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These shrimp recipes make fast and healthy meals! Here are our favorite easy shrimp dinner ideas full of big flavor.
If you’re looking to eat a quick and healthy dinner, these shrimp recipes are where it’s at! Shrimp can go from zero to dinner incredibly fastโthis protein cooks up in just 3 minutes (which is some kind of a record). It’s also juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.
As two cookbook authors who eat mostly a Mediterranean diet, we often make shrimp recipes for dinner because they’re so fast and our whole family loves them.
Types of shrimp recipes
Here are our top shrimp recipes we like to make on a regular basis. We’ve got all the basics, like sauteed shrimp, boiled shrimp, grilled shrimp, and baked shrimp.
There are also lots of creative ways to serve this shellfish. You can make it into rice bowls, stir fries, tacos, curry, or serve with pasta like crowd favorite shrimp scampi. There are shrimp appetizers like nachos, and even a good old fashioned shrimp boil. Let’s get started!
And now, our top shrimp recipes!
Shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine: what could be better? Yes, itโs the Italian Americanย shrimp scampi, a classic thatโs been stealing hearts and minds for decades. Juicy, garlicky shrimp swim in a rich, tangy butter sauce. Sop it up with crusty bread, or pour it overย pasta: either way, itโs divine.
Hereโs an irresistible shrimp recipe youโll want to make again and againโฆthisย Shrimp Rice Bowl! It got 5 stars in our house. Mix up a batch ofย cilantro lime rice, then top it with tender shrimp and a black bean and corn salad. This best part is a creamy, zingyย chipotle ranch dressingย that covers it all inย deliciousness.
This sauteed shrimp is so simple and tastes even better than good: it's truly great! The tender, juicy savory flavor is so remarkable, you won't be able to stop taking bites. We can't, and it's always a hit with our family. Here's our secret seasoning blend and exactly how to make what we think is the best sauteed shrimp.
Love a good seafood dinner? Hereโs one with your name on it: thisย tasty shrimp and rice skillet! Succulent, juicy shrimp sit atop a bed of fluffy rice flavored with garlic, dill and spinach. Give it a good sprinkling of feta cheese and a few spritzes of lemon juice, and itโs truly a revelation.
Thereโs nothing like the sweet savory combination of honey garlic glaze and juicy shrimp. The best part?ย It takes 10 minutes to make. This one is hits all the comforting, satisfying dinner idea notes with a lightning fast prep speed. This healthy shrimp recipe is also easy and delicious: an elusive trifecta that makes for the perfect dinner idea.
Need an easy dinner that tastes restaurant quality? Try this lusciousย shrimp linguine, a wow-worthy dinner ready in 30 minutes! This is one of our favorite ways to serve shrimp, and if youโre aย shrimp loverย like we are, itโs a must try. Plump, succulent shrimp are bathed in a vibrant lemon butter sauce that perfectly complements the al dente linguine.
Shrimp are one of the simplest paths to a fast and easy dinner, and this recipe makes them taste irresistible in minutes. Try thisย Cajun Shrimp! Toss these babies with a little Cajun seasoning and sautรฉ them up in a skillet. The flavor is so savory, garlicky and irresistible, youโll hardly believe the prep time: it takes only 5 minutes to put together! Pair it with a quick veggie side or salad and youโve got dinner.ย
A meal in a sheet pan never really gets old, does it? Try this Mediterranean Sheet Pan Shrimp dinner! Combine juicy shrimp with colorful Mediterranean veggies like cherry tomatoes and tangy artichoke, then top it off with a squeeze of lemon and a hearty sprinkle of feta cheese. Serve withย orzo,ย couscousย or rice and itโs an explosion of flavor on your plate (or bowl).
Is there anything better than shrimp tacos? Combine them withย chips,ย salsa, andย frozen margaritasย and we canโt think of much better. What we love about this easy shrimp tacos recipe is that itโs both fast dinner recipe for weeknightsย andย entertaining: making it a double whammy.ย
Add sauteed shrimp to Caesar salad and you've got a meal! This is one of our favorite ways to make a quick and easy dinner. Make it with our homemade Caesar dressing, but if you're running short of time store-bought works too!
Try pairing this juicy seafood with pasta and fresh vegetables in thisย shrimp primavera. Itโs like a classic pasta primavera with shrimp added, and smothered in a light creamy sauce, it makes a simple satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes.
Weโre always looking for fun and healthy dinner ideas, and this one makes a splash:ย Shrimp Lettuce Wraps! Theyโre bursting with zingy flavor and crunchy veggies, and the creamyย peanut sauceย seals the deal. If youโre wary of eating your food in lettuce leaves, know that this one is so flavor-packed you wonโt go away unsatisfied.
In need of a quick and easy dinner? Hereโs an idea thatโs so quick, simple and bursting with flavor, it will become a family favorite in no time: thisย Garlic Shrimp recipe! Itโs amazing what a little garlic, butter, and lemon juice can do for a pile of shrimp. Throw them in the pan and it makes absolute magic in under 15 minutes of prep time!
Here's a fun recipe starring this succulent seafood: Shrimp Nachos! It makes the best fun appetizer or simple dinner atop crunchy tortilla chips with a confetti of colorful toppings. You don't even need to cook the shrimp separately: throw them on top of the chips and bake!
With one bite, youโll add this creamy shrimp pasta to your weekly dinner rotation! Itโs ultra classic: juicy, savory shrimp and al dente pasta swimming in a creamy sauce. Try it with aย white wine sauce or ourย easy cream sauce, a Parmesan-infused sauce thatโs actually made with no cream at all. The flavor is restaurant quality but you can make it in 30 minutes.
Also try: Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
Try this go-toย Marinated Shrimp Skewers! The flavors are bold, savory, and penetrate the tender, juicy flesh in a way that a simple seasoning canโt. Throw together a few pantry ingredients, no chopping required. Make them in the broiler and they cook in just 5 minutes!ย
Hereโs a fun way to cook shrimp without all the hassle of a shrimp boil: tryย Old Bay Steamed Shrimp! Truth be told, this method is a combination of boiling and steaming: but it results in beautifully succulent, seasoned shrimp. Get this: the cook time is only 2 to 3 minutes! This easy preparation is fun and results in a seriouslyย easy dinner. Pair this healthy shrimp recipe withย cornbreadย andย sautรฉed peppersย and youโve got a meal!
Hereโs a go-to easy healthy shrimp recipe:ย shrimp stir fry! Itโs quick to put together and the umami-packed Easy Stir Fry Sauce is full of big flavor, Add your favorite vegetables to make a super-satisfying dinner that pleases everyone around the table.
Who doesnโt love a lobster roll? So we wonderedโฆwhy not make it with shrimp? Introducingโฆtheย Shrimp Roll! Theyโre a pinnacle of deliciousness: that savory, creamy tender filling encased by a warm, buttery bun. This recipe takes all the goodness of a lobster roll and makes it with more economical, easy to find shrimp.ย
Want an easy, tasty 30 minute shrimp recipe thatโs a hit every time? Try these classicย Shrimp Fajitas! This recipe will get rave reviews from everyone around the table. Theย fajita veggiesย are seasoned to perfection, and the shrimp are juicy and buttery. Throw them in a tortilla and spritz with lime, and each bite makes you want to do a happy dance.
Shrimp is a big winner around here: itโs delicious, a healthy lean protein, andย soย fast to cook. Instead of sautรฉing it, why not tryย baked shrimpย in the oven? This method isย soย easy and the shrimp come out juicy and perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs. Move over, all other shrimp recipes! This one is the perfect healthy, fast and easy dinner.
Tryย Shrimp Fra Diavolo! This Italian-style dish stars tender shrimp that swim in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce. โFra diavoloโ translates to โbrother devilโ in Italian, alluding to the intense heat of this dish. But make it homemade and you can customize the spiciness to taste! This healthy shrimp recipe is fast and easy, great for impressing guests but simple enough for a weeknight meal, too.ย
You can make just about anything into a burger, from chicken to seafood to vegetables. So why not try aย shrimp burger? Turns out, these succulent shellfish make a surprisingly juicy and satisfying patty. Slathered with a creamy sauce and served up on a bun, itโs a hearty meal that we like even better than its cousin theย salmon burger.ย
Thisย shrimp curryย tastesย betterย than a restaurant, but itโs a quick and easy dinner you can make at home! There is so much flavor going on here: rich coconut milk, aromatic curry paste, tangy lime and peppery basil surrounding tender, juicy shrimp. Serve it overย jasmine riceย and your friends and family will be singing your praises.
WOW is all we can say about this one. This shrimp and grits recipe will wow everyone at the table: we guarantee it. This recipe really is "world famous" and was blessed by Gordon Ramsey himself. And we cannot wait for you to taste these creamy grits, tender shrimp, and luscious veggie gravy!
Hereโs a shrimp dinner idea to impress that doubles as an easy weeknight meal: try thisย Cajun Shrimp Pasta! This one scores major points with kids and adults alike at our table. It features irresistibly seasonedย Cajun shrimp, colorful veggies, and a rich garlic Parmesan flavoring that lightly seasons the entire batch.ย
Looking for a fun shrimp recipe Try Shrimp Risotto! Thisย Italian-style dishย is full of bold flavor: juicy, succulent shrimp sit over a bed of creamy, Parmesan and lemon-scented rice. Itโs great for impressing guests as a main dish, but itโs simple enough to work as a weeknight meal, too.ย
Next up in our shrimp dinner recipes: sheet pan shrimp boil! Why not harness the magic of the shrimp boil for an every day meal? This shrimp boil in the oven is an easy way to make it on a weeknight: no large pot or fire required! What results is a seafood boil full of oven-roasted goodness. The shrimp is tender and the veggies have browned and caramelized goodness, seasoned with the nuance of Old Bay seasoning.
Fire up the grill, because hereโs an easy healthy shrimp dinner recipe ready to impressโฆGrilled Shrimp Salad! Each bite is a burst of flavor: smoky shrimp, savory feta and the tangy burst of a freshย tomato vinaigrette. Throw a few extra veggies on the grill, and youโve got an impressive summer dinner in for all your patio meals. (You can also try this with baked or sauteed shrimp and veggies!)
Hereโs a fast and easy dinner recipe thatโs always a hit:ย shrimp pesto pasta! Coat long noodles in silky basil pesto, then add juicy, succulent shrimp. Turns out, the garlicky pesto is the perfect pair for the savory pop of shrimp. It works just as well for a dinner party as a weeknight meal.
Next in our shrimp recipes: is there anything more delicious than succulent, garlicky shrimp right off the grill? Hereโs a seriously easy recipe for grilled shrimp, using aย zesty lemon and savory garlic. It takes only 2 to 4 minutes to cook! Thereโs really nothing faster on the grill, and it makes for a simple, healthy shrimp recipe.
Shrimp on a pizza isnโt what might first jump to mind. But let us tell you: itโs a must try! The garlicky, buttery shrimp against creamy ricotta cheese is one of the best pizza topping combinations weโve had in a while. Itโs so satisfying, youโll be hooked. Itโs like shrimp alfredo on a pizza crust instead of noodlesโฆwhich is just as good as it sounds.
Thisย broiled shrimpย is out of this world good. It's tender, juicy, and so fast to cook. You donโt even need to preheat the oven! Itโs perfectly seasoned with garlic and lemon. Make it with or without a breadcrumb coating, which adds the perfect crunch. Youโve got to try this one! Perfect for dinner with rice and sauteed broccoli.
Theseย Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitasย are perfect for an easy weeknight meal! Thisย Tex Mex favoriteย is delicious in a skillet, but itโs even more fun on a sheet pan. The shrimp comes out juicy and succulent, and everything is infused with an irresistible combination of spices. Wrap it up in a soft tortilla withย lime crema, and itโs a total crowd pleaser.ย
Looking for a fun, flavorful shrimp recipe? Try BBQ Shrimp! This quick and easy method makes a bold, tangy sauce for the shrimp to swim in, flavored with barbecue sauce and a few extras. Itโs the perfect fast dinner for nights where you donโt want to think too hard, and you might already have many of the ingredients on hand.
Hereโs a meal thatโs special every time you serve it: aย Shrimp Boil! This classic American seafood boil is one of our favorite meals to serve to a crowd because everyone alwaysย lovesย it. Boil up potatoes, corn, onions and shrimp in a flavorful broth, then dump them out onto a table lined with parchment paper. No plates, no silverware: just you, your hands and a can of Old Bay seasoning!
Hereโs a recipe that has easy weeknight meal written all over it:ย pesto shrimp! Turns out this bright green, garlicky sauce is the perfect pairing for this succulent shellfish. The two flavors go hand-in-hand, just like famous duos like tomatoes and basil. Thereโs no better use for a big patch of pesto than a pile of juicy, succulent shrimp.
This shrimp recipe is all about comfort food vibes:ย Shrimp Fried Rice! Itโs relatively healthy and over the top delicious. The garlic, ginger and soy sauce meld perfectly with the colorful veggies, bursts of shrimp and gooey bits of egg into a symphony of flavor. Itโs one of our favorites for weeknight cookingโฆever.
Hereโs a shrimp recipe youโll find yourself coming back to again and again: blackened shrimp! Blackening is a Cajun cooking technique thatโs all about the spices. Combine homemade blackened seasoning with grilled or pan-fried shrimp, and youโve got a mix of savory, herbal, and salty flavors that makes it over the top irresistible! You can grill it or cook on the stove, so it works for easy weeknight meals or grilled dinners on the patio.
Need an easy shrimp dinner recipe?ย Try this shrimp and broccoli!ย The pair are cooked with soy sauce and and rice vinegar until bright and savory. The contrast of the crisp tender broccoli against the juicy shrimp is really something. Serve it with rice or noodles to make it a complete meal that comes together quickly!
This cilantro lime shrimp recipe is packed with zingy flavor: and it takes less than 10 minutes to put together!ย It comes out beautifully tangy and fresh. It pairs perfectly with Mexican-style flavors: serve it withย rice, anย avocado salad, or inย tacos. Or make it into aย main dish saladย topped with ourย cilantro dressing.
Hereโs a fun idea for a fast and easy dinner! Pan-sear this large, juicy seafood with savory spices and itโs a beautiful piece of protein that looks fancy with little effort. Add a bit of bright green chimichurri, an Argentinean parsley and garlic sauce, to make the entire dish sing
Paella is a fabulous shrimp dinner idea that looks fancy but can be made on a weeknight, too. This paella with shrimp is as delicious as it is beautiful. What makes the dish is the smoked paprika (calledย pimentรณnย in Spanish); it lends a sultry, smoky flavor thatโs instantly addicting. Top the saffron rice with some tender, juicy shrimp and tangy artichokes, and youโve got one gorgeous dinner.
Thisย cold pasta saladย is creamy and herby, with retro vibes of picnics and potlucks. It stars tender baby shrimp and pasta shells, tossed with a creamy dressing, fresh dill, peas and crunchy veggies. Something about the flavor will keep you coming back for more!ย
Last up in our shrimp dinner ideas: grill 'em up on skewers! These skewers are stand-out delicious! The basic idea is thread the shrimp onto skewers and drizzle with olive oil and seasonings. Then just grill the shrimp skewers for 1 to 2 minutes per side! Serve them up on a bed of rice orย pesto quinoa.
Tips for buying shrimp
Lastly, a little note about what to look for when buying shrimp. In researching how to buy sustainable seafood, we’ve learned a few pointers:
- Look for wild caught if possible, or find a well-regulated farm. Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. There are also quality options in well-regulated farms; see Seafood Watch Consumer Guide.
- Frozen shrimp is also high quality. A myth about fish is that โfresh is best.โ As soon as an animal dies it begins to decompose; freezing suspends this process. If the shrimp is frozen when it was caught and stays frozen until it gets to your kitchen, it will be higher quality than a raw fish that has taken a week to get to your plate.
Frequently asked questions
There are many types to choose from! Popular ones include white shrimp, brown shrimp, pink shrimp, and tiger shrimp. Each has a slightly different flavor and texture. We like using tail on shrimp for most recipes.
Both options are great! Fresh shrimp often have a slightly better flavor, but high-quality frozen shrimp can be just as delicious. If you choose frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Deveining removes the dark intestinal tract. We recommend buying shrimp that are already deveined before making shrimp recipes. Only use shell on shrimp if the recipe calls for it.
Cooked shrimp turn opaque and a vibrant pink/orange color. They will also curl into a loose “C” shape.
Yes! Be sure to adjust cooking times as needed. Smaller shrimp cook faster than large ones.
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking and tough shrimp. Low heat on the stovetop or a quick warmup in the oven are usually preferred.
5 Minute Sauteed Shrimp
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This sauteed shrimp recipe comes out juicy and seasoned to perfection in 5 minutes! A quick and healthy dinner idea.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, deveined (tail on or peeled)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika (or substitute standard paprika)
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 3 lemon wedges
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Thaw the shrimp, if frozen. Pat the shrimp dry. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter on medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs.
- Spritz with juice of the lemon wedges and serve immediately.
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
It would be very nice if you had a metric vs. US measurement converter for those of us who live abroad.
I’d love to try some of your recipes, but the time to convert is quite time consuming.
Just a thought, Maya
Thank you! We will consider adding.
Let us know if you have any questions!