17 Easy Shrimp Recipes That Will Make Dinner A Cinch
Shrimp is my not-so-secret weapon for those chaotic nights when I’m absolutely starving but have zero energy—or patience—for a long kitchen saga.
These little ocean MVPs cook faster than I can find matching socks, pair with just about anything in the fridge, and somehow make dinner feel borderline elegant—even when I’m rocking pajamas and a messy bun.
Whether you’re team spicy, garlicky, buttery, or bold, these shrimp recipes are here to rescue your weeknights—and maybe even impress your taste buds in the process.
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Butter and garlic are shrimp’s best friends—I discovered this magical combo during a beach vacation when a local fisherman shared his go-to recipe. The zesty lemon brightens everything up while the butter creates a silky sauce that begs to be sopped up with crusty bread.
Simply melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in your shrimp. Cook until pink, squeeze fresh lemon, and sprinkle with parsley. Done in 10 minutes flat!
My kids call this “scampi for dummies” because I can practically make it with my eyes closed after a long day. The best part? One pan, minimal prep, maximum flavor—exactly what weeknight cooking should be.
2. Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Tropical vibes hit my kitchen the first time I made these crispy delights! The contrast between the crunchy coconut coating and juicy shrimp interior makes me feel like I’m on vacation, even when I’m just at my dinner table on a Tuesday.
Dredge peeled shrimp in flour, dip in beaten egg, then press into shredded coconut. Fry until golden brown (about 2 minutes per side) or bake at 425°F for a healthier option. The sweet chili dipping sauce adds the perfect tangy kick.
My neighbor actually thought I ordered takeout when she stopped by during coconut shrimp night! Little did she know this impressive-looking dish requires just 5 ingredients and about 15 minutes of actual work.
3. Sheet Pan Cajun Shrimp and Vegetables
Holy moly, the day I discovered sheet pan meals changed my entire cooking game! This Cajun-spiced number has rescued countless weeknights when I’m too tired to think but still want something that packs a flavor punch.
Toss peeled shrimp, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Spread everything on a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for about 10 minutes. The vegetables caramelize while the shrimp turns perfectly pink.
My favorite kitchen hack: line the pan with foil for literally zero cleanup. I’ve made this for unexpected guests who thought I’d spent hours cooking, when really I was just sipping wine and waiting for the oven timer to ding!
4. 15-Minute Shrimp Fried Rice
Leftover rice transforms into culinary magic faster than you can say “what’s for dinner” with this quickie recipe. I stumbled upon this solution during a fridge-cleaning mission and now deliberately make extra rice just for this purpose!
Sauté diced onions, carrots, and peas, then push to one side of the pan. Scramble eggs on the empty side, then mix in cold leftover rice and shrimp. Splash with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of rice vinegar. Stir-fry until shrimp is pink and everything’s hot.
Pro tip from my kitchen disasters: cold rice works WAY better than freshly cooked—it doesn’t clump or get mushy. This dish has saved me from hangry meltdowns at least a hundred times!
5. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Taco Tuesday gets a major upgrade with these zippy shrimp tacos! My first attempt at these was for a date night at home—let’s just say they were impressive enough to secure a second date with my now-husband.
Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, then quickly sauté until pink. Meanwhile, blend ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro for the coolest, creamiest sauce that perfectly balances the heat. Warm corn tortillas, add shrimp, top with avocado crema and crunchy slaw.
The beauty of this dish is in the contrasts—hot shrimp, cool crema, soft tortillas, crunchy vegetables. Even my picky nephew who “hates seafood” devours these without complaint!
6. Mediterranean Shrimp and Orzo Bowl
Mediterranean flavors make me weak in the knees, and this one-pot wonder combines all my favorites in a single bowl. The orzo pasta’s tiny shape cooks quickly and soaks up all the glorious flavors of the broth.
Cook orzo according to package directions, but add halved cherry tomatoes, spinach, and shrimp during the last 3 minutes. Stir in crumbled feta, lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. The residual heat wilts the spinach perfectly and cooks the shrimp to tender perfection.
I started making this when my friend was pregnant and craving something “fresh but cozy” (her words, not mine). Now it’s in my regular rotation because it feels simultaneously healthy and indulgent—plus it’s prettier than a restaurant dish!
7. Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Creamy, spicy, and utterly addictive—this pasta dish makes me feel like I’m committing some sort of culinary crime it’s so good! I first whipped this up after trying a famous restaurant chain’s bang bang shrimp and thinking, “This sauce needs to meet pasta, ASAP.”
Cook your favorite pasta while quickly sautéing shrimp. For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Toss everything together while still hot, adding pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. The heat from the pasta and shrimp slightly warms the sauce, creating the perfect consistency.
Fair warning: you might need to double this recipe. My family practically licks their plates clean and immediately asks when I’m making it again!
8. Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Sweet, sticky, garlicky goodness ready in less time than it takes to order delivery! This stir-fry saved me during a particularly busy work week when I needed something that felt like a proper meal but wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen all night.
Marinate shrimp briefly in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry your favorite vegetables (I use bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots) until crisp-tender, then add the shrimp with its marinade. The sauce caramelizes slightly, coating everything in a glossy, flavor-packed glaze.
My sister-in-law—who claims she can’t cook—mastered this recipe on her first try. That’s how foolproof it is! Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
9. Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Comfort in a bowl! This chowder came about during a chilly rainstorm when I needed something warm and satisfying but didn’t want to brave the grocery store. The sweetness of corn pairs beautifully with the brininess of shrimp.
Sauté diced bacon, onions, and celery until soft. Add corn kernels, diced potatoes, and chicken broth, then simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in half-and-half and add shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. The shrimp cook quickly in the hot soup, staying perfectly tender.
My grandma—the soup queen of our family—gave this her highest compliment: “I’d serve this to company.” From her, that’s basically a Michelin star! A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top makes it look fancy enough for guests.
10. Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti Squash Boats
Who needs pasta when you’ve got these adorable edible vessels? I created this recipe during a low-carb kick and was shocked when my carb-loving husband requested it three weeks in a row!
Roast halved spaghetti squash until tender, then shred the insides with a fork to create “noodles.” Meanwhile, sauté shrimp with garlic and mix with pesto sauce. Stuff the mixture back into the squash shells, top with a sprinkle of parmesan, and broil until bubbly.
The presentation wows dinner guests every time—they think I’ve gone all fancy-pants chef on them when really it’s just a clever vehicle for getting more veggies into our diet. Plus, eating dinner out of an edible bowl just feels fun, like you’re breaking some unwritten rule of adulting!
11. 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp
Fancy restaurant vibes with bargain basement effort—that’s my kind of cooking! This dish looks and tastes like something from a white tablecloth Italian place, but requires just five ingredients and about 15 minutes.
Sauté shrimp in butter with plenty of garlic. Add a jar of sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil) and a few handfuls of spinach. Once the spinach wilts, stir in some cream or half-and-half. The sun-dried tomatoes lend a rich, concentrated flavor that makes everything taste slow-cooked.
My mother-in-law actually asked for the recipe after I served this at a family dinner—a miracle of biblical proportions! She was shocked at how simple it was. Serve with crusty bread for soaking up that luscious sauce.
12. Shrimp and Pineapple Kabobs
Summer on a stick! These colorful skewers bring major tropical vibes to my backyard cookouts. The sweet pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill while complementing the savory shrimp.
Thread peeled shrimp, pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers. Brush with a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and garlic before grilling for about 2-3 minutes per side. The natural sugars in the fruits and vegetables create gorgeous grill marks and extra flavor.
My grill-master neighbor actually put down his fancy tools to ask how I made these when the aroma wafted over the fence! They’re perfect for entertaining because they cook quickly and look impressive with minimal effort. Plus, eating food on sticks is just more fun—that’s science.
13. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Laissez les bons temps rouler in your mouth with this spicy, creamy pasta that’ll transport you straight to New Orleans! I perfected this recipe after a memorable trip to Louisiana where I fell in love with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine.
Sauté bell peppers and onions, then add shrimp seasoned generously with Cajun spice blend. Once the shrimp are pink, pour in heavy cream and let it reduce slightly. Toss with cooked fettuccine or penne, adding pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
The kick from the Cajun seasoning is beautifully tempered by the cream, creating a balanced dish that’s neither too spicy nor too rich. My heat-averse friend described it as “spicy in a good way” – high praise from someone who usually finds black pepper too adventurous!
14. Greek Shrimp and Feta Skillet
Opa! This one-pan Mediterranean marvel was born from my obsession with Greek flavors and hatred of washing dishes. The combination of briny feta, sweet tomatoes, and succulent shrimp creates a flavor explosion that makes me want to smash plates (in celebration, not frustration).
Sauté onions and garlic, then add canned diced tomatoes, oregano, and a splash of white wine. Nestle in the shrimp, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and bake until the shrimp are pink and the feta starts to melt. The cheese gets slightly golden on top while staying creamy inside.
My vegetable-avoiding teenager actually picks this dish over pizza night—a miracle I attribute entirely to the irresistible tomato-feta sauce. Serve with crusty bread or over orzo pasta to soak up every last drop.
15. Shrimp Avocado Salad Wraps
Lunch just got a major upgrade! These wraps were born during a heatwave when I couldn’t bear to turn on any cooking appliance. Now they’re my go-to for light summer dinners that still pack a protein punch.
Mix cooked, cooled shrimp with diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and bell pepper. Toss with lime juice, olive oil, and cilantro. Spoon the mixture onto large lettuce leaves or tortillas and roll up for easy eating. The creamy avocado creates a natural dressing that binds everything together beautifully.
My favorite picnic hack: pack the shrimp mixture separately from the wraps and assemble on-site to prevent sogginess. These portable little bundles of deliciousness have fueled countless beach days, park outings, and impromptu backyard dinners under the stars.
16. Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry
Takeout fakeout at its finest! After calculating how much money I was spending on delivery, I challenged myself to recreate my favorite Chinese restaurant dish at home. The result? Better than the original, ready in 20 minutes, and way cheaper!
Stir-fry bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks until slightly caramelized. Add shrimp and cook until pink. For the sauce, mix pineapple juice, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce, then thicken with a cornstarch slurry. The tangy-sweet sauce glosses everything beautifully.
My daughter’s friend asked if we could “order from that restaurant again” next time she visited—she was floored when I revealed it was homemade! Serve over rice for a complete meal that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with delivery.
17. Shrimp and Grits Breakfast Bowls
Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast? This Southern classic works anytime of day! I first tried shrimp and grits during a road trip through Charleston and became obsessed with recreating the creamy, comforting dish at home.
Cook stone-ground grits with plenty of butter and cheese until creamy. Meanwhile, sauté shrimp with bacon, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. The bacon adds smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. Spoon the shrimp mixture over the grits and top with sliced green onions.
My Yankee husband was skeptical about grits until this dish converted him! Now he requests these bowls for special occasion breakfasts. The best part? Leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick workday lunch that’ll make your colleagues jealous.