✔ Updated · now 50 shrimp dinners grouped by skillet, pasta, rice, curries, tacos and party food
Shrimp is my secret weapon for fast dinners: it cooks in minutes, soaks up any flavor and feels a little fancy. Here are 50 easy shrimp recipes, from garlic butter scampi to tacos, fried rice and curries.
The easiest shrimp dinners are garlic butter shrimp, shrimp scampi, Cajun shrimp, shrimp fried rice, shrimp tacos and shrimp stir-fry, all ready in 15 to 30 minutes. Shrimp cooks in 2 to 3 minutes per side, so thaw it under cold water, pat it dry, season boldly and take it off the heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque.
- Under 15 minutes: garlic butter shrimp, scampi, honey garlic shrimp, gambas pil pil.
- Family favorites: shrimp tacos, fried rice, Alfredo and bang bang shrimp.
- Healthy and light: broccoli stir-fry, cauliflower fried rice, shrimp salads and ceviche.
- For a crowd: shrimp boil, grilled skewers, jambalaya and shrimp cocktail.
Shrimp Basics: Buying, Thawing and Cooking
A few simple habits make every shrimp recipe better. Buy raw shrimp (frozen is great and often fresher than the counter), thaw it properly, and pull it off the heat the moment it turns pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp curl into tight, rubbery O shapes; perfectly cooked ones make a loose C.
- Quick thaw: put frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for 5 to 10 minutes, or seal the bag and submerge it in cold water. Or thaw overnight in the fridge. Never thaw at room temperature.
- Done when: the flesh is pink and opaque all the way through (145°F). Large shrimp take about 2 to 3 minutes per side in a hot pan.
- How much: plan on about 1/4 to 1/3 pound of peeled shrimp per person for a main dish.
- Leftovers: refrigerate within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently to 165°F.
| Size label | Count per pound | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 16/20 to 21/25 | Grilling, scampi, shrimp cocktail |
| Large | 26/30 to 31/35 | Pasta, stir-fries, tacos, most recipes |
| Medium | 36/40 to 41/50 | Fried rice, soups, salads, curries |
| Small | 51/60 and up | Dips, shrimp toast, fillings |
Quick Skillet Shrimp (15 Minutes or Less)
Shrimp cooks in 2 to 3 minutes a side, so these are the ones I reach for on busy nights. Here's the pro move: pat the shrimp really dry so they sear instead of steam.
1. Red Lobster-Inspired Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp sizzled in garlic butter, white wine and lemon with a pinch of chili. Spoon it over linguine or mop it up with bread.
Get the recipe →2. Garlic Butter Shrimp
The five-ingredient classic: butter, lots of garlic, lemon, parsley and shrimp. Ready in 10 minutes and gone in 5.
3. Gambas Pil Pil
Spanish shrimp sizzled in olive oil with sliced garlic, dried chili and smoked paprika. Serve it bubbling with crusty bread.
4. Honey Garlic Shrimp
Sticky, glossy honey, soy and garlic glaze clinging to every shrimp. Great over rice with steamed broccoli.
5. Cajun Shrimp
Shrimp tossed in paprika, garlic, cayenne and thyme, then seared in butter. Smoky, spicy and great with rice or corn.
6. Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy cornstarch-coated shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy chili mayo sauce. A takeout favorite you can make at home.
7. Shrimp and Grits
Creamy cheddar grits topped with shrimp, bacon and a garlicky pan sauce. Southern comfort in about 30 minutes.
Shrimp Pasta and Noodles
Shrimp and pasta are best friends: the shrimp cooks in the time the noodles boil.
8. Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
Spaghetti with shrimp, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, basil and a splash of olive oil. Bright and fresh.
9. Garlic Shrimp Alfredo
Linguine in a silky parmesan cream sauce with garlic shrimp. Rich, cozy and on the table in 25 minutes.
10. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Shrimp in a garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Serve over pasta, rice or crusty bread.
11. Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Spicy tomato sauce with red pepper flakes, garlic and shrimp over spaghetti. For anyone who likes a kick.
12. Wagamama-Inspired Pad Thai with Shrimp
Rice noodles stir-fried with egg, bean sprouts, tamarind-style sauce, peanuts and shrimp, plus a squeeze of lime.
Get the recipe →
13. Wagamama-Inspired Yaki Soba
Wok-tossed noodles with shrimp, chicken, egg, peppers and onions in a savory-sweet sauce. A copycat favorite.
Get the recipe →
14. Wagamama-Inspired Yaki Udon
Thick, chewy udon stir-fried with shrimp, curry oil, vegetables and crispy shallots. Big bowls, big flavor.
Get the recipe →15. 10-Minute Shrimp Noodles
Egg noodles tossed with garlic-ginger shrimp, scallions and a glossy soy and stock sauce. Faster than delivery.
16. Shrimp Ramen
Spiced broth, springy ramen noodles, seared shrimp, soft-boiled egg and greens. A cozy bowl in 20 minutes.
Rice Bowls, Stir-Fries and One-Pot Dinners
One pan, one pot, dinner done. Leftover rice makes the best fried rice, so cook a big batch earlier in the week.
17. Shrimp Fried Rice
Day-old rice fried with shrimp, egg, peas, carrots and soy sauce. Better than takeout and ready in 15 minutes.
18. Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice
Sweet pineapple chunks, shrimp, cashews and curry powder. Serve it in a hollowed pineapple to impress guests.
19. Shrimp Stir Fry
Shrimp with crunchy red peppers, snap peas, pineapple and a sweet-savory ginger sauce. Serve over jasmine rice.
20. Broccoli and Shrimp Stir Fry
Crisp-tender broccoli and shrimp in a garlicky brown sauce. A healthy weeknight staple with only one pan to wash.
21. Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice
Pulsed cauliflower stands in for rice, fried with shrimp, egg and scallions. Light, low-carb and quick.
22. Kung Pao Shrimp
Shrimp, peanuts, dried chilies and peppers in a tangy, spicy Sichuan-style sauce. Takeout flavor at home.
23. Hibachi Shrimp
Shrimp seared on a hot griddle or skillet with garlic butter and soy. Serve with fried rice and yum yum sauce.
24. Shrimp Paella
Saffron rice simmered with shrimp, peppers, peas and smoked paprika until a crispy crust forms on the bottom.
25. Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Spicy Louisiana-style rice with shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, onion and celery. A one-pot crowd-pleaser.
Shrimp Curries, Soups and Stews
Add the shrimp at the very end of any curry or soup. They only need 3 to 4 minutes in the hot liquid.
26. Shrimp Coconut Curry
Onion, garlic, ginger, garam masala and turmeric simmered with coconut milk and shrimp. Fragrant and mild.
27. Thai Red Curry Shrimp
Red curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, basil and shrimp. Adjust the heat with more or less paste.
28. King Prawn Pathia
A British-Indian restaurant curry that's hot, sweet and sour all at once, with jumbo shrimp.
29. Brazilian Shrimp Stew (Moqueca)
Shrimp simmered with tomatoes, peppers, coconut milk and lime. Bright, creamy and great over rice.
30. Shrimp Gumbo
A dark roux, the holy trinity of onion, celery and pepper, okra and shrimp. Deep, smoky Louisiana comfort food.
31. Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp
Hot and sour Thai broth with lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, mushrooms and shrimp. Light but full of flavor.
Shrimp Tacos and Mexican-Style Favorites
Taco night is shrimp night in my kitchen. Season boldly and finish with lime.
32. Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
Smoky chipotle shrimp in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw, avocado and a creamy lime sauce.
Get the recipe →33. Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Cumin-rubbed grilled shrimp with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo and sour cream. Pile on your favorite toppings.
34. Mexican Shrimp Tostadas
Crispy tostadas topped with refried beans, chili-lime shrimp, lettuce, avocado and cotija cheese.
35. Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp, peppers and onions seared with fajita spices, served sizzling with tortillas and all the toppings.
36. Shrimp Ceviche
Poached, chilled shrimp tossed with lime, tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño and avocado. Serve with tortilla chips.
37. Jerk Shrimp
Shrimp in a spicy Caribbean marinade of scotch bonnet, allspice, thyme and lime. Serve with rice and peas.
Grilled, Fried and Party Shrimp
These are the ones that disappear first at a party, so make extra.
38. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp marinated in garlic, lemon and herbs, then grilled 2 to 3 minutes per side. Great for summer cookouts.
39. Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp coated in shredded coconut and panko, fried or air fried until golden. Serve with sweet chili sauce.
40. Shrimp Boil
Shrimp, corn, red potatoes and smoked sausage boiled with Old Bay-style seasoning, then poured out on the table.
41. Shrimp Cocktail
Chilled poached shrimp with a tangy horseradish cocktail sauce. A classic party appetizer that never goes out of style.
42. Sesame Shrimp Toast
Minced shrimp spread on bread, coated in sesame seeds and fried until crisp. A dim sum-style snack.
43. Thai Shrimp Cakes (Tod Mun Goong)
Chopped shrimp patties coated in panko and fried until golden. Dip them in sweet chili sauce.
44. Dynamite Sushi Roll
Shrimp tempura rolled with avocado and cucumber, topped with spicy mayo. A sushi-night showstopper.
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45. Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Crepes)
Crispy turmeric rice-flour crepes filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts. Wrap in lettuce and dip.
Get the recipe →46. Shrimp Po' Boy
Crispy fried shrimp on a soft French roll with lettuce, tomato, pickles and creamy remoulade.
Shrimp Salads and Sandwiches
Cooked, chilled shrimp turns a simple salad into a real meal.
Planning a seafood night? See what to serve with coconut shrimp for easy sides, or our simple rice recipes to go underneath.
47. Crispy Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Honey-soy marinated shrimp rolled in coconut and fried, served over juicy watermelon, mint and feta.
48. Citrus Shrimp Avocado Salad
Shrimp with orange and grapefruit segments, avocado and a light citrus dressing. Bright and summery.
49. Asian Shrimp Salad
Shredded green papaya or cabbage, cucumber, herbs and shrimp in a lime, fish sauce and chili dressing.
50. Shrimp Marie Rose Sandwiches
Cold shrimp in a tangy-sweet pink seafood sauce, piled into soft bread with crisp lettuce. Picnic perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest shrimp recipe for dinner?
Garlic butter shrimp is the easiest: melt butter with garlic, add seasoned shrimp, cook 2 to 3 minutes per side, then finish with lemon and parsley. Serve it over pasta, rice or with crusty bread. Shrimp scampi and Cajun shrimp are just as quick.
How do you know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque all the way through, with no gray translucent flesh, and reaches 145°F. Cooked shrimp curl into a loose C shape; a tight O shape usually means they are overcooked and will be rubbery.
Can you cook shrimp from frozen?
Yes, especially in soups, curries and pasta sauces, but they cook more evenly if you thaw them first. The quickest way is a colander under cold running water for 5 to 10 minutes. Pat them dry before searing so they brown instead of steaming.
What goes well with shrimp for dinner?
Rice, pasta, grits, tortillas and crusty bread all work, plus vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, corn, zucchini or a green salad. Garlic, lemon, butter, chili, coconut and Cajun spices are classic shrimp flavors.
How much shrimp do I need per person?
For a main dish, plan on about 1/4 to 1/3 pound of peeled shrimp per person, or around 6 to 8 large shrimp. For an appetizer like shrimp cocktail, 3 to 4 large or jumbo shrimp per person is usually enough.
