Delicious Seared Shrimp Recipes to Try

Seared shrimp is a delightful dish that can elevate any meal, whether served as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a larger dish. The versatility of shrimp allows it to be paired with various flavors and ingredients, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. In this article, we'll explore several seared shrimp recipes inspired by popular dishes shared by Lemon8 users, including corn chowder with seared shrimp, hot honey fried shrimp, butter garlic shrimp, grilled shrimp, and bourbon street chicken with shrimp. Each recipe is designed to be simple yet satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Corn Chowder with Seared Shrimp

This comforting corn chowder is enhanced with perfectly seared shrimp, creating a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for fall. The combination of sweet corn, creamy base, and tender potatoes makes it a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups water (or chicken/vegetable broth)
• 8 ears of yellow sweet corn (husked and silk removed)
• 1 lb. Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (1/4 for soup, 1/4 for shrimp)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
• 1 lb. cleaned shrimp (16/20 size)
• Handful of chopped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Slice the corn kernels off the cob and set them aside. Use the back of a knife or a spoon to scrape any remaining pulp and juice from the cobs into a bowl.
2. Sprinkle the shrimp with smoked paprika and cook them in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. In the same pot, reserving about 1 Tbsp of grease, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and flour, cooking for an additional minute while stirring often.
4. Whisk in the water (or broth) and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the corn, potatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a low boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Use an immersion blender to blend about half of the soup until smooth, or remove about 3 cups and blend in a standard blender before returning it to the pot.
6. To serve, ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with the seared shrimp on top. Sprinkle with fresh chives for added flavor.

Tasting Suggestions

This corn chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory flavors of the shrimp, making each bite a delightful experience.

Hot Honey Fried Shrimp

If you love a little heat with your seafood, this hot honey fried shrimp recipe is perfect. The crispy exterior paired with a spicy-sweet sauce makes for a delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 1.6 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp salt

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 jalapeño, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 - 1 tsp red chili flakes (to taste)
• 1/3 cup honey
• Pinch of paprika

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp and buttermilk, letting them soak for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, red chili flakes, and salt.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Dredge the soaked shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Fry the shrimp in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced jalapeño and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the honey and red chili flakes, cooking until heated through.
6. Toss the fried shrimp in the hot honey sauce until well coated.

Tasting Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of coleslaw or over a bed of rice to balance the heat. The sweet and spicy notes make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Quick & Tasty: Butter Garlic Shrimp

This buttery garlic shrimp dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
3. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Tasting Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad. The garlic and butter sauce are perfect for soaking up with crusty bread.

Grilled Shrimp

Grilling shrimp brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that is simply irresistible. This recipe is straightforward and results in deliciously tender shrimp.

Ingredients

• 20-24 raw large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together all of the seasonings. Toss the shrimp with 2-3 teaspoons of the seasoning until well coated.
3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and brush with the melted butter mixed with the remaining seasoning.
4. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Brush with more melted butter while grilling if desired.
5. Remove from the grill and serve with lime wedges.

Tasting Suggestions

This grilled shrimp is fantastic served over a bed of rice or alongside grilled vegetables. The lime adds a refreshing touch that enhances the flavors.

Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp

This hearty dish combines succulent chicken and shrimp with a flavorful Cajun seasoning, making it a great option for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
• Gold potatoes for mashed potatoes
• Sautéed mushrooms and onions for serving

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, and salt. Drizzle the chicken and shrimp with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning mix, tossing to coat.
2. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 3 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, cooking for 1-3 minutes per side until seared and opaque. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
5. Wipe out the skillet and add the remaining butter and oil. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), about 15 minutes.
6. Serve the chicken and shrimp with the garlic butter sauce, alongside garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms and onions.

Tasting Suggestions

This dish is a complete meal that doesn’t require much else. The flavorful garlic butter enhances the entire plate, making it a satisfying choice for dinner.

These seared shrimp recipes highlight the versatility of shrimp and how it can be incorporated into various dishes. Whether you're in the mood for something light like the butter garlic shrimp or something hearty like bourbon street chicken with shrimp, these recipes are sure to please. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and creating your own unique shrimp dishes!