10+ Healthy Shrimp Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Shrimp’s a go-to for anyone who wants a tasty meal that doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. It’s light on calories, high in protein, and honestly, it just feels like a smart choice if you’re trying to eat better.

Healthy shrimp recipes let you enjoy flavor-packed food while still keeping things light and nutritious.

You can toss shrimp into your routine in lots of ways—quick dinners, snacks, you name it. Most recipes keep things fresh and simple, with just enough spice to make each bite interesting.

Whether you’re in a rush or want something a little special, shrimp’s got your back.

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Ingredients

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Your choice of fresh vegetables or grains

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse shrimp and pat dry.
2. Heat olive oil or spray a pan with cooking spray over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
5. Serve with vegetables, rice, or salad as preferred.

1) Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is about as easy as it gets. You get plump shrimp, fresh veggies like broccoli and peas, and a sauce that hits all the right notes—honey, garlic, soy, a little ginger.

You can cook everything in one pan, so cleanup’s a breeze. Perfect for those nights when you want something tasty but don’t want to fuss.

The sweet and savory sauce just clings to the shrimp and veggies. The shrimp cooks super fast, so keep an eye on it.

You’ll notice the honey’s sweetness and the garlic’s little punch—nice combo.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas or green peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Marinate shrimp in the sauce for 10–15 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
5. Stir fry broccoli and peas for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Return shrimp to the pan, pour the remaining sauce over, and cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

For more details on this recipe, try the honey garlic shrimp stir fry from I Wash You Dry.

2) Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa

Garlic shrimp with quinoa is quick, healthy, and totally doable even if you’re not a kitchen pro. The shrimp gets a boost from fresh garlic and lemon—bright, simple, and satisfying.

Quinoa adds some protein and fiber, so you won’t be hungry an hour later. You can make everything in one pan if you want to keep dishes to a minimum.

This is the kind of meal that works for a busy weeknight. The flavors are mellow, nothing too wild.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and cook it in 2 cups of water or broth over medium heat until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
5. Stir in lemon juice and combine shrimp with cooked quinoa.
6. Serve warm.

3) Cajun Spiced Shrimp

Cajun spiced shrimp is a fast way to get a big punch of flavor. You just need a few spices—paprika, garlic powder, cayenne—and you’re off.

This dish is great over rice, salad, or even tucked in a tortilla if you’re feeling it. The seasoning brings a little heat, but you can dial it up or down.

Cooking shrimp right keeps it juicy, and you can pan-fry or grill them for easy cleanup. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work, and a bit of butter never hurts.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Toss the shrimp in the spice mix until fully coated.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
4. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and firm.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

4) Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Lemon garlic shrimp is one of those meals you can whip up on any random night. The combo of fresh garlic and lemon juice just works.

You cook the shrimp quickly in a skillet with a bit of butter and olive oil. This recipe takes maybe 10 minutes from start to finish.

Serve it with rice, pasta, or a salad. The lemon zest and a sprinkle of red pepper give it a little something extra.

If you want a protein-packed dinner that’s simple and bright, this is it. You can check out Healthy Lemon Garlic Shrimp for a similar idea.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

5) Shrimp Fried Rice with Egg Whites

This shrimp fried rice skips the yolks and uses egg whites to keep things lighter. You still get plenty of protein, and the shrimp adds a nice punch.

Toss in veggies like carrots, snow peas, and red onion for color and crunch. A little soy sauce gives the right amount of flavor.

It’s quick, filling, and a clever way to make fried rice without loading up on fat. Sometimes, you just want comfort food without the guilt.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 cup egg whites
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Cooking spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan and spray with cooking spray.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add onions, carrots, and snow peas; stir for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in egg whites and cook until set.
5. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well and heat through.

6) Smokin’ Shrimp Skewers

Smokin’ shrimp skewers are perfect if you want something healthy that actually feels fun to eat. The grill or smoker gives the shrimp a smoky flavor and keeps them juicy.

Marinate the shrimp in spices and lime juice. This keeps them tender and full of flavor.

The skewers cook up fast, usually in about 10 minutes. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.

You can use a grill or a pellet smoker—just keep an eye out so the shrimp don’t get rubbery.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
3. Heat grill or smoker to 350°F (175°C).
4. Cook shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

7) Shrimp Wraps with Mexican Green Sauce

Shrimp wraps with a fresh Mexican green sauce? Yes, please. The sauce comes together fast—just blend tomatillos, green chiles, garlic, and cilantro.

It’s tangy, a little spicy, and works perfectly with juicy shrimp. Cook the shrimp quickly with garlic and a splash of lime.

Wrap everything up in a tortilla or pita. Add some avocado or slaw if you’re feeling fancy.

These wraps are light, tasty, and you can get them on the table in about 15 minutes. Easy to tweak with your favorite veggies, too.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1-2 green chiles (like serrano), seeded if you want less heat
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 4 tortillas or pita breads
• 1 avocado (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Puree tomatillos, green chiles, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice until smooth.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
4. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Toss shrimp with half the green sauce.
6. Warm tortillas or pita bread.
7. Assemble wraps with shrimp, more green sauce, and optional avocado slices.
8. Serve immediately.

For more details on the sauce, you can check Shrimp with Green Chiles & Avocado-Tomatillo Sauce.

8) Quick Shrimp and Vegetable Salad

This salad is a fast, healthy meal you can whip up any day. Just roast or grill shrimp and toss them with crisp veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and whatever greens you’ve got.

The bright flavors make it a solid pick for lunch or dinner. A simple dressing—olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—pulls it all together.

It’s light but still filling, which is exactly what you want when you’re craving something fresh and quick. If you feel like experimenting, try adding grilled zucchini or corn for a smoky twist.

Pre-cooked shrimp work too if you want to save even more time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, or romaine)
• 1 zucchini, sliced (optional)
• 1 ear corn, cut into kernels (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get a grill going.
2. Toss shrimp, zucchini, and corn with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast or grill the shrimp and veggies for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque.
4. In a big bowl, add mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and the cooked shrimp and veggies.
5. Whisk together lemon juice, the rest of the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve right away.

9) Spicy Chili Lime Shrimp

You’ll love how quick and tasty spicy chili lime shrimp can be. This dish mixes zesty lime juice with a hit of chili powder for a little kick.

It’s perfect for a light dinner, or even as an appetizer if you’re having people over. The shrimp cook super fast—about 10 minutes, tops.

You can bake or sauté them, whatever’s easier for you. Letting the shrimp marinate for a few minutes really boosts the flavor.

Try squeezing fresh lime juice over the top after cooking for extra brightness. If you’re in the mood, whip up a quick avocado crema with avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy dip.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: avocado, cilantro for crema

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a pan on medium-high.
4. Bake shrimp for 8-10 minutes or sauté for 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re pink and cooked through.
5. Serve warm, and add avocado crema if you want.

For more details on how to make this dish, check out this easy chili lime shrimp recipe.

10) Weight Loss Jumbo Shrimp Dinner

You can make a tasty shrimp dinner that helps with weight loss by keeping it simple and healthy. Jumbo shrimp are low in calories and high in protein, so you’ll stay full longer without piling on extra calories.

Cook the shrimp with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for flavor without extra fat. Pair with steamed veggies or a light salad for a meal that actually feels satisfying.

This dinner comes together in about 15 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it smells amazing.

3. Throw the shrimp into the pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink.

4. Squeeze some lemon juice over the shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley.

5. Serve right away alongside your favorite steamed veggies.

If you’re hunting for more healthy shrimp dinner ideas, check out these weight loss shrimp recipes.