There are many types of shrimp available but not all are quite the same. Find out what shrimp—or prawns—are right for your recipes.
Are You Choosing the Right Type of Shrimp for Your Recipes?
Updated on Nov. 30, 2023
America loves its shrimp—just look at this wide variety of shrimp recipes! And according to an in-depth investigation into America’s love of this sweet yet savory crustacean by Consumer Reports, Americans eat, on average, almost four pounds of shrimp per year. With many shellfish to sample, shopping for shrimp can be confusing. That’s why we put together this handy guide for all the types of shrimp you might buy.
Editor’s Tip: You can buy deveined shrimp or learn how to clean shrimp at home.
Farmed vs. Wild
Before we differentiate tiger prawns from rock shrimp, let’s get into the basics of how shrimp comes to your supermarket. Shrimp is either farmed or caught out in the wild. According to Consumer Reports’ investigation, it’s best to shop for sustainably farmed or responsibly caught shrimp. This ensures that your shrimp makes its way to your table in an eco-friendly way. In general, follow these two guidelines:
- For wild shrimp, look for certification from the Marine Stewardship Council or shrimp listed as “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” on seafoodwatch.org.
- For farmed shrimp, look for certification from Naturland, Aquaculture Stewardship Council or Whole Foods Responsibly Farmed.
Shrimp vs. Prawns
Let’s talk about the difference between shrimp and prawns. Some folks think that shrimps are just, well, shrimpier prawns, but that’s not the case. On the surface, shrimp look different—they have that trademark bend or curl to their body while prawns do not. They also have some other distinct biological differences (the types of gills and claws), but we won’t bore you with that.
What’s important to know is that these two can be used interchangeably, so if your local grocer is out of rock shrimp but you see tiger prawns are on sale, it’s an OK substitution.
Types of Shrimp
Rock Shrimp
Rock shrimp get their name from their rock-hard shells, and are usually sold cleaned and de-shelled since the process is pretty challenging. Flavor-wise, rock shrimp taste very similar to lobster—they even have a lobster-like texture. So this is a great substitute if you’re looking for the flavor of lobster with the ease of preparation of shrimp. Looking for recipes? Learn how to make shrimp ceviche.
White Shrimp
The term “white shrimp” covers many different species of shrimp, all of which are translucent blueish-greenish when raw but pink when cooked, and all of which tend to be sweet, tender and easy-to-peel. These shrimp are tender with a sweet flavor. Most of the time, generic white shrimp is actually Pacific white shrimp or whiteleg shrimp for those of you that want to know exactly what species you’re cooking.
Learn how to grill shrimp in no time!
Pink Shrimp
Pink Shrimp, like white shrimp, is a blanket term used for several species of shrimp that are generally pink when raw, though the hues can range from almost white to almost gray. Most are small in size and are sometimes designated as “salad shrimp” (because they go well in shrimp salad). Overall, these shrimp are mild and sweet.
FYI, this is how to clean and devein shrimp the right way.
Spot Prawns
This one is a bit of a paradox. First of all, biologically speaking, spot prawns are shrimp. Second, these shrimps are jumbo, growing up to 12 inches in length. Aside from their size, you can tell a spot prawn by its spikes and by the fact that it’s easy to tear them in half while peeling them. Spot prawns tend be wild-caught off the coasts of Alaska, California, Washington and British Columbia, and fetch a heftier price than most other shrimp (and prawns).
Tiger Prawns
You can tell tiger prawns (or tiger shrimp) by the telltale striping on the body. These prawns are mostly found in Asia but there are some non-native populations off the East Coast as well. Like spot prawns, tiger prawns can grow enormous in size (up to 12 inches long). Whether farmed or fresh, they have a strong shrimp flavor.
Brown Shrimp
Brown shrimp have reddish-brown shells with dark green and red tail-fan appendages. Along with white shrimp, they are the most commonly sold American wild-caught shrimp and come primarily from the Gulf of Mexico. They may also be referred to as “summer,” “redtail” or “golden” shrimp. These shrimp tend to have a firm texture and a mild, mineral-like taste.
Need more shrimp in your life? Here's what to make next!
Seasoned with store-bought hot sauce and a melange of green peppers, parsley and pimientos, the zippy, spicy tomato sauce sets this shrimp recipe apart from the pack. As a bonus, it's healthy, low in fat and full of fresh flavors. Serve with hot rice.
Editor's Tip: You can buy deveined shrimp or learn how to clean shrimp at home.
Buttery Grilled ShrimpThese buttery grilled shrimp are so good you'll want to eat them all summer long! Learn how to grill shrimp as an easy appetizer or topping for salads, grain bowls and more.
A simple seasoned butter delivers an outsized flavor blast in this speedy grilled shrimp recipe. On the off chance that you have leftovers, pop them in the fridge and add to salads for an easy, delicious protein.
Shrimp Tempura RollsMake your favorite sushi at home with this shrimp tempura roll recipe. From how to make sticky sushi rice to wrapping all the ingredients in a tightly packed nori sheet, this technique will get you those perfect sushi pieces in no time. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These shrimp tempura rolls are made with cucumber and avocado, so each piece of maki is both crisp and creamy.
Shrimp ToastI grew up eating shrimp toast as an appetizer at Chinese restaurants with my family. We’d dip the toast—triangles of bread coated in a sesame-seed-cloaked layer of shrimp and fried to golden perfection—in sweet plum sauce as we waited for plates of moo shoo pork, sesame chicken and fried rice. —Patricia Kaowthumrong, Westminster, Colorado
This Chinese shrimp toast is accented with garlic, cilantro and ginger. It's often served as an appetizer.
Shrimp Lo MeinMy family always has shrimp around because it's high in protein, so we often return to this Shrimp Lo Mein recipe for a weeknight meal. It's super easy and takes less than 30 minutes, thanks to a simple hack using pre-packaged slaw mix. You can use any combination of vegetables like snow peas, thinly sliced Napa cabbage or even small broccoli florets. —Jeannie Chen, Brooklyn, New York
Thanks to shortcuts like quick-cooking shrimp and a bag of vegetable slaw, this shrimp lo mein recipe is faster than takeout.
Shrimp ShumaiThis staple dim sum dumpling is easy to make from scratch. Each shrimp shumai bursts with fresh garlic and ginger, and is complemented by a salty, umami-rich dipping sauce.
This staple dim sum dumpling is easy to make from scratch. Each shrimp shumai bursts with fresh garlic and ginger.
Frozen ShrimpTake an ordinary bag of frozen shrimp and turn it into a savory, well-seasoned seafood dish with just a few ingredients. The broiling method makes the process quick and convenient while deepening the flavors and keeping all the shrimp's juiciness. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Did you know you can cook shrimp straight from the freezer? You just need a seafood seasoning blend with salt, garlic powder, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, celery salt and crushed red pepper flakes.
Shrimp Lettuce WrapsTender shrimp meets crisp Bibb lettuce for this light and tasteful lettuce wrap. Shrimp, carrots and cucumbers are layered on a leaf of lettuce and then topped with a flavorful sauce made of peanut butter, soy sauce and brown sugar. It's a simple and easy lunch you have to try! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
These saucy shrimp lettuce wraps are the perfect bites for when you need something light and refreshing. Not to mention, they're a tasty way to get your veggie servings in!
Shrimp SaganakiMediterranean flavors shine through in this meal! Shrimp, olives, tomatoes, honey, shallots and wine create a depth of flavor topped with feta cheese's creaminess. Pair it with sliced, toasted bread for the perfect bite. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Shrimp saganaki is a Greek dish that combines plump, pillowy shrimp with savory tomato sauce and feta cheese. Serve it with crusty bread to sop up all the flavorful sauce.
Moo Shu ShrimpWhen I was a kid, my family owned a Chinese takeout restaurant in Phoenix. This moo shu shrimp was my favorite dish on our menu. —Michelle Yang, Detroit, Michigan
Moo shu shrimp is comprised of a filling—made with seasoned, stir-fried shrimp, eggs and vegetables—that is wrapped in a thin flour pancake and served with sweet-and-salty hoisin sauce.
Shrimp OreganataThis Italian-style dish will give you that restaurant environment for those nights when you want something a little fancy. Shrimp is flavored with a light sauce made of garlic, lemon, oregano and white wine and then covered in a crust of panko bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Delicious on its own, this would also pair well with steak for a fun surf and turf edition. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A traditional Italian dish that’s perfect when served with pasta, rustic shrimp oreganata is as welcome on any given weeknight as it is during a lavish holiday meal. The name comes from one of its defining ingredients, oregano.
Shrimp LouieTransform a typical salad into a hearty, fueling lunch. Romaine lettuce, avocados, tomato, eggs and shrimp come together to create a plate full of well-balanced flavors. Topped with a dressing made with your favorite condiments, it's a lunch you'll want to come back to again and again. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Loaded with seafood, eggs and fresh veggies, and drizzled in tangy creamy dressing, shrimp Louie is a retro salad that deserves another turn in the spotlight.
Shrimp Mei FunUmami flavors burst in this Chinese dish with savory noodles and vegetables covered in soy sauce that then gets complimented by tender, fresh and subtly sweet shrimp. The thin rice noodles provide a light base, making them versatile and valuable leftovers for many dishes! —Shannon Daniels, Ann Arbor, Michigan
This classic shrimp mei fun recipe tosses seared shrimp with rice vermicelli, tender vegetables and mushrooms. It's best made in a well-seasoned carbon steel wok, so the ingredients don’t stick to the pan.
Honey Garlic ShrimpChange up your weeknight dinner routine with sweet-and-savory honey garlic shrimp. This saucy dish pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or noodles.
Shrimp swimming in a sweet-and-savory sauce? Yes, please! Serve the shrimp over rice or with a piece of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce.
Shrimp Boil RecipeOur Old Bay shrimp boil recipe is the easiest way to feed a crowd while only dirtying a single pot! The all-in-one meal includes tender potatoes, sweet corn, smoked sausage and juicy shrimp.
Shrimp, sausage and corn combine to create a stunning one-pot meal. Old Bay seasoning really takes the flavors to the next level.
Shrimp Cakes with Spicy Aioli SauceI made these for our staff Christmas party last year; they were such a hit that I was flooded with requests for the recipe the next day. Throughout the year, whenever I needed favors done at school, people gladly helped as long as I promised to bring them shrimp cakes! This year's Christmas party is coming up, and I'm already being asked if I am bringing the shrimp cakes—I guess I am! —Linda Zilar, Kennewick, Washington
Looking for a crowd-pleasing shrimp recipe, even for those who don't love shrimp? Make these breaded, lightly pan-fried cakes. The recipe includes a jazzed-up mayonnaise dip, but to make it a kid-friendly meal, you can use plain ketchup.
Fresh Shrimp and Avocado NachosI'm a fan of shrimp, and my family loves nachos. When I combined those favorites and added fresh avocado, the result was a cool yet satisfying snack. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
This delicious, hearty nacho platter is a perfect potluck appetizer. Transform it into a healthy-ish dinner by swapping the chips for a mix of crisp greens, like romaine and shredded cabbage.
Popcorn ShrimpCrispy popcorn shrimp make a perfect snack or appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and eat them with your fingers, or pile them on top of pasta and enjoy them for dinner.
Crispy popcorn shrimp make a perfect snack or appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and eat them with your fingers, or pile them on top of pasta and enjoy them for dinner.
Foil-Packet Shrimp and Sausage JambalayaThis hearty, satisfying dinner has all the flavors of an authentic jambalaya with little effort. The foil packets can be prepared a day ahead and cooked right before serving. These are also good on the grill! —Allison Stroud, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Love the spicy, smoky flavors of jambalaya but not the hours of cooking time it requires? Try this simple shrimp recipe, which packs all the classic flavors into easy baked foil packets. At dinner time, everyone gets to unwrap their own meal—yum!
Pesto Shrimp PastaGarden-fresh basil and plump shrimp combine for a shrimp pesto pasta bursting with alfresco vibes.
Sauteed asparagus and herby pesto give this tasty pasta dinner a fresh, light finish that's perfect for spring. While the recipe calls for making a simple homemade pesto sauce, you can also use store-bought for a quick weeknight dinner. Just add a squeeze of fresh lemon to each bowl before serving.
Bang Bang Shrimp Cake SlidersMy family loves these shrimp sliders. The bang bang slaw dressing and shrimp cake patties can be made ahead. When ready to serve, toss the cabbage slaw and sear the shrimp cakes, then assemble and enjoy. —Kim Banick, Salem Oregon
Perfect for a party or a festive family dinner, these crispy, spicy shrimp sliders are delicious. Both the homemade Sriracha-spiced slaw and the shrimp cakes can be prepared ahead of time. When it's time to serve, just sear the cakes and dress the buns.
Learn how to make Bang Bang Shrimp just like Bonefish Grill.
Orzo Shrimp StewMy husband and I really enjoy seafood, so I don’t skimp on shrimp in this mildly seasoned stew. We also adore the broccoli, tomatoes and pasta. —Lisa Stinger, Hamilton, New Jersey
Never tried orzo? Technically a small pasta, it's versatile enough to pass as a grain too. Like many of our favorite orzo recipes, this one shows off all the flavor of the added ingredients: broccoli, tomatoes and, of course, shrimp!
Cajun ShrimpSpice up your weeknight meals with our quick and easy Cajun shrimp recipe.
This quick skillet dinner puts dinner on the table in well under 30 minutes. The simple spice mix is easy to customize to your family's tolerance for spice.
Curry Shrimp LinguineCurry, cilantro and coconut milk make this dish an exciting change of pace. It's also good with Thai rice noodles or spaghetti. —Jana Rippee, Casa Grande, Arizona
Mild-flavored shrimp tastes great with flavors from around the world. This curry, made creamy with the addition of coconut milk, is an easy twist on the usual shrimp pasta dinner. Serve with linguine noodles, Thai noodles or rice.
Meaty Slow-Cooked JambalayaThis recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Smith, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Long-simmering, labor-intensive jambalaya is easy to make in the slow cooker! This rich, flavorful Cajun stew makes a hearty meal on a cold night. Serve with rice, cornbread, corn on the cob or sauteed greens.
Southern Shrimp and GritsShrimp and grits is the kind of down-home comfort food that tastes great any time.
As delicious for brunch as for breakfast-for-dinner, this yummy shrimp recipe is packed with classic Southern flavors. Cheesy, savory grits make a comforting base for Cajun-spiced, bacon-dotted shrimp.
Shrimp ‘n’ Noodle BowlsShrimp noodle bowls are perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss pasta with juicy shrimp, coleslaw mix, green onion, cilantro and store-bought sesame ginger salad dressing.
A trick to getting dinner on the table fast? Using store-bought ingredients to fill out a homemade dinner. Bottled salad dressing and bagged slaw mix make this tasty shrimp dish come together in minutes. You can serve these bowls hot or chilled.
Lemon Shrimp with Parmesan RiceI grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, where rice, garlic and seafood are staples of Gulf Coast cuisine. This easy shrimp and rice dish is a longtime family favorite that's ready in minutes. —Amie Overby, Reno, Nevada
This shrimp supper is classic for a reason: it's just really, really good. The fresh, slightly sweet flavor of shrimp is nicely seasoned with lemon and garlic, with the piping hot Parmesan rice adding a savory note. As a bonus, it's a completely gluten-free dinner.
Angel Hair Shrimp BakeThis angel hair pasta and shrimp bake is a rich casserole made by layering thin noodles and juicy shrimp with three types of cheese, zippy salsa and a creamy sauce.
This shrimp dinner is fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. A scattering of fresh herbs brightens the shrimp, asparagus and mushroom mixture.
Asparagus ‘n’ Shrimp with Angel HairShrimp and asparagus pasta sounds fancy and tastes incredible—but even home cooks who shy away from seafood can easily master it.
This creamy shrimp casserole will win ooh's of admiration, whether you serve it at a dinner party or for Sunday dinner. Made with three kinds of cheese, the recipe is comforting but doesn't taste heavy thanks to a dose of salsa, tangy yogurt and fresh herbs. It's one of our favorite 13x9 recipes.
Garden-Fresh Seafood CocktailFor something cool on a hot day, we mix shrimp and crabmeat with crunchy veggies straight from the garden. Look for adobo seasoning in your grocery’s international section. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
What's more refreshing than shrimp cocktail? This twist on the classic recipe calls for fresh vegetables as well as a spiced dressing made with lime juice and adobo seasoning.
Shrimp & Nectarine SaladFor a cool salad on a hot summer day, I combine shrimp, corn, tomatoes and nectarines with a drizzle of tarragon dressing. We love it chilled, but it's delectable served right away, too. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Like grilled chicken or salmon, shrimp is a welcome addition to many salads, turning them into a complete meal. Here, sweet-tart nectarines balance tomatoes, corn and fresh greens.
Feta Shrimp TacosA unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
Put a southwestern spin on shrimp with these tasty tacos. A homemade slaw, made tangy with Miracle Whip and vinegar, adds fresh zip to the savory tacos.
Cilantro Lime ShrimpGrilled shrimp lime cilantro skewers are beginner-friendly and bursting with the fresh, zippy flavors of cilantro, jalapeno and citrus.
Sometimes, you just want a simple shrimp recipe that shows off the rich, sweet flavor. These skewered shrimp cook up in minutes on the grill, and they make for a tasty appetizer or main dish alongside plenty of grilled sides.
Shrimp MontereyFor a special occasion or when company's coming, this delicious seafood dish makes a lasting impression. You'll be surprised at how fast you can prepare it. A mild, fresh-tasting sauce and the Monterey Jack cheese nicely complement the shrimp, I serve it over pasta or rice. —Jane Birch
Edison, New Jersey
This shrimp recipe is special enough for company, but it's surprisingly easy to make. A simple skillet of buttery, garlicky shrimp gets a zesty twist with the addition of Monterey Jack cheese. Serve over pasta, rice or zucchini noodles.
Shrimp ChowderMove over, clam chowder! This shrimp chowder recipe is family-approved and ready to hit the table.
Rich, creamy and cheesy shrimp chowder is the perfect meal on any chilly, rainy day. This top-rated slow cooker recipe only takes about four hours to cook, so start in the afternoon to have it on the table by dinner. You will need to add a few ingredients to the pot as it cooks, so make it on a day that you're staying home.
Shrimp Fried RiceThis delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
There's lots to love about stir-fry. It's a quick one-pan meal, and you can toss in just about any veggie you've got in the fridge or freezer. Fussy eaters tend to enjoy it. And it's much cheaper than take-out. This shrimp fried rice is a perfect (and top-rated) example.
Lemon & Dill Shrimp SandwichesA hollowed-out bun lets you get more juicy shrimp and creamy dressing in each bite of this shrimp sandwich. The crustier the bread, the better!
These light, lemony sandwiches prove that simple pleasures are often the best. If you have leftover shrimp in the fridge, go ahead and use it in this recipe, reheating briefly in a pan or simply serving cold.
Shrimp GazpachoHere’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Gazpacho, a chilled tomato soup, is the perfect summer meal. This recipe elevates the simple soup with the addition of shrimp, avocado and a dash of lime. Next, try these easy shrimp recipes tonight.
Shrimp TartletsMini tart shells filled with a cream cheese mixture, topped with seafood sauce and shrimp make for a picture-perfect, tasty appetizer. You could also serve several as a fast, light meal. —Gina Hutchison, Smithville, Missouri
These tiny tartlets look as if they've taken all day to put together, but they're simple to assemble using store-bought mini phyllo tart shells, bottled cocktail sauce and cream cheese. While they're a natural choice for a fancy party appetizer, they're also a delicious dinner with a fresh salad and crusty bread.
Seafood CioppinoIs cioppino a soup or a stew? It doesn't matter! This cioppino recipe teems with fish and shellfish swimming in an aromatic tomato broth that calls out for a hunky of crusty bread.
If slow-cooker soup sounds like it would be muddy and bland, you need new slow-cooker soup recipes! This seafood-packed soup is full of flavor, and it tastes (and looks) good enough for a special occasion.
Shrimp Po’BoyPhilly's got cheesesteaks and Chicago's got Italian beef, but Louisiana has po'boys. These hefty sandwiches are loaded with light, crispy fried shrimp and dressed with tangy remoulade sauce.
If you're not close to New Orleans, then it's worth learning how to make a shrimp po' boy at home. It's a bit messy, but so worth it.
Honey Walnut ShrimpEach bite of honey walnut shrimp is sweet, savory, crispy and creamy. It's a Chinese banquet dish that's simple enough for weeknights. Make it a full meal with broccoli and rice.
This sweet and savory dinner is a welcome change from the usual Asian-American takeout options. Keep it a low-carb dinner or serve it over rice if you want something more filling.
Shrimp Chow MeinYou don't have to order takeout to enjoy sweet-and-savory shrimp chow mein. This American Chinese restaurant staple is easy enough to stir-fry at home.
You can be eating shrimp chow mein in under an hour. That's quicker than deciding what to order and waiting for delivery.
Easy Shrimp RamenYou probably already have many ingredients for this easy shrimp ramen in your pantry. This 30-minute garlic and ginger dish makes for a great weeknight dinner. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ramen can be so much more than just a cup of noodles. Shrimp, mushrooms and fresh ginger kick it up a notch.
