37 Shrimp Appetizer Ideas For Your Next Party

If you are looking for some uniquely delicious shrimp appetizers, here is a lengthy list of shrimp ideas you'll want to make for your next party or gathering! From shrimp cocktail to fried shrimp, all of these appetizers are meant to be eaten with your fingers making them ideal hors d'oeuvres.

What Sizes Do Shrimp Come In?

Shrimp comes in many sizes that can be a bit difficult to understand if you're not familiar with them.

🍤 Colossal shrimp which comes 8-10 shrimp in a bag.

🍤 Jumbo shrimp which comes in 10-12 in a bag.

🍤 Large shrimp which come 16-20 in a bag.

🍤 Medium shrimp which come 21-25 in a bag

🍤Small shrimp which come 26-30 in a bag.

How do you serve COLD shrimp at a party?

The best way to serve shrimp at a party is:

Over ice on a tray or in a bowl
Directly over ice
Use a chafing dish and add ice water underneath

The Best Shrimp Appetizers

Crispy fried butterfly shrimp on table with sauces.

1. Panko Fried Butterfly Shrimp (w/ 2 Sauces)

I LOVE fried shrimp. This recipe is as simple as it gets! Breaded in a panko exterior and deep fried to perfection, they are best served with a dipping sauce like the two here.

Dynamite shrimp in a white bowl on a table with chopsticks.

2. Crispy Dynamite Shrimp

These dynamite shrimp are like the kind you get at your favorite Japanese restaurant! Crispy, spicy, sweet, delicious! Serve with toothpick skewers or chopsticks for a fun appetizer!

Shrimp saganaki appetizer in cast iron dish.

3. Shrimp Saganaki

This saganaki recipe is made with shrimp and is a traditional Greek meze recipe! It's made with succulent shrimp, feta cheese and sweet marinara sauce. Add some ouzo and the party is set!

4. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Bacon wrapped shrimp are one of the tastiest appetizers to serve guests. You will not regret making this I promise you. The sauce is so delicious too!

5. Bang Bang Shrimp

This is one of the best shrimp appetizers on my blog. It's crunchy, sweet, spicy and savory. It is always a hit at get-togethers and something people rave over! I promise this one will be a hit for you too.

Coconut shrimp being dipped into a sauce.

6. Coconut Shrimp Sauces

Purchase some store-bought breaded shrimp and spend time on the shrimp sauces instead! These 3 sauces are so delicious and perfect for dipping into.

7. Sushi Donuts

These crispy rice sushi donuts are one of my favorite types of appetizers in the warmer months. The shrimp is sweet and tender and the sauce is spicy and creamy. It's such a fun appetizer guests will love!

Garlic cocktail shrimp in a bowl with cocktail sauce.

8. Roasted Shrimp Cocktail

This shrimp cocktail is an elevated version of that bland store-bought shrimp cocktail tray served in the plastic ring. This can be ready in under 30 minutes and will have your guests licking their fingers!

Fried shrimp dipped in a bowl of cocktail sauce.

9. Keto Fried Shrimp

Looking for a low-carb appetizer for your next party. These Keto Fried Shrimp are crispy and delicious and will be sure to please your guests who are looking for healthy options.

10. Stuffed Shrimp

These Stuffed Shrimp are stuffed with a delicious crawfish stuffing and will be an elegant appetizer for any occasion.

11. Easy And Delicious Shrimp Puff Pastry

This shrimp appetizer is so cute. With its buttery shrimp filling and homemade pastry shell, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to make. It would make the perfect appetizer for an extra special occasion like a ladies luncheon or an afternoon tea.

12. Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls (Goi Cuon)

Serve these authentic Vietnamese Spring Rolls as a light and fresh appetizer option. Try one of the sauce options to bring them to the next level.

13. Easy Baked Shrimp Toast

This crunchy bread is baked in the oven and then topped with a rich and creamy shrimp filling making it the perfect appetizer bite for your next party.

Shrimp cakes on a white tray with garnish.

14. Keto Thai Shrimp Cakes

These shrimp cakes are loaded with asian inspired flavors. They have a delightful crunch that all your party guests will love and especially your guests who are eating a low carb diet.

Crostini with avocado cream and a single cooked shrimp on top.

15. Garlic Shrimp Crostini with Avocado

This appetizer has a cool and creamy avocado cream on a crunchy baguette with a garlic flavored shrimp on top. The perfect appetizer to eat with your fingers while milling around visiting during a gathering.

A pile of shrimp rangoons on a white plate with a green onion garnish next to a bowl of sauce.

16. Shrimp Rangoon

The best shrimp appetizers are crunchy and served with a sauce. This one checks both of those boxes. Add some chopsticks and you've got yourself a fun appetizer guests will love.

Red and yellow mini peppers filled with shrimp rangoon filling laying on a white plate.

17. Shrimp Rangoon Mini Bell Peppers

These mini peppers filled with a creamy, succulent shrimp rangoon filling are the perfect way to add vegetables to your appetizer buffet.

Deviled eggs with shrimp on top with spices sprinkled over them on a white tray.

18. Shrimp Cocktail Deviled Eggs

Deviled Eggs are the perfect bite sized party food and when you add cocktail sauce to the mix and top the egg with a cooked shrimp, you have an over the top decadent appetizer.

Cooked skewers of pineapple, chicken and onion on wooden cutting board with a garnish of lime slices.

19. Chili Lime Shrimp Skewers

These skewers are sweet and spicy and grilled to perfection. I love the combination of sweet pineapple and shrimp. You could make these skewers ahead of time and grill them up in minutes to serve hot to your guests.

Cooked skewers of tequila jalapeno on a white plate next to a small white bowl with a white dip garnished with lime jalapeno slices.

20. Tequila Jalapeno Shrimp

These shrimp skewers are spicy with the delightful flavor of citrus and tequila. Make them ahead of time and let them marinate until party time and then grill them up in about 6 minutes. Serve them with a cool and creamy yogurt dip to tame the spice.

21. Shrimp & Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Artichokes have a sweet and nutty taste and they pair perfectly with shrimp to make a hearty and satisfying stuffing for these elegant appetizers.

Pile of Korean BBQ shrimp on white plate with green leafy garnish.

21. Korean BBQ Shrimp

These shrimp have a unique Asian twist with a sweet, salty and spicy flavor. They are a breeze to whip up and put on the grill for your guests.

A white plate of crackers with guacamole, a cooked shrimp and pineapple preserves layered on top.

22. Garlic Sriracha Shrimp Topped Crackers

These appetizers are an amazing bite. The shrimp is succulent with a creamy layer of guacamole, a salty cracker and a dollop of sweet pineapple preserves on top.

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Black bowl with shrimp dip on wood slice with slices of bread next to it.

23. Cheesy Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip

This dip is warm and decadent full of shrimp and cheesy goodness. Perfect as a spread for crispy bread slices.

Shrimp cakes on a round white plate with a bowl of dip next to them.

24. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Cakes

Shrimp Cakes are the perfect finger good appetizer. They are full of fresh lemon and garlic. They'll bring a flavor punch to any appetizer buffet.

Crackers with avocado cream, shrimp, and black sesame seeds sitting on a black cutting board.

25. Spicy Shrimp And Smashed Avocado Bites

These little shrimp appetizers are so easy and delicious that your guests will gobble them up so you better make a lot!

A spring roll cut in half sitting on the edge of a white bowl filled with dipping sauce.

26. Fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls

These are a delicious and refreshing appetizer. Delicate rice wrappers filled with cooked shrimp and thinly sliced vegetables.

A lettuce wrap filled with shrimp avocado and cilantro.

27. Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

The addition of cilantro, lime and garlic to these shrimp lettuce wraps combined with the cool, creamy guacamole is a wonderful zing of flavor.

Cucumber, bacon, guacamole, and shrimp layered with a toothpick through them on a white platter.

28. Keto Shrimp Guacamole And Bacon Appetizers

Another appetizer your low carb friends will devour. It is rich and flavorful. These are the perfect bite for a game day appetizer buffet.

29. Tijuana Shrimp Dip Nachos

Every sports gathering needs nachos and these are spicy and cheesy with all the flavors of Tijuana Shrimp Dip. Your guests will enjoy these as an appetizer or a meal. No utensils necessary.

Shrimp pico de gallo in a square white bowl.

30. Shrimp Pico De Gallo

Adding shrimp to your pico de gallo brings it to the next level. Serve with tortilla chips for your guests to scoop up all the zesty goodness.

Bacon wrapped shrimp on top of avocado toast garnished with lemon and celery on a blue rimmed bowl.

31. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Tapas

Tapas is a fancy word for appetizer. This appetizer is avocado toast with a bacon wrapped shrimp on top of it and your guests will think they are at a fancy party when you serve this.

Picture of a shrimp appetizers with pomegranate seeds on top and a white drizzle.

32. Mini Shrimp Tostadas With Chipotle Sour Cream

This shrimp appetizer is one of my favorite to serve with a pitcher or margaritas! It's the perfect bite of succulent shrimp, creamy guacamole and sour cream all over a crispy tostada shell! It would be perfect to serve at a Mexican fiesta or for Cindo De Mayo events!

Cheese ball rolled in nuts and green garnish with pomegranate seeds on top and crackers layered around it and a pear.

33. Shrimp Cheese Ball Recipe

You can prepare this cheese ball ahead. Set it out at party time with crackers and a vegetable crudite. This appetizer is sure to impress your guests at any occasion.

Wonton cups filled with guacamole and pickled cabbage and topped with a cooked shrimp

34. Shrimp Taco Wonton Cups

With creamy avocado, pickled cabbage and crispy wonton cups, these shrimp appetizers are a beautiful, tantalizing bite. The best part is they come together in about 20 minutes.

A row of cubes of butternut squash with shrimp skewered through them on a rectangle white plate.

35. Garlic Shrimp And Butternut Party Bites

This shrimp appetizer will make a statement at any occasion. Butternut squash with a crispy edge and a seasoned shrimp skewered to the top with a fresh herb garnish. Beautiful and delicious.

4 spring rolls on a wrapper with a clear bowl of peanut dipping sauce and a lime wedge garnish.

36. Shrimp Quinoa Vegetable Spring Rolls

These pretty spring rolls are made all the more healthy with the addition of quinoa. Dip them in a yummy peanut sauce for a refreshing bite.

Crackers with hummus, shrimp and mango on a wood background.

37. Mango And Grilled Shrimp Appetizers

Who doesn't love the flavor of mango and shrimp together? This appetizer looks like fine cuisine and is a tasty bite. Make it for your next gathering.

38. Quick Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a delicious appetizer to serve guests this summertime! Made with a few simple bright ingredients, youe guests will LOVE this one.

Aleka's Shrimp Appetizer Tips

🍤 Purchase frozen shrimp that is clean and/peeled to make things quicker.

🍤 Consider keeping the tail on for a fancier presentation and handle for guests to hold.

🍤 Don't use breadcrumbs to give guests a GF option!

🍤 U10 shrimp are the biggest shrimp so look out for them!

Shrimp make the perfect finger food to serve at any gathering. They are also easy to cook and are super versatile. They taste delicious by themselves, cocktail style, raw or fried so the possibilities are endless!

With that said, there are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to preparing shrimp.

Don't overcook them! They are ready when they turn bright pink. (This takes a few minutes.)
Leave the tails on the shrimp for a fancier presentation.
You can purchase shrimp deveined to save you time in the kitchen.
If shrimp smell like ammonia, they are most likely old. Toss them!
After rinsing them, make sure to dry off your shrimp well with a paper towel.
Butterfly your shrimp before cooking to make them look larger.
Purchase frozen shrimp if you are not planning on cooking fresh shrimp right away.

I hope you were able to find some delicious shrimp appetizers to make for friends and family! Make sure to check out my other party recipes below!