 minutes each side.
3. Turn off heat and add buffalo sauce to the skillet. Toss to coat.
4. Add a scoop of shrimp to the center of a romaine leaf. Top with red onion, celery, and bleu cheese. Serve immediately.

Garlicky Shrimp Dip

There’s no better combination than garlic, shrimp, and a creamy sauce. This garlicky shrimp dip is a great way to start any event. Guests can enjoy a dip with crackers, pita bread, or toasted French bread.

Ingredients

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 ounce cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella

1/4 grated Parmesan

1 lemon, juiced and zested

2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped

Pita chips, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Using a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes, until no longer opaque. Let cool and then chop coarsely.
2. In a large bowl combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Mix until well combined. Add chopped shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer dip into a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
4. Garnish with parsley. Serve with pita chips.