23 Amazing Shrimp Appetizers To Tempt Your Taste Buds

For those who love shrimp and other types of seafood, you really can’t get enough of a good thing. The more shrimp appetizers at a party, the better!

But how many times have you reached for your cookbooks and found the same shrimp recipes time and time again? Do you want to branch out and try something different that’s a little outside of your comfort zone?

23 Amazing Shrimp Appetizers To Tempt Your Taste Buds

Then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve selected a range of tasty shrimp appetizers which feature a selection of different flavors and ingredients to really get your guests drooling.

There won’t be much of these shrimp appetizers left by the end of the night!

Let’s take a look at the 23 amazing shrimp appetizers that we’ve selected to really shake things up at your next party!

1. Avocado Cucumber Shrimp Appetizers

First up are these gorgeous avocado cucumber shrimp appetizers! This recipe perfectly balances the juiciness of the shrimp with a mix of cajun spices.

The seasoning is then blended with the cool cucumber and avocado which help to take the bite out of the heat. Definitely the perfect appetizer for tempting your guests back for additional shrimp appetizers!

This gives you the perfect mouth sized bite to wow your guests and have them reaching for more! Plus they are super simple to make, so you won’t have to worry about them taking ages to cook before your guests arrive.

2. Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Shrimp

Sometimes you can’t beat a classic, and that’s exactly why we’ve included this tasty bacon wrapped barbecue shrimp recipe on our list of the best shrimp appetizers (see also ‘23 Delicious And Easy To Make Bacon Appetizers‘).

This is a super simple recipe that allows the few ingredients included to shine through. The saltiness of the bacon pairs well with the juiciness of the shrimp, giving you a tasty mouthful to enjoy.

The best thing about this appetizer is that it won’t take you an age to make, either.

The whole plate of appetizers will be ready within half an hour, so you can focus on the other shrimp dishes that you want to offer alongside these!

3. Chilled Marinated Shrimp Appetizer

You really can’t beat a delightfully simple appetizer that allows the flavor of the dish to shine through. That’s why you simply must include this chilled marinated shrimp appetizer on your party table!

You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time to make things easier on yourself, and you won’t have to worry about slaving over several dishes at once.

This shrimp appetizer gives you a tasty zesty flavor thanks to the delicious lemon juice and herbs combo! This is the perfect appetizer for a hot summer’s day that will keep your guests coming back for more.

4. Chili Lime Shrimp Appetizer

One of the very best flavor combinations is of course chili, lime, and shrimp. So of course we were going to include this tasty chili lime shrimp appetizer on our list of the best shrimp appetizers!

They are super simple to make, and also look stunning when plated up alongside your selection of other appetizers.

Worried about the heat of the chili overpowering the juiciness of the shrimp? Fear not, because the inclusion of smashed avocado on the base of these tasty appetizers will come to the rescue!

You’ll be able to enjoy these tasty appetizers no matter what your capacity for heat is like.

5. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Want to capture the taste of Mexico in your shrimp appetizer? Then this Mexican shrimp cocktail is the perfect thing for you to try!

You can craft up a batch of the Mexican shrimp cocktail and allow guests to help themselves, or serve it up in ramekins or a classic cocktail glass. Why not serve alongside tortilla chips to get the full range of flavor?

You’ll get classic shrimp paired with hot sauce, chopped red onion, crushed garlic, and avocado in this sumptuous Mexican shrimp cocktail. Perfect for those who enjoy a little more kick from their shrimp appetizers!

6. Cucumber Canapes With Shrimp

Wow your guests with these impressive looking cucumber canapes with shrimp (see also ‘23 Of The Easiest Canape Recipes For Your Next Party‘)! The shrimp stars as the finishing factor in this tempting appetizer, and adds a certain meatiness to the delicate nature of the cucumber.

This is a super easy to make appetizer that you can easily prepare ahead of time, so you won’t have to worry about dealing with several dishes at once.

The lightness of the cucumber pairs with the yumminess of a classic tzatziki sauce which really helps to highlight the flavor of your cooked shrimp.

This is the perfect dish to create an impressive looking appetizer that will not only impress in looks but also in flavor.

7. Curry Shrimp Appetizer

Want the perfect finger food to offer as your shrimp appetizer of choice? Then this curry shrimp appetizer is just the thing your table needs!

These tempting shrimp appetizers are simply bursting with flavor, and give you the perfect bite sized dish to entertain guests before the main meal arrives at the table.

These curry shrimp appetizers have a bold curry flavor to really help the shrimp shine as the main event.

The inclusion of phyllo pastry gives the curry shrimp appetizers more of a crunch, too, which helps to fully round out the palate.

8. Shrimp Cakes

Want something a little more unusual from your shrimp appetizer? Then these shrimp cakes are just the shrimp appetizer that you should opt for!

These shrimp cakes include a range of flavors and textures that will have your guests eagerly reaching for more. The juiciness of the shrimp is perfectly balanced with the spicy kick of jalapenos.

The great thing about these shrimp cakes is that you can easily adjust the quantities of jalapenos and Tabasco sauce to match your spice preference.

Or even miss them out altogether if you prefer your shrimp appetizers on the milder side!

9. Skillet Shrimp Appetizers

The best kind of shrimp appetizer is one that can be prepared within minutes and doesn’t take too long to cook. That’s why we absolutely love these skillet shrimp appetizers!

All you need to hand is your uncooked shrimp, Old Bay seasoning (see also ‘Old Bay Seasoning Substitutes‘), and the skillet that you’re going to use to cook your shrimp. Beautiful in its simplicity, this recipe really doesn’t disappoint in terms of flavor.

What’s really great about this skillet shrimp recipe is that you can also choose the dip of your choice to go with them.

Opt for a classic cocktail sauce if you want something reliable, or opt for a cajun dip if you want more spice from your shrimp.

10. Firecracker Shrimp

You really can’t beat this recipe for firecracker shrimp if spice is your thing! The combination of spice and garlic is enough to keep guests reaching for more until the plate is cleaned out.

And you can even adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers included so as to suit your preferred level of spice.

The best thing about this firecracker shrimp recipe? You can easily prepare it in advance so that you can concentrate your efforts on other dishes while your guests enjoy them.

Simply prepare the marinade the night before and leave your shrimp to marinate until you’re ready to cook them.

11. Marinated Grilled Shrimp

One of the best shrimp appetizer recipes to offer your guests is undoubtedly these tasty marinated grilled shrimp. You really can’t beat a classic, and this marinated grilled shrimp is no exception.

Combine all of the marinade ingredients together in a bowl and allow your shrimp to marinate for up to an hour, then place them on your skewers ready for grilling.

If you want to give this marinated grilled shrimp appetizer even more of a juicy hit, you can pair the shrimp with slices of your favorite fruit.

Pineapple chunks will work particularly well with the meatiness and juiciness of the shrimp.

12. Cold Shrimp Avocado Cucumber Appetizer

Looking for bite sized shrimp appetizers that you can plate up and allow guests to easily help themselves to as much as they would like?

Then this cold shrimp avocado cucumber appetizer (see also ‘23 Delicious And Simple Cucumber Appetizers‘) is just the thing your table needs!

Simply plate up each slice of cucumber with the accompanying smashed avocado, and then top with the cajun spiced shrimp and a dollop of remoulade sauce.

This shrimp appetizer gives your guests the perfect finger food to keep them entertained and talking about your cooking prowess for years to come!

13. Sweet And Spicy Shrimp

This sweet and spicy shrimp recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will easily have your guests reaching back for more!

The best thing about this shrimp appetizer recipe is that it’s super easy to make, and will be ready within 10 minutes.

The sriracha sauce combines with the sweetness of the honey and the balsamic vinegar for an unforgettable sauce which will really help to highlight the very best that your cooked shrimp has to offer.

14. Buffalo Shrimp

Enjoy your shrimp appetizers with a bit more kick? Or want a spicy dish that you can adjust to suit your preference when it comes to heat?

Then this buffalo shrimp is simply a must-have recipe to include in your range of shrimp appetizers. You can easily craft the perfect buffalo shrimp to suit your taste.

Add as much or as little hot sauce as you would like. Or if you want to give your guests more choice, you can even create two batches with a spicier version and a milder version for them to choose from.

15. Grilled Shrimp And Chorizo Appetizers

Looking for a shrimp appetizer that will really wow your guests? Then you simply must try these grilled shrimp and chorizo appetizers!

The chorizo perfectly complements the juiciness of the shrimp, and when paired with the roasted red pepper soup, gives you a full range of flavors.

This is a super impressive shrimp appetizer that looks just as good as it tastes. Dip the grilled shrimp and chorizo into the roasted red pepper soup, or simply enjoy one after the other.

It’s all up to you and your guests as to how you would prefer to enjoy these tasty shrimp appetizers!

16. Cheesy Shrimp Appetizers

You might not necessarily think of cheese when it comes to choosing your next shrimp appetizer to make for your guests, but you will be pleasantly surprised by these cheesy shrimp appetizers.

These cheesy shrimp appetizers give you the perfect blend of flavors that really help to make the shrimp shine.

Served on top of sliced baguette bread, these shrimp appetizers give your guests the perfect mouth sized bites that will be simply moreish.

17. Phyllo Turnovers With Shrimp And Ricotta Filling

Like more of a crunch to your shrimp appetizers? Then these phyllo turnovers with shrimp and ricotta filling are just the thing you’re looking for!

These are super easy to make, and give you a tasty hit with each mouthful. The creaminess of the ricotta pairs well with the meatiness of the shrimp for a truly unforgettable appetizer.

The best thing about this shrimp appetizer is that they are super easy to plate up. They also give your guests the perfect finger food to choose from before the main meal arrives!

18. Marinated Shrimp Appetizer

Looking for a super easy marinated shrimp appetizer to try at your next party? Then give this amazing marinated shrimp appetizer a try!

This particular shrimp appetizer pairs the classic flavors of lemon, shallots, garlic, and a variety of fresh herbs to really make the most of those shrimp.

This is the perfect appetizer to prepare ahead of time so that you can focus your efforts on other dishes in the meantime. Plus there will be more than enough to keep your guests happy!

19. Spicy Caribbean Shrimp Appetizer

When it comes to spicy shrimp, you really can’t beat the classic flavors of the Caribbean. Which is why we simply had to include this recipe for a spicy Caribbean shrimp appetizer!

This shrimp appetizer combines classic Caribbean flavors of tropical tamarind sauce, lime, and dark rum, which is then paired beautifully with a pineapple coconut dipping sauce.

Ideal if you want to capture the taste of the Caribbean within your own home! Serve on a plate with the pineapple coconut dipping sauce in the center for a truly memorable appetizer.

20. Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Looking for a lighter version of phyllo spring rolls which are often fried? These Vietnamese fresh spring rolls are just the thing you need for your next party!

These feature shrimp as the star ingredient, so will make a welcome addition to your party table. These Vietnamese fresh spring rolls will be the perfect summertime appetizer to enjoy with a choice of sauces.

To give your guests even more choice in terms of flavor, offer these Vietnamese fresh spring rolls alongside hoisin sauce and fish sauce.

This will give your Vietnamese fresh spring rolls a whole added depth of flavor.

21. Party Shrimp

Nothing says the perfect appetizer for entertaining your guests quite like party shrimp!

This party shrimp appetizer recipe beautifully captures the flavors of the deep south, so you can truly enjoy the best that your cooked shrimp has to offer.

The best thing about this party shrimp recipe is that you can easily double or triple the quantities depending on how many guests you have to entertain.

Serve these party shrimp on a platter, in a bowl, or alongside your favorite dip of choice. Or if you want to give your guests even more choice, you can select a range of dips for them to choose from.

22. Spanish Garlic Shrimp Appetizer

This Spanish garlic shrimp appetizer recipe combines a range of excellent flavors to really make the shrimp shine on the plate.

There is plenty of garlic and lemon zest in here that really show the best that cooked shrimp has to offer, and will simply have your guests reaching back for more.

You can also adjust the type of paprika that you include so as to suit a range of spice preferences.

The best thing about these Spanish garlic shrimp appetizers is that they can be prepared and cooked in as little as 30 minutes!

So you can easily prepare them ahead of time so you can focus your efforts on other dishes while your guests enjoy themselves.

23. Dilled Shrimp

Searching for a taste of Scandinavia? Then this dilled shrimp appetizer is just the thing that you need on your table!

Shrimp is paired with the delicate flavor of the herb dill to give you a shrimp appetizer that will be simply unforgettable.

This is the perfect light appetizer to serve alongside some of the spicier shrimp appetizers that we have included above.

Serve on a platter or alongside a range of dipping sauces to give your guests the best of both worlds. They’ll be spoiled for choice!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shrimp A Finger Food?

Yes, shrimp is a finger food! In fact, shrimp can make an excellent appetizer for parties. There are a range of recipes for you to select from above to use at your next party!

How Do You Eat Shrimp As A Snack?

There are loads of ways to eat shrimp as a snack, not to mention every single one of the shrimp appetizer recipes that we’ve collected above! Why not try skillet fried shrimp? Or create snack sized shrimp appetizers to enjoy.

How Do You Serve Cold Shrimp At A Party?

The best way to serve cold shrimp at a party is on a platter with a selection of sauces, such as cocktail sauce, hot sauce, or fish sauce. You can select the best sauces for the flavors of the shrimp that you have chosen.

In Summary

So there you have it! You now have a list of the very best shrimp appetizers that the world has to offer.

We’ve made sure to include a range of flavors and additional ingredients so that you can tempt your guests with a whole range of appetizers.

There will be something here to suit everyone, so you can rest assured that your guests will be happy to see each of these shrimp appetizers on the party table!

How many of these shrimp appetizers are you going to try? Are there any that are at the top of your list? Why not give each of them a go so that you can truly find your favorites among this batch of amazing shrimp appetizers!

23 Amazing Shrimp Appetizers To Tempt Your Taste Buds

23 Amazing Shrimp Appetizers To Tempt Your Taste Buds

Recipe by Jenna

Want to wow all of your party guests with the best shrimp appetizers around? Check out our list of 23 amazing shrimp appetizers to tempt your taste buds!

Course: Appetizers
5 from 1 vote
Jenna
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