There are several types of shrimp appetizers, with shrimp cocktail and breaded shrimp being the most popular. Also popular are creamy dips served with crackers and delicate spring rolls. Shrimp appetizers such as grilled shrimp and sushi rolls are also popular choices.
In many countries, shrimp cocktail is one of the most popular appetizers. With the tail still attached, the shellfish is cooked, chilled, and served. In most cases, it is only seasoned with a smidgeon of lemon juice. Cocktail sauce, a tomato and horseradish-based sauce, is the most common dipping sauce for this shrimp appetizer; however, any number of sauces can be used, or the shrimp can be eaten plain.
Shrimp that has been breaded is also popular. Popcorn shrimp are very small shrimp that are breaded and fried or baked in large batches after being breaded and served warm or at room temperature. Larger shrimp are usually deveined and shelled, leaving only the tail, before being dipped in batter and deep-fried. Before frying, jumbo shrimp or tiger shrimp are frequently butterflied, making for a delicious and visually appealing shrimp appetizer. Tartar sauce, a mixture of mayonnaise, capers, relish, and lemon juice, is usually served with all of these. Sauces made with creamed tomatoes and hot peppers, as well as ginger and cilantro, are popular.
For a dip, combine cooked, chopped shrimp with a variety of ingredients; this can be served hot or cold. The most common ingredients in this shrimp appetizer are mayonnaise, dressing, sour cream, or cream cheese, or a combination of these. Additional flavor can be added with spices, herbs, pickled vegetables, or fresh vegetables. Cheese is frequently melted into these dips when served hot. They’re usually served with crackers, good bread, or thick-cut chips.
Spring rolls make a tasty shrimp appetizer in the Asian style. Cooked shrimp is mixed with fresh vegetables and spices before being rolled into a rice flour wrapper. The shrimp can be served raw or fried for a crunchy, warm dish. Spring rolls are usually served with dipping sauces made of strong garlic and ginger that can be sweet or spicy.
Grilled medium-sized shrimp is a popular dish at barbecues. These appetizers require very little preparation time and cook in two to three minutes. The shrimp can be grilled plain or marinated for 10 to 20 minutes before cooking; any longer will cause the shrimp to pickle. Sushi is also popular, consisting of cooked butterflied shrimp on a mound of sticky white rice secured with a strip of seaweed and served with wasabi, pickled ginger, and soy sauce. The shrimp can also be chopped up and rolled into a California-style sushi roll; in Japan and high-end sushi restaurants, jumbo shrimp are frequently served raw as a shrimp appetizer.