Shrimp is a versatile and tasty seafood option that can be cooked in many ways. From quick weeknight dinners to fancy party appetizers, shrimp recipes offer something for everyone. With its mild flavor and quick cooking time, shrimp is perfect for busy cooks who want to make delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
You can find 30 easy and tasty shrimp recipes that take less than 30 minutes to make. These recipes use simple ingredients and cooking methods, so you don’t need to be a chef to make them. Whether you like your shrimp grilled, fried, or baked, there’s a recipe for you. Try some new shrimp dishes and add variety to your meals.
Garlic butter shrimp is a tasty and quick meal you can make in about 10 minutes. You’ll need shrimp, butter, garlic, and some seasonings.
Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until it smells good.
Put the shrimp in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. They’re done when they turn pink. You can add lemon juice, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
Cajun shrimp and grits is a tasty Southern dish that combines creamy grits with spicy shrimp. To make it, you’ll cook the grits in veggie broth until they’re thick and smooth.
While the grits cook, season your shrimp with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Sauté the shrimp in butter with onions, bell peppers, and celery for extra flavor.
Add some tomatoes, garlic, and lemon juice to the shrimp mixture. Pour in a bit of broth or cream to make a sauce. Serve the spicy shrimp over the creamy grits for a satisfying meal.
Shrimp tacos are a tasty and quick meal option. You can have them ready in about 30 minutes. Start by seasoning peeled shrimp with taco spices.
Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. While they cook, prepare your toppings. Popular choices include shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
For the sauce, mix mayo, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro. Warm your tortillas in the same pan you used for the shrimp. This adds extra flavor.
Assemble your tacos by placing shrimp in the tortilla and adding toppings. Drizzle with the creamy sauce and enjoy your flavorful shrimp tacos.
Bang Bang Shrimp is a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make at home. You start by coating shrimp in buttermilk, then dredging them in cornstarch.
Fry the shrimp until they’re golden brown and crispy. This usually takes 3-5 minutes in oil heated to 375°F.
The key to this dish is the sauce. Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha for a creamy, spicy kick. Some recipes add a bit of salt for extra flavor.
Serve the crispy shrimp with the sauce on the side or drizzled on top. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
Shrimp Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish you can make at home. You’ll need fettuccine, shrimp, butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Cook the pasta according to package directions. While it’s cooking, sauté the shrimp in butter until pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same pan, melt more butter and add garlic. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your homemade Shrimp Alfredo hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Shrimp spring rolls are a fresh and tasty appetizer. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients. Start by boiling shrimp for 2-3 minutes, then slice them in half lengthwise.
Soak rice paper in warm water for 10-20 seconds. Place veggies like lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and avocado on the bottom third of the wrapper. Add some rice noodles if you like.
Roll the wrapper halfway, then fold in the sides. Place two shrimp halves on top and finish rolling. Serve with peanut sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
These rolls are light, healthy, and perfect for warm days. You can customize them with your favorite vegetables and herbs.
Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. You can make it with cooked or raw shrimp. If using raw shrimp, chop it into small pieces and marinate in citrus juices for about 2 hours.
For cooked shrimp, poach it briefly in salted water. Chop the cooled shrimp and mix with lime, lemon, and orange juices. Add diced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber for crunch and flavor.
Season your ceviche with salt and garlic powder. For extra zest, include chopped cilantro. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
Serve your shrimp ceviche cold with tortilla chips or crackers. It makes a great appetizer or light meal.
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need large shrimp, typically 16-20 count per pound. Boil them in water with lemon, salt, and spices until they turn pink and curl.
Chill the cooked shrimp in ice water, then peel and devein them. Leave the tails on for a fancy presentation. For the sauce, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Serve the chilled shrimp hanging from the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce. You can also use a small bowl for the sauce and arrange the shrimp on a platter around it.
Mediterranean grilled shrimp is a tasty dish bursting with fresh flavors. You can make it easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by marinating the shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and parsley. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers for easy handling.
Grill the shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Serve your Mediterranean grilled shrimp hot off the grill. They pair well with a Greek salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Shrimp enchiladas offer a tasty twist on a Mexican favorite. To make them, you’ll need shrimp, tortillas, and a flavorful sauce.
Start by cooking the shrimp with peppers and onions. Add spices like cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.
Roll the shrimp mixture in tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Pour a creamy sauce over the top. You can use a lobster bisque or make your own with tomato paste and spices.
Bake the enchiladas until they’re hot and bubbly. Serve them with rice and beans for a complete meal.
Shrimp Pad Thai is a classic Thai stir-fry dish you can easily make at home. You’ll need rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts.
Start by soaking the noodles in hot water until they’re pliable. While they soak, prepare the sauce using fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Cook the shrimp until pink, then set aside. Scramble the eggs in the same pan. Add garlic and onions, then toss in the noodles and sauce.
Stir-fry everything together, adding the shrimp back in. Finish with bean sprouts, green onions, and crushed peanuts. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Shrimp gumbo is a classic Southern dish that combines tender shrimp with a flavorful stew. To make it, you’ll start by cooking flour and oil to create a dark roux.
Next, add celery, green pepper, and onion to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft. Pour in broth and add garlic, salt, pepper, and cayenne for extra kick.
Let the gumbo simmer for about 30 minutes to develop its rich flavors. Just before serving, add raw shrimp and cook until pink.
Serve your gumbo over a bed of rice. For added authenticity, you can sprinkle some filé powder on top. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal!
Shrimp risotto is a creamy and flavorful Italian dish that combines tender rice with succulent shrimp. To make it, you’ll sauté shallots in butter, then add Arborio rice and white wine.
Gradually stir in hot broth, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process creates the signature creamy texture of risotto.
When the rice is nearly done, add seasoned shrimp and cook until pink. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and lemon zest for extra flavor.
This dish is perfect for a special dinner at home. You can customize it by adding vegetables or different herbs to suit your taste.
Coconut shrimp is a tasty seafood dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll need shrimp, flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded coconut.
Start by cleaning and drying the shrimp. Season them with salt and pepper. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko and coconut.
Dip each shrimp in flour, then egg, and finally the coconut mixture. Fry them in hot oil for about 1 minute per side until golden brown.
Serve your coconut shrimp with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or pineapple. They’re great as an appetizer or main dish.
Shrimp empanadas are a tasty twist on the classic Latin American pastry. You’ll love these savory hand pies filled with succulent shrimp and bold flavors.
The dough is simple to make with just flour, water, and butter. You can also use store-bought empanada dough to save time.
For the filling, cook chopped shrimp with garlic, wine, and spices. Some recipes add cheese or tomato sauce for extra richness.
Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal. Bake until golden brown and flaky.
Serve shrimp empanadas as an appetizer or main dish. They’re perfect for parties or picnics. Pair them with salsa or chimichurri sauce for dipping.
Shrimp and sausage jambalaya is a tasty one-pot meal from Louisiana. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with rice, vegetables, and protein.
To make it, start by cooking sliced sausage in a large pot until browned. Next, add diced onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until the veggies soften.
Stir in rice, tomatoes, and spices like paprika and cayenne. Add stock and let everything simmer. Near the end, toss in the shrimp to cook through.
The result is a hearty, satisfying meal with a nice kick. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers.
Shrimp and corn chowder is a tasty seafood soup that’s perfect for any season. This creamy dish combines juicy shrimp with sweet corn kernels for a delightful flavor mix.
You can make this chowder in one pot, saving time on cleanup. Add bacon for a smoky taste that complements the seafood and vegetables.
To thicken the soup, use baby red potatoes. They’ll cook down and give your chowder a hearty texture. For extra flavor, try simmering shrimp shells in boxed stock before adding it to the pot.
This recipe is quick to make, so it’s great for busy weeknights. Serve your chowder with crusty bread for a filling meal.
Shrimp fajitas are a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 30 minutes. To start, coat your shrimp with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat oil in a skillet and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until soft and slightly browned. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Combine the cooked shrimp and veggies in the skillet. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything for extra flavor.
Serve your shrimp fajitas with warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. You can also add rice and beans on the side for a complete meal.
Bacon wrapped shrimp is a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You’ll need large shrimp and thin bacon slices.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise. Wrap each shrimp with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Place the wrapped shrimp on a baking rack over a sheet pan. This lets the bacon cook evenly. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the bacon is crispy.
For extra flavor, brush the shrimp with a mix of olive oil, salt, and pepper before wrapping. You can also try marinading the shrimp first.
Shrimp packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. It offers high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, while being low in calories.
High Protein Content
Shrimp is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving gives you about 20 grams of protein. This is great for building and repairing muscles.
Protein also helps you feel full for longer. This can be helpful if you’re trying to manage your weight.
Shrimp protein contains all nine essential amino acids. Your body needs these for various functions but can’t make them on its own.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Shrimp is packed with important nutrients. It’s a good source of selenium, which acts as an antioxidant in your body.
You’ll also find vitamin B12 in shrimp. This vitamin is key for making red blood cells and DNA.
Shrimp contains zinc too. Zinc is vital for your immune system and wound healing.
Other minerals in shrimp include:
Iron
Phosphorus
Copper
Magnesium
These all play important roles in keeping your body healthy.
Low in Calories
If you’re watching your calorie intake, shrimp is a great choice. A 3-ounce serving has only about 85 calories.
Despite being low in calories, shrimp is filling due to its protein content. This makes it a smart pick for weight management.
Shrimp is also very low in fat. Most of the fat it does contain is heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
You can enjoy shrimp as part of a balanced diet without worrying about excess calories.
Cooking Techniques for Shrimp
Mastering different cooking methods helps you create tasty shrimp dishes. These techniques bring out the best flavors and textures in shrimp.
Sautéing
Sautéing gives shrimp a quick, flavorful sear. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and a nice crust. Remove shrimp as soon as they’re done to avoid overcooking.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or herbs to the pan. Deglaze with white wine or lemon juice after cooking. This creates a quick sauce to serve with the shrimp.
Grilling
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to shrimp. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Brush shrimp with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred.
For kebabs, alternate shrimp with vegetables on skewers. This makes a complete meal. Baste with marinades or glazes while grilling for extra flavor.
Boiling
Boiling is great for shrimp cocktails or cold salads. Fill a pot with water, salt, and aromatics like lemon wedges or bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid the tight “O” shape, which means they’re overcooked.
Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps them tender. Drain well before using in recipes.
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.
