18 Amazing Thai Shrimp Dishes to Spice Up Your Kitchen
Thai shrimp recipes bring bold flavors and aromatic spices to your dinner table. These dishes combine fresh seafood with classic Thai ingredients like lemongrass, coconut milk, and chili peppers.
From quick stir-fries to creamy curries, these recipes offer something for every skill level and taste preference.
01. Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings
This version uses ground pork, minced shrimp, water chestnuts, and garlic wrapped in thin dumpling skins. The filling gets seasoned with white pepper and soy sauce.
Steam cooking keeps the dumplings tender while preserving all the savory flavors inside. Garlic oil drizzled on top adds extra richness.
Perfect for sharing as appetizers or light meals. These take about 30 minutes including prep time.
02. Grilled Shrimp with Peanut-Lime Dressing
Large shrimp get marinated in peanut oil with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and fresh cilantro. A touch of chile pepper adds gentle heat.
Quick grilling over high heat creates a nice char while keeping shrimp juicy. The tangy peanut butter vinaigrette brings everything together.
This method works great for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Total cooking time is under 15 minutes.
03. Classic Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup
This traditional soup uses fresh bird’s eye chilies and homemade shrimp stock for authentic flavor. Mushrooms and herbs complete the base.
Making extra stock ahead of time saves effort later. The stock can be frozen in portions for quick soup assembly.
Perfect for cold days when you want something warming and flavorful. Ready in 15 minutes with prepared stock.
04. Crispy Garlic White Pepper Shrimp
Whole unpeeled shrimp get coated in a sweet garlic and white pepper paste. Stir-frying creates a golden, crispy exterior.
Leaving shells on during cooking adds extra flavor and keeps the shrimp meat tender. The paste caramelizes beautifully in the hot oil.
This traditional method takes practice but delivers restaurant-quality results. Serve immediately while the coating stays crispy.
05. Fresh Basil Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
Rice paper wraps hold shrimp, pork, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and fresh Thai basil. Each roll gets assembled individually by hand.
The creamy hoisin-peanut dipping sauce combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Chopped roasted peanuts add nice texture contrast.
Great for gluten-free diets and light summer meals. Assembly takes time but the fresh flavors make it worthwhile.
06. Thai-Style Shrimp Noodle Dish
Rice noodles and shrimp get tossed with prepared Thai peanut sauce for quick assembly. This version works hot or cold.
Chilling overnight transforms this into a refreshing noodle salad. Green onions, peanuts, and sesame seeds add crunch and flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast. Takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
07. Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry
Fresh shrimp and snow peas get stir-fried quickly over high heat. The sauce combines lemon, fish sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper.
High heat cooking keeps vegetables crisp while the sauce caramelizes slightly. Bean sprouts add extra crunch and freshness.
This colorful dish works great for family dinners. Serve over rice for a complete meal in 25 minutes.
08. Easy Red Curry Soup
This version combines shrimp and chicken in a spicy red curry broth. Coconut milk creates richness while curry paste adds heat.
Adding tofu strips, rice noodles, or Thai basil leaves changes the flavor profile each time. The recipe adapts easily to personal preferences.
Great for experimenting with different ingredients and spice levels. Ready in under 30 minutes for healthy weeknight meals.
09. Authentic Coconut Shrimp Soup
Traditional ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves create authentic Thai flavors. Shiitake mushrooms add earthiness to the broth.
Fresh ginger works perfectly if galangal isn’t available locally. The hot and sour balance defines this classic soup style.
This method takes more time but delivers restaurant-quality results. Worth seeking out specialty ingredients for authentic taste.
10. Rich Coconut Shrimp Curry
Coconut milk creates a creamy base for shrimp, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Red curry paste and chile peppers provide heat.
Adding fresh sliced chiles along with red pepper flakes increases the spice level significantly. Thai basil leaves finish the dish beautifully.
Perfect for spice lovers who want something with serious heat. Adjust chile amounts based on your tolerance level.
11. Thai-Style Fried Noodles with Shrimp
Wide rice noodles get stir-fried with shrimp, garlic, bean sprouts, and scrambled eggs. Fish sauce, sugar, and ketchup season everything.
Dried shrimp, peanuts, and chili powder sprinkled on top add extra layers of flavor. High heat creates the perfect noodle texture.
This method works great as an alternative to fried rice. Takes about 20 minutes with all ingredients prepped.
12. Traditional Pad Thai with Shrimp
Flat rice noodles hold the sauce better than thin varieties in this classic dish. Shrimp and chicken provide protein variety.
The tamarind-based sauce creates the signature sweet-sour flavor profile. Fresh lime wedges brighten each bite when squeezed on top.
This version takes practice to perfect but delivers authentic results. Chopped peanuts and cilantro make essential garnishes.
13. Green Curry Shrimp
Homemade green curry paste made in a food processor creates deeper flavor than store-bought versions. Fresh herbs make all the difference.
This paste works beautifully with shrimp and soft vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Coconut milk balances the heat.
Making paste from scratch takes extra time but the flavor payoff is significant. Freeze extra paste for future meals.
14. Thai Banana Salsa with Large Shrimp
Sweet bananas, cucumbers, and chile peppers create an unusual but delicious salsa. Lime juice, ginger, and fish sauce add complexity.
Tiger prawns or jumbo shrimp work best for this appetizer-style dish. The sweet fruit balances the spicy and sour elements.
Perfect for entertaining when you want something unique and memorable. Great conversation starter for dinner parties.
15. Colorful Thai Noodle Salad
Rice noodles, shrimp, and mixed vegetables get tossed with a peanut butter and tahini dressing. Sweet chile sauce adds gentle heat.
Whole wheat noodles hold their shape well and add nutty flavor. Rice wine vinegar brightens the rich peanut dressing.
This version works great for meal prep and potluck gatherings. Keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.
16. Thai Seafood Curry with Clams
Fresh shrimp and clams cook together in red curry coconut broth. Lime juice and fish sauce add sourness while brown sugar balances.
Full-fat coconut milk creates the richest texture and best flavor. Thai basil leaves stirred in at the end add aromatic freshness.
This method works best with the freshest seafood available. Perfect for special occasions when you want something impressive.
17. Pineapple Shrimp Curry
Red curry paste and coconut milk create an easy base for this fruit-forward curry. Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness.
Mixed vegetables boost nutrition and add color variety. The sweet pineapple balances the spicy curry paste beautifully.
Great for getting extra vegetables into your diet. Serve over rice with fresh cilantro or Thai basil on top.
18. Thai Shrimp and Chicken Salad
Fresh grapefruit segments pair surprisingly well with cooked shrimp and chicken. Shredded coconut adds tropical sweetness and texture.
The dressing combines lime juice, garlic, and fish sauce for authentic Thai flavors. Iceberg lettuce provides a crisp base.
This impressive salad works great for lunch or light dinner. The fruit and seafood combination feels refreshing and unique.
Final Thoughts
These Thai shrimp recipes offer incredible variety from quick weeknight meals to impressive dinner party dishes. Each brings authentic flavors and aromatic spices to your kitchen.
Start with simpler stir-fries and soups, then work up to making your own curry pastes and complex flavor combinations.