Key West Pink Shrimp Recipes
Give our Florida Keys Pink Shrimp recipes a try! Known for their sweet, tender meat and vibrant pink color, pink shrimp can be cooked so many different ways! Whether you sauté, grill, fry, or bake them, they always turn out delicious.
Shrimp are quick to cook, ready in just a few minutes, making them perfect for easy weeknight meals that everyone will love.
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.
Grilled Shrimp Recipes
Visit our collection of Grilled Shrimp Recipes for inspiration for your next shrimp dinner. From lemon garlic skewers to Cajun-spiced shrimp, you'll find easy recipes perfect for any occasion.
Key West Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp is a fantastic option for any meal because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly quick to cook.
Any way you cook it, the sweet taste of shrimp pairs well with so many different vegetables and fruit. It’s a healthy source of lean protein, low in calories, and packed with nutrients like omega-3s and iodine.
Cooking Key West Pink Shrimp in anything from rom salads and tacos to pastas and stir-fries, shrimp makes a quick weeknight dinner that everyone always appreciates.