Breaded shrimp is a classic appetizer and main dish loved by seafood fans everywhere. That crispy crunchy coating over tender briny shrimp is irresistible. While breaded shrimp is always delicious on its own, it can also be incorporated into a variety of recipes for some extra flavor and texture.

In this article, we’ll explore 12 amazing ways to use breaded shrimp in appetizers, main courses, salads, sides and more. From shrimp tacos to shrimp scampi pasta, breaded shrimp takes these dishes to the next level.

An Overview of Breaded Shrimp

Before jumping into recipes, let’s quickly go over what breaded shrimp is Breaded shrimp starts with fresh, raw shrimp that is peeled, deveined and patted dry Then the shrimp is coated in flour, dipped in egg wash or buttermilk, then covered with breadcrumbs or panko.

The breaded shrimp can be pan-fried, baked or air-fried until that outer coating is crispy and golden brown. The texture contrasts wonderfully with the tender shrimp inside.

Breaded shrimp is easy to find pre-made in the freezer section of grocery stores. But making it from scratch at home allows you to control the size of the shrimp and the flavor of the coating. Homemade also assures freshness and avoids preservatives often found in the packaged versions.

So whether using pre-made or homemade, breaded shrimp is a versatile ingredient to have on hand. Now let’s explore some of the many ways it can be utilized in delicious dishes:

1. Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are a go-to appetizer or light meal, and breaded shrimp makes them extra special. Simply tuck the shrimp into warm corn or flour tortillas along with your favorite taco toppings. Some tasty options include:

• Shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado
• Mixed greens, mango salsa, queso fresco
• Roasted corn, black beans, chipotle crema
• Lime crema, pineapple salsa, cilantro

The crunchy breaded shrimp provides great textural contrast to the soft tortillas and garnishes. A squeeze of lime brings everything together for a mouthwatering taco experience.

2. Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

A shrimp po’ boy is a classic Louisiana sandwich made with crispy fried shrimp. Breaded shrimp is ideal for achieving that crispiness.

Build your po’ boy on a soft sub roll layered with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and rémoulade or tartar sauce. The flavors meld together for an iconic regional sandwich you’ll make again and again.

3. Shrimp Salad Wraps

For a lighter take on shrimp salad, wrap up chilled breaded shrimp with fresh veggies in a tortilla or lettuce leaves. Some tasty combinations include:

• With lettuce, tomato, avocado, ranch dressing
• With cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, hummus
• With mixed greens, carrot, sprouts, lemon vinaigrette

The crispy breaded shrimp paired with the crunch of the fresh vegetables and savory dressing is so satisfying. It makes for a perfect portable lunch or light dinner.

4. Breaded Shrimp Baked Potatoes

For an easy meal, bake potatoes and top them with breaded shrimp and your choice of garnishes like sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, scallions, or hot sauce.

The combination of hot baked potato, melted toppings and crispy shrimp is comfort food at its finest.

5. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Incorporate breaded shrimp into classics like shrimp scampi linguine. Simply sauté the shrimp in butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, parsley and red pepper flakes. Toss the saucy shrimp with hot linguine noodles for a quick and delicious pasta dinner.

The breaded coating soaks up the buttery garlic sauce, infusing the shrimp with even more flavor. Irresistible!

6. Breaded Shrimp Pizza

Top homemade or store-bought pizza crust with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and breaded shrimp for an easy, impressive pizza night.

Other delicious toppings to consider include spinach, bell peppers, pineapple, jalapeños, or artichokes. The options are endless for this must-try breaded shrimp pizza.

7. Shrimp Quesadillas

Quesadillas get a flavor boost from crispy breaded shrimp. Sauté the shrimp and fill a tortilla with shredded cheese, peppers, scallions, beans or veggies. Grill the quesadilla until the cheese melts. Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo or salsa on the side.

It’s such a fast and easy way to incorporate breaded shrimp into a snack or light meal.

8. Shrimp Fried Rice

Take your favorite fried rice recipe to new heights with the addition of breaded shrimp. Simply stir in the pre-cooked shrimp with the rice, veggies, soy sauce, sesame oil and eggs. The crispy texture pairs so nicely with fluffy rice and savory seasonings.

9. Breaded Shrimp Chowder

For a hearty, comforting soup, add bite-size breaded shrimp to a basic corn or potato chowder. Garnish the rich, creamy soup with extra shrimp, scallions and bacon bits.

The crispy shrimp provides great contrasting texture against the soft potatoes or corn in chowder.

10. Shrimp Cobb Salad

For an upscale salad, top a bed of lettuce with rows of diced chicken, breaded shrimp, bacon, boiled egg, avocado, tomatoes, carrots and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle on your favorite vinaigrette and dig in to this delicious and filling Cobb salad.

11. Shrimp Banh Mi Sandwich

For an Asian-inspired sandwich, fill a crusty baguette with breaded shrimp, cucumber slices, pickled carrots and daikon radish, cilantro and Sriracha or hoisin sauce. Optional extras include jalapeños, bean sprouts or lime wedges.

It’s like a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich with a Southern twist, thanks to the crunchy spiced shrimp.

12. Shrimp and Grits

No list would be complete without shrimp and grits, a classic Southern comfort food dish. Cook grits per package directions, then top with sautéed breaded shrimp, bacon bits, scallions, garlic and cheese. For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter.

The breaded shrimp adds great texture and flavor to this iconic shrimp and grits recipe.

Tips for Preparing and Serving Breaded Shrimp

• If using pre-made frozen shrimp, bake or air fry instead of deep frying for a healthier option.

• For maximum crunch, fry breaded shrimp just before serving rather than ahead of time.

• Let fried shrimp drain on paper towels before adding to dishes to absorb excess grease.

• Chop or slice breaded shrimp into smaller pieces to better incorporate into recipes.

• Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Cook just until the coating is crisp and the shrimp is opaque.

• Pair rich, crispy shrimp dishes with lighter sides like salads, roasted veggies or rice.

Putting It All Together

As you can see, breaded shrimp is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used in appetizers, sandwiches, pastas, salads, pizzas and more. With a little creativity, you’ll discover even more ways to utilize pre-made or homemade breaded shrimp.

The next time you pick up a bag of frozen breaded shrimp or whip up a fresh batch, try one of these 12 recipe ideas above. Your family and friends won’t believe how you make ordinary breaded shrimp into such extraordinary, crave-worthy dishes.