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On the hunt for some great shrimp recipes? You’re in luck! I’ve gathered together 30 different options that are just right for lunch or dinner. These dishes truly highlight the versatility of shrimp, whether you’re looking for a fast solution for a weeknight dinner or planning a special meal. Get set to discover a range of easy shrimp recipes to add a burst of flavor and fun into your cooking routine. With these tasty options at your fingertips, every meal can be a shrimp-tastic.
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Shrimp is one of my favorite proteins to cook with. Its delicate taste pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it an easy yet satisfying choice. Not to mention that when it comes to convenient and fuss-free meals, shrimp is great to have on hand. Want pasta, don’t feel like messing with chicken or ground beef? Throw some shrimp in it! Craving a lighter salad that is high in protein? Shrimp has got your back.
Why you should cook more with shrimp
- Delicious and versatile. Shrimp is a versatile protein that complements a wide array of flavors and ingredients. From spicy to sweet, rustic to refined, there’s almost no culinary style that shrimp doesn’t fit into. This makes it an ideal ingredient to keep stocked in the freezer for nights you don’t know what to make.
- Quick and easy to make. Shrimp is the king of quick-cooking protein! Unlike other meats that require a long cooking process, shrimp cooks up in minutes and is an excellent choice for meals in a hurry that never lack flavor!
- Nutritious. Shrimp is a low-calorie and low-fat protein source, making it a nutritious addition to your meals. Shrimp is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, and has essential vitamins and minerals, including selenium, vitamin B12, and zinc.
- Readily available anywhere. Most grocery stores and seafood markets have shrimp, whether it is fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked. Recipes with cooked shrimp are also usually pretty affordable, so there is no breaking the bank when you want to enjoy a delicious seafood recipe.
How to make perfectly cooked shrimp every time
- Make sure the shrimp is thawed. When cooking with frozen shrimp you want to make sure you let it thaw. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps you from over and undercooking at the same time. Just pat them dry to remove any extra moisture.
- Prep as needed for your recipe. Peel and devein the shrimp if the recipe calls for it, or you can purchase them with this already done. Leave the tails on for presentation, or remove them for convenience.
- Season the shrimp. After drying the shrimp, coat them in seasoning as the recipe suggests. You can let them marinate in the seasoning blend to allow the shrimp to soak in all the delicious flavors before cooking.
- Select the cooking method. There are so many different ways to cook shrimp, such as on the grill, sautéing in a pan, baking in the oven, boiling, or even steaming on the stove. Choose the method that best suits your dinner recipes with shrimp.
- Watch the heat. Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, so it’s important to make sure the heat is moderate enough to cook the shrimp without burning and not too slow, where they may become rubbery.
- Be aware of cook time for shrimp. Depending on the size of the shrimp, it’s a general guideline that they take about 2-3 minutes per side for grilling and sautéing, up to 4 minutes when boiling or steaming shrimp, and approximately 8-10 minutes for baked shrimp at a high temperature (around 425°F)
- Watch for doneness. When it’s done, shrimp will turn a pink color and become opaque rather than translucent. Another good indicator is the shape; perfectly cooked shrimp tends to form a loose “C” shape, while overcooked shrimp curl into a tight “O”. Keeping a keen eye on these signs can ensure you get perfectly cooked shrimp every time.
Easy recipes with shrimp
Below, you’ll find a selection of easy recipes with shrimp. These dishes are straightforward, packed with flavor, and make the most of this versatile protein. Enjoy!
Shrimp appetizers
- Shrimp Cocktail in Avocado Bowls – a unique appetizer idea! Prep with pre-cooked shrimp tossed in ginger cocktail sauce, then mix and spoon into avocado bowls when your guests arrive.
- Shrimp Cocktail – There’s nothing like a classic, and this easy shrimp cocktail recipe is exactly that. Pair with a zesty cocktail sauce and serve as an appetizer at gatherings or an intimate dinner for two.
- Avocado Shrimp Salsa – This shrimp salsa recipe is so bright & zesty! It makes the perfect appetizer or even main dish for parties. Serve with tortilla or pita chips, and enjoy!
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp – These healthier, restaurant-quality coconut shrimp require minimal ingredients and less oil, making them a favorite air fryer recipe.
- Shrimp Lettuce Wraps – Serve up these quick and delicious low-carb shrimp lettuce wraps as a healthy appetizer, main entree, or for lunch. Enjoy them with a spicy Thai peanut sauce for a light, refreshing, and tasty experience!
- Avocado Shrimp Salad – Enjoy a delightful low-carb salad with shrimp, crafted with minimal ingredients and a tangy lime olive oil dressing that brings a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish!
- Shrimp Caesar Salad – With cooked shrimp on a bed of lettuce, it’s a quick, protein-packed meal made with a lightened-up yogurt dressing. It’s perfect for any meal starter but also wholesome enough for lunch or dinner!
Recipes with shrimp and pasta
- Arrabiata Shrimp Pasta – This spicy Italian recipe is made with a tomato-based sauce with chili peppers and tossed with plump, juicy shrimp.
- Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli – Creamy, flavorful, and filling. Pan-seared garlicky shrimp adds protein, steamed broccoli adds fiber, and the creamy sauce perfectly ties it together.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Spaghetti – Try even more recipes with shrimp and pasta, like this delicious recipe that tosses shrimp in a savory garlic butter sauce with red pepper flakes and spaghetti. A family favorite dinner recipe with shrimp that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
- Pesto Spaghetti with Shrimp – Grilled shrimp is served with zucchini noodles and spaghetti, all tossed in a flavorful kale almond pesto sauce for a delightful combination bursting with flavors!
- Shrimp Orzo Salad – This vibrant shrimp orzo salad is a refreshing summer dish packed with cooked shrimp, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a chilled lunch on the go!
- Couscous with Shrimp – This easy and healthy shrimp recipe is a one-pot meal is bursting with deliciousness. From the tender couscous to the flavorful shrimp and zesty tomato mixture, each mouthful is both satisfying and nutritious!
Shrimp and Rice recipes
- Shrimp Sushi Stack – Love sushi? This recipe is a twist on the California roll but uses plump shrimp in a creamy, spicy mayo sauce and is layered with cucumbers, avocado, and sticky sushi rice.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp Rice Bowl – A perfect one-pan weeknight dinner that’s bursting with citrus and herby goodness. This shrimp bowl is a delightful family favorite with just a handful of ingredients. Packed with veggies and fresh flavors, it’s a meal worth repeating!
- Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry – This quick and easy shrimp dinner is ready in minutes. Cooked in a flavorful soy sauce mix and served over rice or noodles, it’s a well-balanced and healthy choice!
- Shrimp Fried Rice – Forget ordering takeout! This healthier shrimp fried rice uses brown rice and vegetables for a hearty shrimp stir-fry for a delicious family meal ready in just 20 minutes!
- Shrimp Fajita Bowls – Packed with vibrant and fresh ingredients, these protein and fiber-rich bowls are hearty and bursting with the best Mexican flavors.
- Easy Shrimp and Rice – My go-to for busy weeknights.! The whole family will enjoy this one-pan shrimp recipe. It’s a quick and easy favorite with simple ingredients, most already in your fridge and pantry!
- Red Coconut Curry Shrimp – This zingy shrimp curry with lime, cilantro, and red curry paste is creamy and delicious. The plump, tender shrimp make it even more delightful.
- Honey Walnut Shrimp – This Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe offers a lighter twist on a classic dish. Enjoy a delicious flavor combination of crispy pan-seared shrimp paired with homemade candied walnuts!
Dinner recipes with shrimp
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp – Made with fresh parsley and lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor, this pan-seared dish is a flavor-packed dinner that the whole family will love.
- Easy Skillet Shrimp Fajitas – This recipe combines perfectly seasoned, juicy shrimp with bell peppers and onions for a Tex-Mex meal. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and a side of refried beans!
- Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi – This restaurant-quality shrimp recipe combines high-quality butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, plump shrimp, wilted spinach, and roasted spaghetti squash for a ridiculously flavorful dinner.
- Sesame Shrimp with Broccoli – Shrimp is coated and fried to crispy perfection with panko breadcrumbs, delivering an irresistible crunch in every bite. Combine it with tender broccoli florets, and you’ll have an easy weeknight meal that beats any takeout!
- Chili Lime Shrimp – Prepared with a zesty marinade featuring tangy lime juice, this dish is one of my favorite quick and easy recipes with shrimp that use simple ingredients but has a big flavor.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – If you are planning a cookout, these Grilled Shrimp Skewers need to make an appearance! Marinated in a lemon and herb dressing, they take minutes to prep and are super quick to cook.
- Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles – Enjoy a healthier twist on the classic Shrimp Scampi with this easy-to-make dish. By swapping traditional pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles), you can indulge in a lighter, low-carb meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Grilled BBQ Shrimp – Marinated in a smoky seasoning blend, these skewered delights offer a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and explosive flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, they can be cooked on the grill or stove for added flexibility.
HOW TO store raw and cooked shrimp
- Refrigerate immediately. If you purchased fresh shrimp, it’s important to refrigerate them as quickly as possible. Place the shrimp in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Shrimp can easily take on the odors from other foods in the fridge, which can affect the shrimp’s flavor, so storing them properly is important.
- Freeze if needed. If you purchase fresh shrimp and don’t plan on using it within a day or two, it may be best to freeze it until ready. Rinse the shrimp and dry them with paper towels before storing them in a freezer-safe bag. Once frozen, the shrimp can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
- Storing recipes with cooked shrimp. Allow the shrimp recipe to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container or bag. Most recipes can be stored for 3-4 days, but follow the storage guidelines included with each recipe for best results.
frequently asked questions
Shrimp can be paired with a variety of delicious side dishes for a satisfying dinner. Try it with rice, pasta, salad, grilled vegetables, quinoa or couscous, roasted potatoes, and so much more! Check out a full list of my side dishes to pair with your shrimp recipes!
There are so many delicious ways to season shrimp, such as garlic and herbs, lemon pepper seasoning, Cajun seasoning, bbq spice blend, chili and lime, Italian seasoning, teriyaki or soy sauce, and even taco seasoning. This list just scratches the surface of flavor possibilities!
Shrimp may lack flavor due to various reasons. It could be because they were not adequately seasoned, not marinated to enhance their taste, of lower quality or freshness, overcooked, or not accompanied by flavorful sauces or seasonings.
To make shrimp tender, cook them briefly using gentle methods like sautéing or grilling. Marinating in acidic ingredients, brining, and removing the shell can also enhance tenderness. You should also avoid overcrowding so as not to steam the shrimp while cooking.
I hope this collection of shrimp recipes inspires you to discover new possibilities for quick and satisfying meals. With the right seasonings, cooking techniques, and complementary ingredients, you can create a wide range of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
full list of recipes
Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipe cards to take you directly to those recipes.
Shrimp Cocktail in Avocado Bowls
Shrimp Cocktail
Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Shrimp Caesar Salad
Arrabiata Pasta with Shrimp
Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo
Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Shrimp Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Couscous
Sushi Stack
Lemon Herb Shrimp and Rice Bowl
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fajita Bowl
One Pan Shrimp and Rice
Red Shrimp Coconut Curry
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Easy Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
Sesame Shrimp with Broccoli
Chili Lime Shrimp
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Healthy Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Grilled BBQ Shrimp
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Easy Avocado Recipes, No-bake Desserts, Grilling Recipes, and Oat Recipes.
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