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Shrimp is second only to chicken for me. It’s a lean protein that takes on flavor quickly and cooks fast enough that it works even on nights I have no plan. The issue is that when I have a bag in the freezer and no real direction, I end up making the same few things on repeat.

This collection of recipes with shrimp came out of wanting a better list to pull from.

Easy recipes with shrimp

I split the shrimp recipes into sections to make it easier to find what you’re looking for. There are easy recipes for busy nights, shrimp appetizers like coconut shrimp, lettuce wraps, and shrimp cocktail, recipes with shrimp and pasta, including a spicy arrabiata and broccoli alfredo, and shrimp and rice recipes from fried rice to fajita bowls. The dinner recipes with shrimp section covers everything from air fryer shrimp to a Thai coconut curry. There’s also a guide on storing shrimp, tips on getting the cook right, and an FAQ.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or need recipes with cooked shrimp to use up leftovers, I hope this helps you figure out what to make.

Shrimp appetizers

Recipes with Shrimp and Pasta

Shrimp and Rice Recipes

Dinner Recipes with Shrimp

How to make perfectly cooked shrimp every time

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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)
5. 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.

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

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Easy Avocado Recipes, No-bake Desserts, Grilling Recipes, and Oat Recipes!