Baby shrimp can be used in most recipes that are made with regular shrimp.
You can incorporate them into salads, lettuce wraps and pasta dishes or turn them into bite sized hors d’oeuvres.
This list encompasses ideas for some of the best baby shrimp recipes, gathered from some fantastic food bloggers.
Keep reading to get the full run down.
13 Best Baby Shrimp Recipe Ideas
Shrimp Salad Sandwich
This sandwich recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to start off their day with a light snack.
It’s made with buttery croissants and a salad filling of tiny shrimp, diced cucumber and mayonnaise.
You can also serve these sandwiches for lunch or at an afternoon party.
What We’d Serve This With 🥗
Pair this delicious shrimp salad sandwich with a simple green salad or some crispy, salty potato chips.
It’s the perfect balance of fresh, light flavors and indulgent crunch.
Get recipe at: Katie’s Cucina
Shrimp Salad Lettuce Wraps
These shrimp lettuce wraps are somewhat of a secret weapon when it comes to cold shrimp appetizers.
They are surprisingly easy to make, have an elegant presentation and barely cost a dime.
The filling for these wraps is loaded with tons of baby shrimp, avocado, cucumber, carrots and celery.
All of this is seasoned with generous amounts of tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and smoked paprika.
When We’d Serve This 🌟
These wraps make an ideal appetizer for a cocktail party or casual gathering.
They’re light and fresh, but still bursting with flavor, making them perfect for warm weather events.
Get recipe at: Braised And Deglazed
Cucumber Shrimp Salad
If you’re looking for a simple appetizer made with baby shrimp, then you’ll love this Cucumber Shrimp Salad.
Making it requires only three ingredients and it delivers a refreshing zesty flavor in every bite.
This is all thanks to the creamy lime dressing, spring onions and fresh cucumber.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍽️
Use a serrated knife to cut the cucumber into thin slices without crushing it—this ensures each bite stays crisp and refreshing.
Also, try chilling your shrimp beforehand for an extra burst of coolness when serving.
Get recipe at: Downshiftology
Easy Shrimp Dip
While this dip isn’t a whole meal in of itself, it works great as an appetizer along with some crackers.
It features baby shrimp enveloped in loads of cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire, and bits of red onion.
It also has a bit of a spicy kick thanks to the addition of some hot sauce.
Our Flavor Twist 🌶️
Add a splash of lemon juice and a handful of freshly chopped cilantro to bring an extra layer of brightness to this creamy dip.
It’ll kick the flavor up a notch, making it even more irresistible!
Get recipe at: Cheerful Cook
Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta
This Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta comes together in under half an hour which makes it a fantastic dinner ideal for a busy weeknight.
It’s typically made with regular shrimp, but I’ve also made it using baby shrimp with the same success.
Apart from the shrimp, you’ll also need some sour cream, milk, butter, garlic and lemons for the sauce.
Make It Even Better 🍋
For an even richer flavor, toss in a bit of grated Parmesan or feta cheese right before serving.
It’ll add a creaminess that takes this dish to the next level!
Get recipe at: Greens N Chocolate
Easy Shrimp Cakes
Crispy on the inside and pillowy on the inside, these Easy Shrimp Cakes will leave your guests begging for more.
The cakes are made from minced shrimp, chopped red pepper, green onions and lemon zest which are rolled in panko breadcrumbs.
Depending on your preferences, you can also add some corn, kale or chopped jalapeno peppers.
What We’d Serve This With 🍤
Pair these shrimp cakes with a tangy dipping sauce made from sour cream, lime juice, and a hint of hot sauce.
It’s a fun and flavorful combo that will have your guests coming back for more.
Get recipe at: Herbs And Flour
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Salad
This aptly named dish is jam-packed with baby shrimp, pasta shells, and loads of spicy sauce.
The sauce which gives this recipe its name contains mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, lime juice, spices, and sriracha.
The great thing about this salad is that you can also use it as a main dish and serve it hot.
When We’d Serve This 🌶️
This pasta salad is a great dish to serve during summer barbecues or potlucks.
It’s spicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare—just perfect for casual get-togethers!
Get recipe at: 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
Shrimp and Grapefruit Cucumber Rolls
Appetizers don’t get any easier than these elegant Shrimp and Grapefruit Cucumber Rolls.
This simple hors d’oeuvre by wrapping a thin slice of cucumber around some shrimp and grapefruit.
And since cucumbers can be rather boring on their own, they’re layered with smashed avocado and chopped walnuts.
Make It Even Better 🥑
For an extra creamy twist, add a dollop of guacamole into the roll.
It’ll make every bite even more indulgent and bring extra creaminess to the dish!
Get recipe at: Nifty Mom
Easy Shrimp Salad
This shrimp salad is made with a few simple ingredients and comes together in less than 20 minutes.
All you’ll need are some baby shrimp, red onions, spring onions, celery and red pepper.
You can serve it on top of a piece of toast slathered with some avocado or on top of some lettuce.
What We’d Serve This With 🥑
Serve this shrimp salad with avocado toast for a delicious and filling meal.
The creamy avocado complements the shrimp perfectly, making it a satisfying dish.
Get recipe at: Cookin With Mimma
Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta
This shrimp pasta courtesy of Salt and Lavender is loaded with tons of protein, spinach and cherry tomatoes.
It’s also made without any sour cream or dairy which gives it a much lighter taste than other similar recipes.
You can serve it with some homemade garlic bread or green salad.
Tips from Our Kitchen 🍞
For extra flavor, drizzle some olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan over the pasta before serving.
It’ll bring a delicious richness to this light and tasty dish.
Get recipe at: Salt And Lavender
Baby Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes
Baby shrimp layered over a thinly sliced cucumber, cream cheese and topped off with bits of grapefruit.
If this description sounds appealing, then you’ll love these baby shrimp canapes.
Even though they aren’t anything spectacular in terms of flavor, they do have an elegant presentation.
Our Flavor Twist 🥒
Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice to elevate the canapes with some fresh herbaceous zing.
It’ll take this elegant bite from simple to extraordinary.
Get recipe at: Scrumpdillyicious
Mini Shrimp Tacos
Tacos are one of the easiest meals you can come up with whenever you have a bunch of baby shrimp laying around.
They’re easily customizable and you can add pretty much anything you can think of. And these Mini Shrimp Tacos aren’t any different.
They’re made with a filling of shrimp and pineapple that’s seasoned with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic and lime juice.
However, you can also add some cucumber or avocado if you want to improve their flavor.
What We’d Serve This With 🌮
Serve these mini shrimp tacos with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal.
The flavors work together beautifully for a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Get recipe at: Champagne Tastes
Shrimp and Grits Appetizer
If you aren’t afraid of adding a few notches up your belt, then I highly recommend trying out this Shrimp and Grits recipe.
It features baby shrimp served over a rich creamy sauce that’s made with milk and loads of butter.
You can serve it both as an appetizer and a main dish depending on your preference.
When We’d Serve This 🍽️
This shrimp and grits appetizer is perfect for a cozy dinner party or holiday gathering.
It’s comforting, rich, and sure to wow your guests.
Get recipe at: The Cookie Rookie
Wrapping up
Baby shrimp can be a convenient source of protein when you’re making an appetizer or a main dish.
They’re super effortless to make and usually combine with a few simple ingredients which are probably already in your pantry.
In any case, you’ll never go wrong if you decide to serve them at an afternoon party, get together or potluck.