Frozen shrimp are a great ingredient to keep on hand for quick and tasty meals. They’re easy to store, versatile, and cook up fast. You can use them in many different dishes, from stir-fries to pasta to tacos.
With these 15 frozen shrimp recipes, you’ll have plenty of ideas for dinners that are both simple and delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or light, there’s a recipe here for you. These dishes will help you turn a bag of frozen shrimp into a meal your whole family will love.
Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish combines juicy shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce. You’ll need frozen shrimp, butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. White wine is optional but adds extra flavor.
Cook the shrimp in a pan with butter and olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Squeeze in some lemon juice for brightness.
Serve your shrimp scampi over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a simple yet impressive meal you can easily master at home.
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty recipe you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing your shrimp under cold running water.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve your garlic butter shrimp over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Lemon herb shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Thaw the shrimp first for best results. Melt butter in a skillet and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
Add the thawed shrimp to the pan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with dried Italian herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs if desired.
Serve your lemon herb shrimp over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or easy entertaining.
Spicy grilled shrimp is a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing the shrimp and removing the shells.
Mix garlic, paprika, cayenne, olive oil, and lemon juice to create a spicy marinade. Coat the shrimp with the mixture and let them sit for 15-30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink and slightly charred when done.
Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and cooking the shrimp in a large skillet with oil.
Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, sauté vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Push the veggies to one side and scramble eggs in the empty space. Mix in cooked rice, soy sauce, and the shrimp. Stir everything together until heated through.
This dish is versatile. You can add other vegetables you like or have on hand. Serve it hot for a satisfying meal that’s better than takeout.
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that you can easily make with frozen shrimp. Start by cooking your grits according to the package instructions. Use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.
While the grits cook, thaw and season your frozen shrimp. Sauté them in a pan with butter, garlic, and lemon juice until they turn pink. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Stir some cheese into your grits for added creaminess. Spoon the grits into bowls and top with the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
This comforting meal comes together quickly and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without much fuss.
Bang Bang Shrimp is a tasty dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a creamy sauce. The sauce is both sweet and spicy, giving it a nice kick.
You can make this popular appetizer at home using frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and breading the shrimp before frying them until golden brown.
For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. Toss the crispy shrimp in this flavorful blend.
Serve your homemade Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer or add it to tacos for a fun twist. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Coconut shrimp is a tasty frozen option that’s easy to prepare. You can bake it in the oven for a healthier alternative to frying.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the frozen shrimp on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For extra crispiness, you can use an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve your coconut shrimp with a dipping sauce. Try mixing mayonnaise, honey, and lime juice for a tangy-sweet combo. Add a side of rice and veggies for a complete meal.
Shrimp Creole is a tasty dish that combines frozen shrimp with a spicy tomato sauce. You can make it easily at home in about 30 minutes.
Start by sautéing onions, celery, and bell peppers in butter. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and spices like thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Pour in tomato sauce and water, then simmer until the sauce thickens. Add your frozen shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink.
Serve your Shrimp Creole over rice for a filling meal. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Shrimp po’ boys are a tasty sandwich option using frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and coating the shrimp in flour seasoned with Cajun spices.
Fry the coated shrimp until golden and crispy. You can also bake them for a lighter version.
Toast a French bread roll and spread remoulade sauce on both sides. Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles.
Place the crispy shrimp on top and serve with hot sauce on the side. This quick meal brings New Orleans flavors to your kitchen using convenient frozen shrimp.
Nutritional Benefits of Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers several health benefits while being low in calories.
High Protein Content
Frozen shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving provides about 20 grams of protein. This makes up nearly 40% of the daily protein needs for an average adult.
Protein helps build and repair tissues in your body. It’s important for muscle growth and maintenance. Shrimp protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own.
Eating shrimp can help you feel full and satisfied after meals. This may aid in weight management and muscle preservation as you age.
Low in Calories
Frozen shrimp is a great option if you’re watching your calorie intake. A 3-ounce serving has only about 85 calories. This makes it one of the lowest-calorie protein sources available.
You can add shrimp to many dishes without worrying about excess calories. It’s a smart choice for weight loss or maintenance diets.
Shrimp is also very low in fat. Most of its fat is the healthy omega-3 type, which is good for your heart and brain.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Frozen shrimp offers a range of important vitamins and minerals. It’s high in selenium, which acts as an antioxidant in your body. A single serving provides more than 50% of your daily selenium needs.
Shrimp is a good source of vitamin B12, crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation. It also contains iodine, which supports thyroid health.
You’ll get small amounts of zinc, iron, and vitamin E from shrimp too. These nutrients support immune function, oxygen transport, and skin health.
How to Properly Thaw Frozen Shrimp
Thawing frozen shrimp safely is key to maintaining flavor and texture. Two main methods work well, and it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can affect quality or safety.
Safe Thawing Methods
The fridge method is best for planning ahead. Put frozen shrimp in a bowl or sealed bag in the fridge 24 hours before cooking. This slow thaw keeps shrimp at a safe temperature.
For faster results, try the cold water method. Put shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Shrimp will thaw in 1-2 hours.
In a pinch, you can cook frozen shrimp directly. Add them to boiling water or a hot pan. They’ll take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don’t thaw shrimp at room temperature. This can let harmful bacteria grow. Never use hot water to speed up thawing, as it can start cooking the shrimp unevenly.
Avoid thawing in the microwave. It can partially cook the shrimp, making them rubbery. Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp, as this can affect texture and safety.
Only thaw the amount you plan to use. Keeping leftover thawed shrimp risks spoilage. Always check thawed shrimp for any off smells before cooking.
Cooking Techniques for Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp can be cooked using various methods to create tasty meals. Each technique brings out different flavors and textures in the shrimp. Let’s explore some popular cooking methods.
Boiling
Boiling is a quick and easy way to cook frozen shrimp. Fill a pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Add the frozen shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl.
Don’t overcook or the shrimp will become rubbery. Once done, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Boiled shrimp work well in salads, pasta dishes, or as a simple appetizer with cocktail sauce.
Grilling
Grilling gives shrimp a smoky flavor. Thaw the shrimp first for best results. Thread them onto skewers or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Brush with oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Watch them closely as they cook fast. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Serve grilled shrimp with rice, in tacos, or on their own as a tasty snack.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is perfect for adding shrimp to veggie dishes or noodles. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add thawed shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often.
Toss in vegetables, sauces, or other ingredients. Keep stirring as everything cooks together. The shrimp will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cook until the shrimp are pink and curled. This usually takes 3-4 minutes total. Serve your stir-fry over rice or noodles for a quick meal.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
