Hey foodies! I’m Sarah from CookingWithLove blog, and today we’re gonna tackle that age-old problem – what to do with those fancy shrimp cocktails left over from your party! You know, the ones sitting in your fridge making you feel guilty? Well, worry no more! I’ve got some super exciting ideas that’ll make those leftovers disappear faster than you can say “seafood”!
Quick Answer
Don’t let those precious shrimps go to waste! You can transform leftover shrimp cocktail into salads, pasta dishes, sandwiches, or even use them in hot appetizers. Just make sure to use them within 2-3 days when stored properly in the fridge.
Why You Should Save Those Leftover Shrimp
Before we dive into the yummy recipes, here’s why you shouldn’t throw away those cocktail shrimps:
- They’re already cooked and cleaned – saving you tons of prep time!
- Shrimp is packed with lean protein
- They’re super versatile
- Can save you some serious $$$
10 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Shrimp Cocktail
1. Shrimp Salad Supreme
This is my personal fave! Just chop up those cocktail shrimps and mix with
- Diced celery
- Red onion
- Mayo (just a touch!)
- Fresh dill
- Squeeze of lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
2. Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta
OMG, this is sooo good! Heat some butter and garlic, toss in your chopped leftover shrimp, add cooked pasta and chef’s kiss – dinner’s ready!
3. Shrimp Tacos
Seriously. who doesn’t love tacos? Warm up those shrimps with some
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado
- Lime wedges
4. Cold Shrimp Sandwich
Perfect for lunch! Layer on:
- Good bread (important!)
- Lettuce
- Sliced cucumber
- Your leftover cocktail sauce
- The shrimps (duh!)
5. Shrimp Fried Rice
This is like. the BEST way to use leftovers
- Day-old rice
- Frozen peas & carrots
- Eggs
- Soy sauce
- Your chopped cocktail shrimp
6. Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl
Get fancy with:
- Quinoa or couscous
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Feta cheese
- Greek dressing
- Those lovely shrimps!
7. Shrimp and Avocado Toast
Breakfast upgrade! Mash some avo, add the chopped shrimp, squeeze of lemon – boom! Fancy breakfast!
8. Quick Shrimp Quesadillas
- Tortillas
- Cheese (lots!)
- Chopped shrimp
- Some peppers maybe?
- Your favorite hot sauce
9. Shrimp Spring Rolls
Get all healthy with:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Vermicelli noodles
- Fresh herbs
- Julienned veggies
- Your cocktail shrimp
10. Shrimp Cocktail Dip
Perfect for another party!
- Cream cheese
- Chopped shrimp
- The leftover cocktail sauce
- Green onions
- Serve with crackers
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover shrimp fresh by:
- Storing in an airtight container
- Keeping in the fridge (duh!)
- Using within 2-3 days
- Don’t freeze already thawed shrimp
Some Quick Don’ts
Look, I’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Don’t reheat more than once
- Don’t leave at room temp for >2 hours
- Don’t mix with new raw seafood
- Don’t use if they smell funny (trust your nose!)
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Always pat dry before using in new recipes
- Chop larger shrimp for better incorporation
- Taste before adding salt (cocktail sauce is already salty!)
- Remove tails if still attached
When to Toss It
Sadly, sometimes you gotta let go. Throw away if:
- Been in fridge >3 days
- Smell fishy or off
- Look slimy
- You’re just not sure!
Final Thoughts
Y’all, leftover shrimp cocktail isn’t a problem – it’s an opportunity! These ideas are just the beginning. Get creative, mix and match, and most importantly, have fun with it!
Would love to hear what you guys do with your leftover shrimp cocktail! Drop your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more cooking hacks and tips!
Happy cooking!
XOXO,
Sarah
P.S. Remember to always use your best judgment when dealing with leftover seafood. When in doubt, throw it out!
#cooking #leftovers #shrimp #foodblog #cookingtips #foodie #recipes
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Baked Leftover Shrimp Recipes
This Baked Coconut Shrimp dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s also great for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.
To make this baked coconut shrimp dish, coat your juicy shrimp in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Then dip them in some beaten eggs, followed by a coating of shredded coconut.
Bake in a preheated oven until the leftover shrimp are crispy and golden brown. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a dipping sauce of your choice!
The shrimp in this dish is marinated with spices like cumin, Italian seasoning, and fresh lemon. Then it’s threaded through vibrant veggies that give an exciting flavor profile to the quick dinner!
To make them, thread your shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using).
Grill over medium-high heat until the leftover shrimp are pink and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce or serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice.
The best shrimp tacos you will ever try. They’re loaded with avocado, spicy jalapenos, and the most delicious slaw! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or light Monday dinner idea.
I like to sauté some garlic and onion in a bit of oil. Add my shrimp and cook until they are pink. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Serve on soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. I like to top mine with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
Invite your friends over for an appetizer that is both easy and delicious. The perfect way to start off any party, these bacon-wrapped shrimp are sure not only to impress but also fill up quickly! They’re perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal.
To make them, wrap each shrimp in a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the bacon-wrapped shrimp for about five minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy.
Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Serve these bacon-wrapped shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce!
The foil-packet shrimp is a quick and easy method for making delicious, tender grilled, or sauteed seafood. You can also bake these packets to make them more of an appetizer-style dish that will be sure not to disappoint!
It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Just heat some veggies in a bit of oil, then add cooked shrimp. Wrap everything up in foil and bake for about 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
This spicy cajun shrimp recipe is great for spice lovers! It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Sauté some veggies in a bit of oil, then add cooked shrimp.
Season with Cajun seasoning and cook for about 10 minutes.
Make a sweet and sour sauce by mixing together equal parts pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Sauté some garlic and onion in a bit of oil. Add your garlic shrimp and cook until they are pink. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Serve on soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. I like to top mine with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes
This shrimp scampi recipe is so easy and takes under 30 minutes to make. It’s deliciously saucy and perfectly rich with a buttery flavor that will have you step into dinner heaven!
To make shrimp scampi, sauté some garlic in a bit of oil. Then add your shrimp and cook until they are pink. Add a splash of white wine and some chicken broth, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Once the sauce has simmered, add a bit of butter to thicken it up. Serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of cooked pasta and enjoy!
Pad Thai is a popular dish in America, Thailand, and beyond. This fast version has an appealing combination of sweet-sour flavors that will have your mouth watering for more!
To make shrimp pad Thai, the first step is to sauté some garlic and ginger in a bit of oil. Then add your cooked shrimp and cook for a minute or two. Next, add your noodles and sauce, or other fresh ingredients and cook until the noodles are tender.
Finish it off with a sprinkle of green onions and serve.
This leftover shrimp recipe is a classic for a reason, and a great way to use up leftover shrimp. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
To make shrimp Alfredo, reheat your shrimp in a bit of butter until they are pink. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, chop them up into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it is cooked, drain it and add it back to the pot.
Add a bit of butter and some heavy cream to the pasta and stir until combined. Then add your shrimp and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This shrimp fried rice recipe is a lifesaver when you want to make dinner but don’t have time or just need something quick and tasty. It’s made with homemade ingredients that will taste way better than anything from your local Chinese restaurant!
It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Start by sautéing some veggies in a bit of oil, then add cooked fried rice and leftover shrimp. Give it a good stir and you’re done!
If you want to make this dish even more hearty, you can add some diced chicken or pork. Leftover shrimp fried rice is a great way to use up those pesky shrimp leftovers!
Turning Your Shrimp Cocktail Leftovers Into Tonight’s Dinner
FAQ
How long is leftover shrimp cocktail good for?
When stored properly, leftover shrimp cocktail can be enjoyed for 3-4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator.
Can you cook already cooked cocktail shrimp?
As little as possible ! To me, cooked shrimp should only be thawed, and used for shrimp cocktails. If you do have to use them for meal, heat them for a very short time. They are “cooked”, so to further cook them would just toughen them to a tasteless, chewy, mass.
How to eat shrimp cocktail for dinner?
Serve: Spoon the shrimp cocktail into a tall glass, such as a margarita glass or martini glass (or a bowl will work if in a pinch) and garnish with sliced avocado, lime or orange slices, and a few whole shrimp on the rim — if desired. Serve with tons of saltine crackers for dipping.
Can cocktail shrimp be reheated?
Reheated shrimp will never have the same succulence as shrimp hot off the grill. So enjoy the shrimp, cold, dipped in cocktail sauce — or add it to a simple salad for lunch. If you do want to reheat the shrimp, do so as gently/little as possible in the microwave, in a skillet on the stovetop, or back on the grill.