Try our favorite Florida Keys pink shrimp recipes! Known for their naturally sweet flavor, tender meat, and bright pink color, wild-caught Key West pink shrimp are the ultimate clean, high-protein seafood choice.
Whether you want to sauté, grill, bake, or make a fresh cold shrimp salad, these recipes are quick, healthy, and ready in minutes.
Don't live in The Keys? No problem! While we love our local pinks, every single one of these recipes will turn out beautifully using whatever high-quality, wild-caught shrimp is available at your local seafood counter.
- Gluten-Free Coconut Fried Shrimp with Panko
- Shrimp and Scrambled Eggs
- Creamy Shrimp Chowder
- Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill
- Cajun Blackened Shrimp
- What To Serve with Boiled Shrimp
- High Protein Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Dinner Recipes
- Steamed Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
- Baked Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
- Pan Seared Shrimp
- Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe
How Many Shrimp Per Pound?
Depending where you purchase them, Key West Pinks run about 20 per pound at local markets.
Shrimp come in different sizes, labeled by the number of shrimp per pound.
- Colossal: under 12 per pound. They make great shrimp cocktails and look great on a seafood tower.
- Jumbo: 12-18 per pound are great for stuffed shrimp.
- Large: 18-20 per pound. Use for grilling, baking and searing, like our Cajun Blackened Shrimp recipe.
- Medium: 21-40 per pound. Use for Shrimp Salad and pan searing.
- Small: under per pound. Best for popcorn shrimp and shrimp dips.
Peel and Eat Key West Pink Shrimp
A classic way to serve Key West Pink Shrimp is as Peel 'n Eat Shrimp. This dish is available at many waterside restaurants in the Florida Keys including Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill in Key Largo, Conch Republic Seafood, and Alonzo's in Key West.
Top Tip for Cooking Boiled Shrimp
Avoid overcooking! Once the shrimp turn bright pink and feel firm to the touch, remove them from the pot immediately. Place them in a big bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their perfect texture.
Key West Pink Shrimp Salad
Creamy Florida Keys Pink Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish for a hot summer day. Made with crisp Key West Pink Shrimp and a creamy dressing, this salad is refreshing and delicious.
Instead of using just mayo and celery, this shrimp salad is seasoned with a little Old Bay seasoning. It makes a big difference in the taste.
Sautéed Shrimp with Coconut Aminos
Sautéed Shrimp with Coconut Aminos is a quick dish, made with Key West Pink shrimp cooked in savory sauce with a hint of sweetness. This easy recipe is perfect for a healthy meal that pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Top Tip for Sautéing Shrimp
Heat your pan until it's very hot before adding the shrimp. This will give you a good sear, giving the shrimp a perfect golden-brown crust without overcooking them.
Pink Shrimp Tacos with Pico de Gallo
One of the most popular shrimp recipes in The Keys is Shrimp Tacos. They're quick, easy, and full of flavor. Serve on warm tortillas with Homemade Pico de Gallo, avocado, and spicy mayo for an unforgettable meal.
Baked Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce
Baked Coconut Shrimp with Mango Dipping Sauce is a crispy coconut-crusted shrimp baked to perfection. Paired with a sweet mango dipping sauce, it's an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion.
Key West Pink Blackened Shrimp
Blackened Shrimp is made with shrimp coated in Cajun blackened seasoning, then seared in a hot pan. It is finished with a rich lemon butter sauce.
With large or jumbo shrimp, blackened spices, butter, and a hot skillet, this quick and recipe is ready in 15 minutes.
Florida Keys Pink Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp Cocktail is a refreshing appetizer, perfect for hot summer days as well as Christmas Dinner. Boiled with Old Bay and lemon, then served chilled with homemade cocktail sauce, it's perfect for any gathering with friends and family.
Why We Love Key West Pink Shrimp
Key West Pink Shrimp are one of the best shrimp you can buy. They are wild-caught in the waters off the Florida Keys and are known for their sweet flavor, firm bite, and beautiful pink color.
They taste cleaner and sweeter than many farm-raised shrimp, which makes them perfect for simple recipes. You don't need to do much to them. A hot skillet, a little butter or olive oil, garlic, lemon or lime, and a few minutes of cooking is all they need.
A Clean, Lean Protein
Shrimp is a great choice when you want a high-protein meal without a lot of calories. It cooks fast, tastes great, and works in everything from salads to tacos to rice bowls.
Shrimp is naturally:
High in protein: Great for quick lunches, dinners, and meal prep.
Low in calories: A good option when you want a lighter meal that still feels satisfying.
Rich in nutrients: Shrimp contains vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, and some omega-3 fatty acids.
Naturally sweet: The flavor pairs well with citrus, mango, avocado, fresh herbs, rice, vegetables, and spicy sauces.
Fast Weeknight Dinners
The best part about Key West Pink Shrimp is how quickly they cook. Most shrimp are done in just a few minutes, which makes them perfect for busy nights.
Toss them into a hot skillet, add them to tacos, serve them over coconut rice, or chill them for shrimp salad. They're easy, clean, and full of Florida Keys flavor.
