10+ Shrimp Recipes to Make Your Dinner Delicious and Easy

Shrimp’s one of those ingredients that just makes dinner feel a bit special—plus, it cooks super fast. You’ll spot shrimp in everything from laid-back meals to fancier plates.

Honestly, cooking shrimp at home is a breeze, even if you’re not exactly a pro.

Here’s a bunch of shrimp recipes for all sorts of moods and occasions. Maybe you want a quick dinner, or you’re hoping to impress someone. Shrimp’s got you covered either way.

1) Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is that weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. Just shrimp, butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon—nothing fancy, but it hits the spot.

You’ll have dinner on the table in about 5 minutes, tops. Serve it over pasta or rice, or grab some bread to mop up the buttery goodness.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. The flavor is simple but so good.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cleaned and deveined shrimp
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for a minute until it smells amazing.
3. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink.
4. Pour in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt.
5. Give it another minute or two, then pull off the heat.
6. Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy and eat right away.

Want more inspiration? Check out Dinner at the Zoo’s garlic butter shrimp.

2) Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp is one of those meals that feels like you put in more effort than you did. Sweet honey, savory garlic, and a sticky sauce that clings to every bite.

You can throw it together in about 20 minutes. Serve it with rice, veggies, or even toss it on a salad if you’re feeling light.

Most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. The shrimp soak up the sauce and stay juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium.
2. Add garlic and ginger, cook about a minute.
3. Toss in shrimp, cook until pink—2-3 minutes per side.
4. Mix honey and soy sauce, then pour over shrimp.
5. Stir to coat and let it bubble for a couple minutes.
6. Serve warm with your favorite side.

Need a walkthrough? Here’s a 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe.

3) Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp scampi pasta is perfect when you want something bright but not heavy. Shrimp get tossed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with lemon and a splash of white wine.

The whole thing comes together fast. Toss it with angel hair or linguine to soak up every drop.

A sprinkle of parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes gives it a little extra pop.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 8 oz angel hair or linguine pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta, drain, and set aside.
2. Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium.
3. Add garlic, cook for a minute.
4. Toss in shrimp, season with salt and pepper, cook 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Pour in wine, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Combine shrimp and sauce with pasta.
7. Garnish with parsley if you want, and serve.

Want to see how it’s done? The Pioneer Woman has a version.

4) Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Spicy garlic shrimp is for those nights you want something bold but don’t have much time. Garlic and chili flakes bring the heat, and the shrimp cook up in no time.

Just toss everything in a hot pan and finish with a squeeze of lemon. It’s bright, spicy, and a little smoky.

Serve it over rice, pasta, or next to a crisp salad. Check out the full recipe here.

Ingredients

• 20 shrimp or prawns, peeled and deveined
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
2. Add garlic and chili flakes, cook until garlic’s golden—about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and salt, cook 3-4 minutes until shrimp are pink.
4. Stir in lemon juice, cook 30 seconds more.
5. Serve hot.

5) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is Southern comfort in a bowl. Creamy, cheesy grits make the base, and you top them with shrimp sautéed in Cajun spices or garlic.

A little bacon or butter with the shrimp adds depth. The meal comes together fast but feels like a treat.

If you can, grab stone-ground grits and fresh shrimp—they make a difference.

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ounces white cheddar cheese
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 slices bacon (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water with salt, then stir in grits.
2. Turn heat to low and cook until thick, about 20 minutes.
3. Mix in butter and cheddar until melted.
4. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
5. Sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning in the same skillet, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Crumble bacon back in with the shrimp.
7. Serve shrimp and bacon over the cheesy grits.

6) Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are a go-to for a quick, fun dinner. Start with seasoned shrimp, then wrap them in warm tortillas.

Pile on crunchy cabbage or slaw for texture. A creamy garlic-lime sauce adds a zesty kick.

Top with pico de gallo or salsa if you’re in the mood. You can grill or pan-cook the shrimp—either way works.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
• 1/2 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning or taco seasoning
• 4 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw
• 1/4 cup cotija cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup garlic-lime crema or sour cream mixed with lime juice
• Pico de gallo or salsa for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss shrimp with seasoning.
2. Heat a pan over medium-high and cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Warm tortillas separately.
4. Build tacos: shrimp, cabbage, cheese, sauce.
5. Add pico or salsa if you like.
6. Eat right away.

Curious? Here’s an easy shrimp tacos recipe.

7) Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a solid way to use up leftover rice. Everything cooks in one pan—shrimp, veggies, and eggs come together fast.

Peas, carrots, and green onions add color and crunch. Soy sauce ties it all together without making it heavy.

You get that takeout vibe, but it’s fresher and you know what’s in it. Frozen shrimp and whatever veggies you’ve got work just fine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green onions)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high.
2. Cook shrimp until pink, about 2 minutes per side, then set aside.
3. Sauté veggies for 2-3 minutes.
4. Push veggies aside, scramble eggs on the empty side.
5. Add rice, shrimp, and soy sauce. Stir and cook 3-4 minutes.
6. Season and serve warm.

8) Shrimp Quesadillas

Shrimp quesadillas are a cheesy, melty way to enjoy seafood. Fill tortillas with seasoned shrimp, onions, and bell peppers for a quick meal.

You’ll love the crispy outside and gooey inside. Toss on some cilantro or avocado if you’re feeling it.

Looking for more? Try these shrimp quesadilla recipes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cilantro, avocado, lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper.
3. Add onions and bell peppers to the same pan. Sauté until soft.
4. Take the shrimp and veggies out and set them aside for a minute.
5. Grab a tortilla, then pile on the shrimp, veggies, and cheese.
6. Place another tortilla on top.
7. Put it all in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden—should take about 3 minutes per side.
8. Slice into wedges. Serve with whatever toppings you like.

9) Shrimp Salad Stuffed Tomatoes

Shrimp salad stuffed tomatoes hit the spot when you’re craving something fresh. Just boil some shrimp—or go with pre-cooked if you’re in a rush.

Chop the shrimp and mix it with green onions, capers, and a bit of mayonnaise. You’ll end up with a creamy, tangy filling.

Slice the tops off ripe tomatoes, then scoop out the seeds and pulp. Fill each tomato with the shrimp salad.

Let them chill in the fridge for about half an hour. The flavors meld together, and the tomatoes stay nice and cool.

This meal works great on a warm day or when you want something light but satisfying. A little lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs? Totally up to you.

Ingredients

• 16 oz boiled and chopped shrimp
• 1/2 bunch green onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons capers
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 8 vine-ripened tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil shrimp if they aren’t already cooked. Drain and chop them up.
2. Mix shrimp, green onions, capers, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
3. Cut the tops off the tomatoes. Scoop out the seeds and pulp.
4. Spoon the shrimp salad into each tomato.
5. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

If you want more ideas or tweaks, check out this shrimp salad stuffed tomatoes recipe.

10) Shrimp Etouffee

Shrimp Etouffee is a classic New Orleans dish. It’s loaded with a thick, flavorful sauce, juicy shrimp, and plenty of fresh veggies.

You’ll get a nice kick from the mix of spices, and the sauce is rich with just the right touch of heat. The base starts with a roux—flour and oil cooked together until golden.

Then you toss in onions, bell peppers, and celery. Folks call this trio the “holy trinity” in Cajun kitchens.

The shrimp cook fast and soak up all that goodness. Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up if you follow the basics.

Spoon it over rice, and you’ve got a meal that’s both bold and comforting. It’s one of those dishes that just feels like home.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or lard
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 large celery rib, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
• Cajun seasoning to taste
• Cooked white rice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and cook until the roux turns brown.
3. Add onions, celery, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic. Let them cook until soft.
4. Pour in stock and stir. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, usually around 5 minutes.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Want to dive deeper? Check out a detailed Shrimp Étouffée recipe here.