Bubba taught us a lot about shrimp. Mainly, that you can use it to make just about anything.
From pastas to tacos, shrimp fits in beautifully.
But what happens when you’ve got extra shrimp cocktail? Or too much uneaten fried shrimp?
You’re thinking leftover shrimp recipes aren’t you?
And sure, you could serve them again, but if you can’t just serve it the same way as the day before.
No matter how much you love something, it’s just not the same fireworks (in most cases!) in the days after.
If you don’t want to feel like you’re in Groundhog Day on repeat, these ideas will help you find new purpose in making some spectacular re-purposed shrimp meals!
Leftover Shrimp Recipes: 13 Ways to Make a Splash
Whether you have extras from a shrimp cocktail platter, fried shrimp, or even shrimp boil, you can turn your lackluster leftovers into something new and exciting for dinner tonight!
1. Shrimp and Cream Cheese Firecrackers
First up, how about an appetizer that sets the mood for fun?
These crispy, crunchy fried shrimp and cream cheese firecrackers are like an elongated crab rangoon appetizer.
Take some wonton wrappers and fill them with a mixture of cream cheese and your leftover chopped up shrimp.
Serve it with that sweet chili dipping sauce and no one will ever know you made this heavenly creation with leftovers.
A great recipe to try for this is the one by Haley at Cheap Recipe Blog.
2. Shrimp Salad Sandwich
Another great way to use up old shrimp is to turn it into a light and refreshing lunch treat that you’d find at any seaside gourmet café.
Good bread is the key here.
So is combining that shrimp with mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped celery, and scallions.
A little Old Bay seasoning can give it a Maryland crab house twist if you’d like though keeping it simple is fine too.
Dill is another way to make the flavors pop in this creamy shrimp salad dish for a bright and invigorating meal.
3. Shrimp Scampi
In a pinch for dinner?
You can make shrimp scampi with your fixin’s in just 10 minutes.
Get that pasta boiling and you’re almost there. You can combine fresh garlic with butter and a touch of white wine and lemon to make that scampi sauce.
Once it comes together, toss your cooked shrimp into it to warm them up.
Then, combine it with the pasta.
See how easy that is?!?
Don’t forget to throw a little fresh chopped parsley into it to brighten it up and give it that restaurant-quality taste and presentation.
And if you really want to score points, throw in some garlic bread to serve with it and sop up all that scampi sauce. See other side ideas in our post here!
4. Shrimp Scampi Dip
Planning a party or need something to take to a potluck?
Use your leftovers to make shrimp scampi dip.
It could even be the opener to any family night meal and is perfect for those who are keeping pasta consumption to a minimum.
Brimming with your seafood amid a creamy, cheesy dip format, this delicious creation will have everyone begging you for the recipe.
Need help putting it together?
5. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Another refreshing idea for a barbecue or weekend gathering is shrimp pasta salad. Much like making any pasta salad, you’ll choose your pasta.
Smaller shapes make for better bite-sized bits to go with your shrimp.
You can make it Italian style with cherry tomatoes, balls of mozzarella, and artichokes.
Or feel free to toss in other leftover veggies alongside fresh ones to create your own shrimp pasta salad.
No matter what you use, it will be loaded with flavor and lots of fun to eat!
6. Shrimp and Avocado Lime Salad
Want a healthy and bold way to serve up leftover shrimp for lunch and dinner?
Make a shrimp and avocado lime salad.
Fresh-squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro really jazz up your shrimp.
Add red onion, tomatoes, avocados, and jalapenos and the flavors will absolutely pop.
This makes a perfect appetizer to start with or can be a nice light lunch that will make all your coworkers jealous.
If you’re not sure how to make a shrimp and avocado lime salad on your own, Gina at Skinny Taste has an amazing recipe!
7. Shrimp Chowder on Those Cold Days
Feeling a little chilly?
Warm up from the cold with a nice bowl of shrimp chowder that you can make quickly thanks to your doggie bag.
This creamy shrimp chowder cooks up in one pot with ease.
And if you add bacon and golden corn to it, it just becomes even dreamier.
Make sure you use half and half or heavy cream though.
It adds that extra richness that makes this filling chowder a wonderful way to start a meal or as a light meal paired with a salad.
8. Shrimp Tacos
If you love tacos, why are you still sitting here reading this?
Go and make them and turn your dinner into a proper fiesta! I’ll admit, it’s one of my personal favorite leftover shrimp recipes!
Shrimp tacos are so simple, especially with basic meats.
All you need to do is quickly heat them in a skillet with a hint of lime and taco seasoning, then pop them into tortillas.
Top them with avocados, red onions, cabbage slaw, and a nice squeeze of lime.
You can also make black beans and rice to serve on the side to really round out the meal.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Shrimp can only become better when wrapped with delicious bacon.
That’s why bacon-wrapped shrimp is a brilliant idea when it comes to clearing out your fridge.
You can even add a dip if you like or just pluck them right from your baking tray and into your mouth.
Ok, maybe don’t do that right out of the oven or you’ll burn your mouth but you can pop them onto your favorite serving dish and call the cavalry to come enjoy.
Since bacon is involved, they’ll most likely be hovering by the kitchen waiting for these bacon-wrapped shrimp to be ready.
10. Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp
Sweet and fragrant coconut adds a nice crunch to fried shrimp.
You can get this crispy texture from your oven too.
This is a smart idea for leftover fried shrimp.
Just coat it with the coconut mixture and bake.
Serving it with a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy will have everyone dipping and dunking until every last piece is gone.
Here are some other great ideas for coconut shrimp sides!
And since you’re baking it, it won’t be greasy, perfect for satisfying that need for crunchy shrimp.
11. Shrimp Fried Rice
Our star ingredient is perfect for making fried rice too.
Why wait 45+ minutes for that takeout to arrive?
You can make it even better in your own kitchen.
The secret to making the best shrimp fried rice is using leftover rice.
This is also one of the most satisfying gluten free shrimp recipes to make as well!
Add in your favorite veggies like peas and carrots with a little onions and a beaten egg.
And then, toss in your shrimp.
Finish with a little soy sauce to give it that golden brown color you know and love.
It will taste so good, everyone will be looking for where you stashed those takeout containers!
12. Shrimp Alfredo
Take a page from your favorite Italian spot and make shrimp alfredo.
All you need is fettucine, heavy cream, and fresh parmesan cheese.
Trust us, grating it yourself makes for the best flavors.
Cook up the pasta and then use that heavy cream and parmesan to make that cheesy sauce.
Toss it all together with your shrimp.
Don’t forget a little fresh parsley and use your pepper grinder to finish it off!
13. Vietnamese Shrimp Rolls
And finally, go for something exotic yet super-simple to use up your shrimp: Vietnamese shrimp rolls.
You’ll need those rice paper wraps to make them which you’ll be able to find in the international section at most supermarkets.
Wrap the leftover shrimp up with veggies and fresh herbs and serve it with a peanut dipping sauce.
These are so fresh and flavorful that you’ll want to make them again and again.
Lisa at Healthy Nibbles has a fantastic recipe for them plus a video to show you what to do!
Now, which of these recipes are you going to make tonight?
It’s a tough choice for sure, but whichever one you pick, it will be delicious!