41 Easy Shrimp Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Shrimp recipes are a smart choice when you need dinner fast. Shrimp cooks in minutes, works with rice, pasta, vegetables, tacos and salads, and can be used fresh or frozen. From garlic butter shrimp and shrimp scampi to stir fry, tacos, curry and sheet pan dinners, these easy shrimp recipes give you plenty of quick options for busy weeknights.

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• Shrimp Recipes: Quick Picks
• Best Shrimp Recipes To Make For Dinner
• How To Cook Shrimp Without Making It Rubbery
• How To Choose Shrimp for Recipes
• What To Serve With Shrimp
• How To Store And Reheat Cooked Shrimp
• FAQs About Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp Recipes: Quick Picks

Not sure where to start? These quick picks highlight the best shrimp recipes by need, whether you want something fast, healthy, pasta-based, freezer-friendly or impressive enough for guests.

Best Shrimp Recipes To Make For Dinner

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Few dinners come together faster than garlic butter shrimp, but it still manages to feel like something you’d order at an upbeat seafood spot. With a rich garlic butter sauce and a squeeze of lemon, the shrimp turn juicy and tender. This shrimp recipe is especially great for busy weeknights when you're looking for a low-effort meal with maximum flavor.

For a quick shrimp dinner, serve it over fluffy rice or top your favorite pasta with these buttery morsels and, at the end, scoop everything up with a piece of bread so no garlicky sauce is left behind.

Here's our recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp

2. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is an effortless, restaurant-quality shrimp recipe featuring tender shrimp tossed in a garlicky butter-and-white-wine sauce with plenty of lemon zest.

Whip up this special shrimp recipe for date night at home or for evenings when you want something exciting, beyond plain pasta. You can serve it over linguine or alongside crusty bread for dipping in the sauce or for an even more straightforward meal, pair it with a simple green salad tossed with spinach, parsley and cherry tomatoes.

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Scampi

3. Shrimp And Rice Skillet

Another shrimp recipe with rice that doesn’t require too much fuss is a shrimp and rice skillet. Similar to shrimp fried rice, this version calls for raw rice. As the rice cooks in the pan with minced garlic, herbs and spices, it soaks up all the flavor while the shrimp are added just before the heat goes off to keep them tender and juicy.

You can serve this shrimp recipe straight from the skillet with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s especially great for nights when something hearty is a must, but juggling multiple pots doesn’t sound as appealing as a one-pan meal.

4. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp perfectly balances sweet and savory with a slightly sticky finish, but in the best way, in just 10 minutes. It's similar to the delicious Bangkok street food grilled garlic shrimp, but sweeter. The robust garlic sauce clings to each piece of shrimp, complemented by honey that caramelizes beautifully in the pan for a glossy finish.

It’s a simple shrimp recipe with sauce that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but still full of flavor. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or tuck it into lettuce wraps for a lighter bite. For extra fiber, add some sautéed broccoli.

5. Creamy Shrimp Pasta

Creamy shrimp pasta is a weeknight dinner option when you want a cozy, restaurant-worthy dish without leaving home. The shrimp are folded into a silky garlic, Parmesan and white wine sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

This is the kind of shrimp recipe you’ll want for slower evenings or a cozy date night at home. When plain tomato sauce feels a little too predictable, this is a good option. Serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad to make the meal feel complete.

Here's our recipe for Creamy Shrimp Pasta

6. Cajun Shrimp

Spice up your weeknight dinner without a complicated ingredient list with juicy Cajun shrimp. These smoky morsels feature shrimp coated in a well-seasoned Cajun spice mix and seared until lightly crisp without drying out. You’ll want to reach for this shrimp recipe when you want something quick and easy with plenty of kick. And since it cooks in minutes, it’s also a smart last-minute shrimp dish.

Serve this Southern Louisiana shrimp recipe over creamy grits, fluffy couscous or in tacos with a cool slaw to balance the spice. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon right before serving for that extra bit of acidity.

7. Shrimp Pesto Pasta

If bright, green, herbaceous and garlicky sounds like your sort of weeknight meal, then shrimp pesto pasta is a must-try. With minimal effort in the kitchen, this shrimp recipe comes to life with long noodles tossed in a flavorful basil pesto sauce (store-bought to save time) and topped with plump sautéed shrimp.

A flavor profile of nutty, punchy garlic clings to every bite, and it’s even better when served with roasted vegetables or with glossy cherry tomatoes to liven it up for a dinner party. You can also incorporate this shrimp recipe into your meal prep since the flavors only get better as it sits, so leftovers are just as good the next day.

8. Shrimp Tacos

If you’re craving a fun shrimp recipe that’s straightforward but still exciting, then shrimp tacos are a must. The shrimp take no time at all to cook and are a match made in heaven with crunchy slaw, homemade creamy sauce and a squeeze of lime for extra tang. They’re good for family-style dinners where you can have fun customizing individual tacos or nights when you want something lighter than heavy pasta or fried food.

Don’t hold back and make sure to pile everything into warm tortillas and serve with rice, black beans or nacho chips and guacamole on the side. Then, depending on your mood, you can make it your own with avocado, pico de gallo or extra heat.

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Tacos

9. Shrimp Primavera

Classic pasta primavera gets a seafood makeover, which is also a great way to get your vegetables in. This simple shrimp recipe uses shrimp and vegetables, tossed in a skillet and cooked for just two minutes, then stirred into a luscious yet light homemade garlic butter sauce and served. All in under 30 minutes.

If that’s not enticing enough, this shrimp recipe with vegetables can also be customized to your preferences. It's a good option for seasonal vegetables, especially during spring and summer weeknight dinners.

10. Shrimp Stir Fry

A reliable shrimp stir fry is an easy shrimp recipe when you want a balanced meal without spending forever at the stove, and there’s the added bonus of getting to clean out your vegetable drawer. 

This shrimp recipe cooks in minutes alongside crisp vegetables coated in a glossy sesame oil-infused sauce with garlic, green onions and a little ginger for added kick. The aromas of fresh garlic and ginger draw you in first, while the sauce delivers a flavor explosion of tanginess, nuttiness and a touch of sweetness. You can serve it steamed over jasmine rice, noodles or quinoa if you want to switch things up. 

11. Shrimp And Broccoli

Shrimp, broccoli, sesame oil and soy sauce marry beautifully in this uncomplicated shrimp recipe. Shrimp and broccoli is a dependable dish that comes together fast, which makes it a fantastic last-minute dinner when the fridge is looking a little empty.

Shrimp is lightly cooked first and set aside, then broccoli and onions are sautéed in the same skillet until tender, creating a flavorful aromatic base. The shrimp are added back in for a final minute of cooking, and you’re left with a naturally sweet and inviting dish that tempts you back for seconds. Serve it with rice or noodles. It’s also reliable enough to work as a frozen-shrimp recipe, so whether fresh or frozen, you’re covered either way.

Here's our recipe for Shrimp and Broccoli

12. Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is one of the easiest ways to turn leftover rice into an exciting, reimagined weeknight dinner. The comforting flavors of tender onions, peas, carrots, garlic and ginger, sautéed briefly and brought together with scrambled eggs, soy sauce and fish sauce, offer a classic takeout-style flavor without being too heavy.

This shrimp recipe with rice is particularly useful on nights when you want one pan, minimal cleanup and something everyone will happily eat. It can be enjoyed as is or paired with homemade spring rolls for an added takeout-style effect.

13. Shrimp Linguine

Another shrimp recipe with pasta that can quickly become a staple weeknight dish is shrimp linguine. This elegant yet easy shrimp recipe, worthy of a seaside restaurant, features shrimp tossed in a tangy white wine sauce with chili flakes and garlic, served over al dente linguine. It’s a lighter alternative to creamy shrimp pasta.

Enjoy this creamy shrimp recipe with a chilled glass of white wine, a salad or garlic bread to really drive home the refinement. This is a straightforward dish that takes only 30 minutes, making it great after a long day at work when a refined meal is still a priority.

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Linguine

14. Sheet Pan Shrimp And Vegetables

Sheet pan shrimp and vegetables is the ultimate low-effort shrimp recipe that does exactly what it promises. Vegetables and succulent shrimp roast together in the oven, letting the shrimp soak up the seasoning while the vegetables caramelize around the edges for a savory flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. Make sure to add the vegetables first since shrimp cook faster. It’s perfect for nights when you don’t want to hover over the stove.

Serve this no-fuss shrimp recipe straight from the pan over rice, quinoa or tucked into warm pita for an easy wrap-style meal.

15. Shrimp Fajitas

Another Tex-Mex specialty is shrimp fajitas, which is the answer to all your sizzling fajita flavor wants and needs. Shrimp is pan-fried alongside spices, bell peppers and onions, which can be lightly charred for even more smoky flavor. It’s a great go-to when you want a shrimp recipe that’s irresistibly spice-filled and that will be a hit with your family.

You can mix up how you serve this tasty shrimp recipe, but typically it’s best in warm tortillas and topped with sour cream, salsa, guacamole and a refreshing squeeze of lime.

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Fajitas

16. Baked Shrimp

Baked shrimp is wholesome and best enjoyed when you want something warm and hearty that’s ready in no time. This thoughtful dish comes together when you toss shrimp in olive oil, flavor them with garlic and herbs and bake for 10 minutes.

You can serve this hands-off shrimp recipe with crusty bread on the side since everything cooks together in the oven with minimal effort, or layer it over rice or pasta for added protein and a more filling meal. It’s also a fantastic finger food idea for a gathering at home with your favorite people because it can go straight from the oven to the table.

17. Broiled Shrimp

Broiled shrimp is one of the fastest quick-fire shrimp recipes that satisfies any cravings for a slightly charred, smoky edge without needing a grill. The high heat from above cooks them in minutes, locking in juiciness, caramelized finish and irresistible flavors from whatever marinade or seasoning you use. 

If you don’t feel like managing multiple steps, this is a great shrimp recipe to keep close, and it’s especially scrumptious served over rice bowls or tossed into a salad to liven it up.

18. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Summer calls for savoring the season's warmth and firing up the grill. This simple shrimp recipe cooks very fast over high heat, which seals in the juicy drippings of the flavorful marinade.

You’ll want to add this to your summer cookout menu since it adds a fun, interactive touch to standard shrimp recipes and your family or guests can get involved in the skewer-rotating action. Sprinkle the grilled shrimp onto a crisp summer salad, serve with aromatic rice pilaf or eat them from the skewer as the grill intended.

19. Blackened Shrimp

Nothing says home-cooked, comforting Southern flavors quite like blackened shrimp. This shrimp recipe isn’t shy about robust flavors, with each shrimp coated in a distinct Louisiana spice blend featuring paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and more. It then hits the hot skillet, forming an irresistible seasoned crust.

The savory taste doesn’t rely on any sauce or complicated prep, so if you want a shrimp recipe with big flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy grits, rice or roasted vegetables, this is the one.

Here's our recipe for Blackened Shrimp

20. Old Bay Shrimp

Old Bay shrimp is a classic, no-fuss seafood dish that leans on the iconic Old Bay seasoning blend to build a mouthwatering, slightly briny, peppery flavor, giving you the seafood-boil taste without the seafood boil. The shrimp are usually steamed or quickly sautéed, and then the spice mix does the rest of the work. It’s a great pick when you want a nostalgic meal.

This tantalizing shrimp recipe can be served with corn on the cob, red potatoes or a side of melted butter for dipping. You’ll want to whip this recipe out ahead of casual gatherings where people can peel and snack straight from the table.

21. Shrimp Boil Sheet Pan Dinner

For a stress-free shrimp recipe without the mess, waiting around or oversized pots, a shrimp boil sheet pan dinner is an easy solution. Potatoes get a head start in the oven before the corn, smoky sausage and shrimp are added in stages. As everything roasts, the ingredients caramelize and develop that familiar coastal-style flavor.

This shrimp recipe is perfect for when you want something festive and shareable but prefer an easier cleanup. Once it’s out of the oven, dish it out straight from the pan with extra melted butter, lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

22. Shrimp And Grits

Probably the most notable shrimp recipe in this lineup, shrimp and grits is the definition of Southern comfort, with smoky, buttery notes that hit your taste buds just right. The shrimp are typically cooked in a savory sauce with butter, bacon and smoky Cajun seasoning, then spooned over creamy grits. 

Shrimp and grits is a cozy dinner option that’s especially fitting for slow weeknight evenings when you want a shrimp recipe that’s soulful and indulgent. Serve it with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. 

23. Coconut Shrimp Curry

If you’re looking for a shrimp recipe that’s a little further from home, then coconut shrimp curry is a creamy and fragrant contender. You’ll find garlic, ginger, curry paste, curried shrimp and spices simmered in rich coconut milk to create a cozy weeknight dinner with more than its fair share of depth.

Although coconut shrimp curry doesn’t have a single origin, its variations are well known in both Indian and Thai cuisines. It’s especially delicious served over jasmine or basmati rice or with warm naan to soak up the delectable curry sauce. 

Here's our recipe for Coconut Shrimp Curry

24. Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro Lime Slaw

Shrimp tacos with cilantro-lime slaw are much brighter and fresher than classic shrimp tacos, with a distinct, sharp citrus kick and herby crunch leading the charge on the flavor front. The shrimp are typically lightly spiced and pan-seared, then paired with a piquant, creamy slaw featuring lime, cilantro and sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt.

On warm evenings, don’t forget to serve this shrimp recipe with lime wedges and extra sauce. It’s a great weeknight dinner when you want tacos that lean more toward “fresh market” than heavy street-style. 

25. Shrimp Burrito Bowls

If you’re scratching your head, wondering what to do with your otherwise forgotten frozen shrimp, then shrimp burrito bowls are a flavorful, build-your-own style dinner that turns them into an exciting meal.

This uncomplicated recipe calls for defrosted frozen shrimp seasoned with smoky spices, sautéed and set aside. It’s then layered with fluffy rice, beans, corn and fresh toppings for a bold, Tex-Mex flavor profile.

You can rely on this frozen shrimp recipe because it thaws and cooks quickly, making it a great option for last-minute meals. Serve it with a dollop of chipotle sauce and avocado to really bring the flavors home.

26. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Shrimp lettuce wraps are your answer to crunchy vegetables and a creative, healthy twist on carb-loaded wraps. The shrimp are cooked until opaque, then tossed in soy sauce and hoisin sauce that coats every bite in a glossy, sweet-and-tangy glaze. Once cooked, tuck the flavorful shrimp into crunchy lettuce leaves, add shredded carrots and top with a savory, umami-rich peanut sauce.

Add this light shrimp recipe to your weeknight dinner roster if you want an excellent low-carb option that doesn’t feel boring. It also cooks fast, so you won’t be standing around in the kitchen for too long.

27. Shrimp Caesar Salad

For a crowd-pleasing healthy shrimp recipe, if you’re looking for a significantly lighter dinner idea, shrimp Caesar salad is one to watch. The rich garlic-Parmesan, piquant flavors of homemade Caesar dressing perform a balancing act with cool, crunchy romaine, coupled with juicy shrimp, creating a satisfying combination.

The best part of this versatile shrimp recipe is that, whether grilled or seared, the shrimp turns a classic Caesar into a filling, dinner-worthy meal, perfect for when you’re not sure what’s for dinner. Add toasted croutons and Parmesan shavings before serving.

28. Shrimp Toast

Shrimp toast is a crisp, golden shrimp recipe that works just as well as a snack, appetizer or casual dinner with a few sides. It starts with white bread cut into small squares, then filled with a simple shrimp mixture made from shrimp, egg white, cornstarch, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper. The filling is pulsed into a mostly smooth paste with a few small chunks, then sandwiched between slices of bread and fried until golden and tender.

This is a great shrimp recipe when you want something fun, savory and a little more indulgent than the usual weeknight stir fry. The fried bread gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the shrimp filling stays juicy and flavorful. Serve shrimp toast with Sriracha aioli or your favorite dipping sauce, plus a cold beer if you’re making it for a relaxed gathering. It's one of the top Hong Kong foods from the comfort of your own kitchen. 

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Toast

29. Shrimp Burgers

Skip the beef entirely and go from land to sea with flavorful shrimp burgers. This shrimp recipe calls for shrimp, chopped or pulsed with breadcrumbs and formed into patties, then pan-seared until golden and served inside toasted buns with homemade or store-bought tartar sauce, slaw and lettuce.

This juicy shrimp recipe is savory and slightly sweet, and the zest of the tartar sauce takes things to the next level, so make it on nights when fresh comfort food sounds like your kind of evening. Add fries or sweet potato wedges to round out your nautical meal. 

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Burgers

30. Shrimp Nachos

For a little cheesy weeknight indulgence, shrimp nachos do not disappoint. This layered shrimp recipe features deliciously smoky, spiced and grilled shrimp woven between crispy tortilla chips and melted cheese. The salted tortilla chips and smoky, seasoned shrimp create a texture-filled, flavorful bite and can be served straight from the oven with your favorite toppings and a dollop of sour cream.

Shrimp Nachos work best as a crowd-pleasing appetizer and are the perfect snack to leave out for guests who graze, but you can also make this versatile shrimp recipe when a cozy night in with a good movie beckons.

31. BBQ Shrimp

Simple and straight to the point, you can’t go wrong with BBQ shrimp, especially with unapologetic NOLA flair. New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp is rich, buttery and pleasantly seasoned, with a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that’s worlds apart from traditional barbecue sauce. The shrimp are cooked in a skillet with butter, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and plenty of black pepper until they’re swimming in an umami sauce comparable to gravy.

Keep this shrimp recipe on hand for an indulgent weeknight dinner that’s messy in the best way possible, and serve it with crusty bread or pair it with fluffy rice.

32. Tuscan Shrimp

Savor the flavors of Tuscany without setting foot in an airport with homemade Tuscan shrimp. An ode to vibrant Mediterranean-style cooking with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and plenty of garlic, this sunny shrimp recipe is a must-try.

Sautéed shrimp are simmered in a luscious cream sauce with tomatoes and greens and served over rice, pasta or vegetables. It’s a fab choice for date nights when you want restaurant-level results without much effort or when you want a flavorful shrimp recipe with vegetables.

33. Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Bold, spicy and built around a garlicky tomato sauce, Shrimp Fra Diavolo brings heat without overpowering the shrimp's sweetness. The flavor of this shrimp recipe is fiery and aromatic, with chili flakes, garlic, white wine and herbs simmered into a hearty red sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.

Shrimp Fra Diavolo is usually served with pasta, most often spaghetti or linguine, but you can also savor it with couscous, vegetables or bread. There’s always a reason to make this mouthwatering shrimp recipe with sauce, from cozy dinners with a little excitement to hosting guests and showing off your skills.

34. Shrimp Risotto

Skip the fancy restaurant this weekday date night and settle for an equally refined yet approachable homemade shrimp risotto. The harmonious combination of juicy seared shrimp folded into impossibly creamy, Parmesan and lemon-kissed rice is downright irresistible. Make this upscale shrimp recipe on slower evenings when you want to enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to serve it with a light, crisp salad because the meal already speaks for itself.

Here's our recipe for Shrimp Risotto

35. Shrimp Paella

Shrimp paella is one of the better-known shrimp recipes. It has a reputation for savory, smoky, layered flavors, courtesy of saffron-infused rice, spices, seafood and garlic cooked together in one pan. While it may look impressive on the table, don’t let that discourage you if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. You can easily modify it for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.

Dish out this worldly shrimp recipe straight from the pan with lemon wedges and a simple salad on the side, and enjoy your homemade Spanish delicacy. And just remember, paella is all about the flavor of the rice, not how much protein you pack on top of it!  

36. Shrimp Pizza

Not everyone will see the vision, but shrimp pizza is a light and flavorsome shrimp recipe that turns pizza into a cheesy, slightly briny twist on a classic. The flavors of garlic butter shrimp, herbs and nutty ricotta offer indulgent, layered bites. It’s a great choice for pizza nights when you want to be adventurous with your toppings.

Add a drizzle of chili oil right out of the oven, then serve it with a simple salad to upgrade pizza night at home.

37. Shrimp Po’ Boys

This list of shrimp recipes wouldn’t be complete without an easy sandwich option to whip up midweek. This popular Mardi Gras food is crispy, savory and unapologetically satisfying, with battered crispy shrimp fried until golden before being tucked into soft French bread. It’s finished with a generous amount of remoulade sauce and fresh lettuce and tomatoes that cut through the rich, fried coating.

The flavors are bold and tangy, so consider this shrimp recipe when you want a sandwich with a bit of character. Serve it with fries, coleslaw or potato chips for a proper diner-style meal.

38. Shrimp Quesadillas

A briny twist on a classic, shrimp quesadillas are an effortless, family-friendly shrimp recipe that’s smoky, savory and oozing with cheese. Each quesadilla is made with shrimp sautéed in garlic, onions, bell pepper and spices, then layered with melted cheese in a tortilla and toasted until golden.

It’s an easy dinner for nights when the family wants something comforting and fast without relying on takeout. Break out the salsa, sour cream or guacamole for dipping when serving.

39. Shrimp With Garlic Lemon Sauce 

If a saucy shrimp recipe sounds like your kind of evening, shrimp with garlic-lemon sauce is a simple but flavorful option. It comes together in little to no time as shrimp are quickly sauteed with garlic and finished with lemon juice, butter and herbs to create a flavorful pan sauce.

If it satisfies you as is, you can eat it on its own, or serve it alongside roasted vegetables or over rice or pasta.

40. Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey walnut shrimp is a sweet, creamy and lightly crunchy shrimp recipe inspired by the popular Chinese-American restaurant dish. The shrimp are usually coated and fried until crisp, then tossed in a glossy sauce made with honey, mayonnaise and condensed milk before being topped with candied walnuts.

This is a great shrimp recipe for nights when you want something more indulgent than a simple stir-fry. The contrast between the juicy shrimp, creamy sauce and crisp walnuts gives it a takeout-style feel, but it still works well as a homemade dinner. Serve honey walnut shrimp over steamed rice with broccoli, snow peas or stir-fried vegetables to balance the richness.

Here's our recipe for Honey Walnut Shrimp

41. Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy, creamy and slightly spicy, Bang Bang Shrimp is made for sharing. The shrimp are usually coated and fried until golden, then tossed in a sweet chili mayo sauce with a little Sriracha heat. This is a great shrimp recipe when you want something with restaurant-style flavor, whether you serve it as an appetizer, tuck it into tacos or turn it into a rice bowl with cabbage, cucumber and green onions. For a lighter dinner, serve bang bang shrimp over lettuce or slaw so the creamy sauce has something fresh and crisp to balance it.

How To Cook Shrimp Without Making It Rubbery

As professional foodies, we see rubbery shrimp as a serious turn-off. It’s easy to fall into this trap since shrimp cooks quickly, and the biggest mistake is leaving it on the heat for too long.

1. Watch The Color And Shape 

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque with a slight curl. Don’t rely only on timing since size and cooking method can change everything. 

2. Do Not Overcrowd The Pan 

Give the shrimp space in the pan so they can actually sear. If they’re packed too tightly, they’ll steam instead, which isn’t ideal for achieving a golden edge unless your shrimp recipe calls for steaming.

3. Pull Shrimp Off The Heat Early 

Shrimp keeps cooking from residual heat long after you turn off the stove. Taking them off just before they look fully finished helps keep them juicy and tender instead of rubbery.

How To Choose Shrimp for Recipes

Choosing the right shrimp can make a big difference in how your shrimp recipes turn out. Fresh, frozen, peeled, deveined, tail-on and shell-on shrimp all have their place, but the best option depends on how much prep you want to do and what kind of dish you’re making. Before you start cooking, here’s what to know about buying shrimp for quick weeknight dinners, pasta dishes, stir-fries, tacos and more.

Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp

Frozen shrimp is often the most convenient choice for easy shrimp recipes because it keeps well, thaws quickly and can be ready whenever you need a fast dinner. It is also worth noting that much of the “fresh” shrimp sold in grocery stores has likely been frozen and then thawed for display.

Fresh shrimp can still be a good option if you are buying it from a trusted fishmonger or seafood counter and plan to cook it the same day. For most weeknight shrimp recipes, though, frozen shrimp is a practical choice that lets you keep dinner flexible. Just thaw it before cooking unless the recipe specifically says to cook the shrimp from frozen.

Peeled, Deveined, Tail-On or Shell-On Shrimp

For quick shrimp recipes, peeled and deveined shrimp are usually the easiest option. They save prep time and work well in shrimp pasta, shrimp stir fry, shrimp tacos, rice bowls and sheet pan dinners. Deveining also gives the shrimp a cleaner look, especially in dishes where shrimp are served whole.

Tail-on shrimp can look more polished for appetizers, grilled shrimp skewers, shrimp cocktail or dishes where presentation matters. However, tail-off shrimp are easier to eat in saucy recipes, pasta dishes, tacos and salads. Shell-on shrimp can add flavor when boiling, steaming or grilling, but they are less convenient for everyday dinners unless the recipe specifically calls for them.

What Size Shrimp Should You Buy?

Shrimp size is usually listed by count per pound, such as 16/20, 21/25 or 31/40. The smaller the number, the larger the shrimp. Large shrimp are a reliable all-purpose choice for most shrimp recipes because they are easy to cook, satisfying to eat and versatile enough for pasta, tacos, rice dishes and skillet meals.

Jumbo shrimp work especially well for grilled shrimp skewers, shrimp cocktail, appetizers and recipes where shrimp are the main focus. Medium shrimp are useful for fried rice, stir-fries, soups and saucy dishes where they are mixed with other ingredients. No matter which size you choose, keep an eye on doneness since smaller shrimp cook faster than larger ones.

What To Serve With Shrimp

1. Rice And Grains 

Make your meal more filling and help you soak up sauces more easily with white rice, brown rice, coconut rice, quinoa, farro, grits and couscous. You’ll have a solid base for both light and rich shrimp recipes. 

2. Pasta And Noodles 

Linguine, angel hair, rice noodles, ramen-style noodles and creamy pasta carry sauces well, be that garlicky, spicy or creamy and all pair naturally with shrimp. 

3. Vegetables And Salads

Broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini and spinach all complement shrimp without overpowering it. Caesar salad and simple green salads also work well as a light side to most shrimp recipes.

4. Tacos, Bowls And Wraps 

Build-your-own meal with tortillas, burrito bowls, lettuce wraps and coleslaw. They keep things fresh, customizable and easy for casual shrimp recipe dinners.

How To Store And Reheat Cooked Shrimp

1. How Long Cooked Shrimp Lasts 

Cooked shrimp has a shelf life of 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To give your shrimp a fighting chance on the freshness and texture front, keep it chilled as soon as it cools.

2. Best Way To Reheat Shrimp 

When you’re ready to turn your leftover shrimp into a reimagined dish, reheat it gently in a low-heat skillet rather than in the microwave. Otherwise, the rubbery shrimp you escaped in the cooking process will rear its ugly head.

3. Can You Meal Prep Shrimp? 

Shrimp is usually best cooked fresh because it takes just a few minutes on the stove or in the oven. That said, you can still meal prep everything around it, like sauces, rice, vegetables and marinades, then cook the shrimp right before serving for better results.

FAQs About Shrimp Recipes

What Is The Tastiest Way To Cook Shrimp? 

It really depends on the flavor you’re after. Garlic butter shrimp and shrimp scampi are rich and indulgent, grilled shrimp brings smoky char, Cajun shrimp adds spice and heat, and lighter sautéed shrimp is fresh and inviting. The “best” method is the one that matches your mood and shrimp recipe.

What Are Some Good Shrimp Dishes?

Some reliable go-to shrimp recipes include shrimp scampi, shrimp and grits, shrimp tacos, shrimp curry, shrimp stir-fry, shrimp fried rice and shrimp pasta. Each one has a distinct flavor style, whether you prefer rich and creamy, spicy or light and zesty.

What Can I Make With Frozen Shrimp?

While fresh shrimp has received plenty of praise, frozen shrimp has its uses. It’s a great addition to stir-fries, fried rice, pasta, tacos, rice bowls and sheet pan dinners. Just thaw it first unless the shrimp recipe specifically calls for cooking from frozen.

Is Shrimp OK To Eat With Heart Disease?

If you have heart disease or are following a heart-healthy diet, pay attention to preparation method, portion size, sodium and saturated fat from butter or cream-based sauces. Follow your clinician’s guidance for your specific diet.

Should You Rinse Shrimp Before Cooking? 

You can rinse shrimp if needed, but always pat them dry thoroughly, especially if the recipe calls for grilling or sautéing, as this helps them sear properly.

How Do You Know When Shrimp Is Cooked?

Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque, curls into a loose “C” shape and feels firm but still tender. 

Shrimp recipe dinners come together with just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, allowing you to move from “what’s for dinner?” to something flavorful on the table in minutes. Whether spicy is the flavor of the evening or you prefer a mildly creamy dish, these quick shrimp recipes make it easy to keep weeknights simple and take the repetitiveness out of cooking.

For even more ways to cook shrimp, get expert advice on Cozymeal.