These shrimp recipes make fast and healthy meals! Here are my favorite easy shrimp dinner ideas full of big flavor.
If you’re looking to eat a quick and healthy dinner, one of the best places to look is shrimp recipes! As a cookbook author who eats mostly a Mediterranean diet, I often make shrimp for dinner because it’s quick and our whole family loves it!
Shrimp can go from zero to dinner incredibly quickly. This protein cooks up in just 3 minutes (which must be some kind of a speed record!). It’s also juicy, flavorful, and satisfying.
Types of shrimp recipes
Below are the top shrimp recipes I like to make on a regular basis. There are all the basics, like sauteed shrimp, boiled shrimp, grilled shrimp, and baked shrimp. But there are also lots of creative ways to serve it!
You can use shrimp in rice bowls, stir fries, tacos, curry, or serve with pasta like everyone’s favorite, shrimp scampi. There are even shrimp appetizers like nachos, and even a good old fashioned shrimp boil. Here are the recipes I turn to first!
Our top shrimp recipes
Shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine: what could be better? Yes, it’s the Italian American shrimp scampi, a classic that’s 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 over pasta: either way, it’s divine.
Here’s an irresistible shrimp recipe you’ll want to make again and again…this Shrimp Rice Bowl! It got 5 stars in our house. Mix up a batch of cilantro lime rice, then top it with tender shrimp and a black bean and corn salad. This best part is a creamy, zingy chipotle ranch dressing that covers it all in 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? Here’s one with your name on it: this 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 it’s truly a revelation.
There’s nothing like the sweet savory combination of honey garlic glaze and juicy shrimp. The best part? 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 luscious shrimp linguine, a wow-worthy dinner ready in 30 minutes! This is one of our favorite ways to serve shrimp, and if you’re a shrimp lover like we are, it’s a must try. Plump, succulent shrimp are bathed in a vibrant lemon butter sauce that perfectly complements the al dente linguine.
This flavorful Tuscan shrimp recipe is THE perfect easy dinner! A meld of juicy shellfish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce, we also call it “Marry Me Shrimp.” Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a delicious meal.
Hold onto your hats—here’s quite possibly one of the fastest easy shrimp recipes around! This Old Bay shrimp takes less than 10 minutes and results in juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Add rice or pasta for a quick meal!
Shrimp are one of the simplest paths to a fast and easy dinner, and this recipe makes them taste irresistible in minutes. Try this Cajun Shrimp! Toss these babies with a little Cajun seasoning and sauté them up in a skillet. The flavor is so savory, garlicky and irresistible, you’ll hardly believe the prep time: it takes only 5 minutes to put together! Pair it with a quick veggie side or salad and you’ve got dinner.
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 with orzo, couscous or rice and it’s an explosion of flavor on your plate (or bowl).
Is there anything better than shrimp tacos? Combine them with chips, salsa, and frozen margaritas and we can’t think of much better. What we love about this easy shrimp tacos recipe is that it’s both fast dinner recipe for weeknights and entertaining: making it a double whammy.
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 this shrimp primavera. It’s 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.
We’re always looking for fun and healthy dinner ideas, and this one makes a splash: Shrimp Lettuce Wraps! They’re bursting with zingy flavor and crunchy veggies, and the creamy peanut sauce seals the deal. If you’re wary of eating your food in lettuce leaves, know that this one is so flavor-packed you won’t go away unsatisfied.
In need of a quick and easy dinner? Here’s an idea that’s so quick, simple and bursting with flavor, it will become a family favorite in no time: this Garlic Shrimp recipe! It’s 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, you’ll add this creamy shrimp pasta to your weekly dinner rotation! It’s ultra classic: juicy, savory shrimp and al dente pasta swimming in a creamy sauce. Try it with a white wine sauce or our easy cream sauce, a Parmesan-infused sauce that’s 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-to Marinated Shrimp Skewers! The flavors are bold, savory, and penetrate the tender, juicy flesh in a way that a simple seasoning can’t. Throw together a few pantry ingredients, no chopping required. Make them in the broiler and they cook in just 5 minutes!
Here’s a fun way to cook shrimp without all the hassle of a shrimp boil: try 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 seriously easy dinner. Pair this healthy shrimp recipe with cornbread and sautéed peppers and you’ve got a meal!
Here’s a go-to easy healthy shrimp recipe: shrimp stir fry! It’s 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 doesn’t love a lobster roll? So we wondered…why not make it with shrimp? Introducing…the Shrimp Roll! They’re 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.
Want an easy, tasty 30 minute shrimp recipe that’s a hit every time? Try these classic Shrimp Fajitas! This recipe will get rave reviews from everyone around the table. The fajita veggies 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: it’s delicious, a healthy lean protein, and so fast to cook. Instead of sautéing it, why not try baked shrimp in the oven? This method is so 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.
Try Shrimp Fra Diavolo! This Italian-style dish stars tender shrimp that swim in a garlicky, spicy tomato sauce. “Fra diavolo” translates to “brother devil” 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.
You can make just about anything into a burger, from chicken to seafood to vegetables. So why not try a 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, it’s a hearty meal that we like even better than its cousin the salmon burger.
This shrimp curry tastes better than a restaurant, but it’s 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 over jasmine rice 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!
Here’s a shrimp dinner idea to impress that doubles as an easy weeknight meal: try this Cajun Shrimp Pasta! This one scores major points with kids and adults alike at our table. It features irresistibly seasoned Cajun shrimp, colorful veggies, and a rich garlic Parmesan flavoring that lightly seasons the entire batch.
Looking for a fun shrimp recipe Try Shrimp Risotto! This Italian-style dish is full of bold flavor: juicy, succulent shrimp sit over a bed of creamy, Parmesan and lemon-scented rice. It’s great for impressing guests as a main dish, but it’s simple enough to work as a weeknight meal, too.
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 here’s an easy healthy shrimp dinner recipe ready to impress…Grilled Shrimp Salad! Each bite is a burst of flavor: smoky shrimp, savory feta and the tangy burst of a fresh tomato vinaigrette. Throw a few extra veggies on the grill, and you’ve got an impressive summer dinner in for all your patio meals. (You can also try this with baked or sauteed shrimp and veggies!)
Here’s a fast and easy dinner recipe that’s always a hit: 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? Here’s a seriously easy recipe for grilled shrimp, using a zesty lemon and savory garlic. It takes only 2 to 4 minutes to cook! There’s really nothing faster on the grill, and it makes for a simple, healthy shrimp recipe.
Shrimp on a pizza isn’t what might first jump to mind. But let us tell you: it’s a must try! The garlicky, buttery shrimp against creamy ricotta cheese is one of the best pizza topping combinations we’ve had in a while. It’s so satisfying, you’ll be hooked. It’s like shrimp alfredo on a pizza crust instead of noodles…which is just as good as it sounds.
This broiled shrimp is out of this world good. It's tender, juicy, and so fast to cook. You don’t even need to preheat the oven! It’s perfectly seasoned with garlic and lemon. Make it with or without a breadcrumb coating, which adds the perfect crunch. You’ve got to try this one! Perfect for dinner with rice and sauteed broccoli.
These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are perfect for an easy weeknight meal! This Tex Mex favorite is delicious in a skillet, but it’s 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 with lime crema, and it’s a total crowd pleaser.
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. It’s the perfect fast dinner for nights where you don’t want to think too hard, and you might already have many of the ingredients on hand.
Here’s a meal that’s special every time you serve it: a Shrimp Boil! This classic American seafood boil is one of our favorite meals to serve to a crowd because everyone always loves 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!
Here’s a recipe that has easy weeknight meal written all over it: 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. There’s 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: Shrimp Fried Rice! It’s 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. It’s one of our favorites for weeknight cooking…ever.
Here’s a shrimp recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again: blackened shrimp! Blackening is a Cajun cooking technique that’s all about the spices. Combine homemade blackened seasoning with grilled or pan-fried shrimp, and you’ve 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? Try this shrimp and broccoli! 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! It comes out beautifully tangy and fresh. It pairs perfectly with Mexican-style flavors: serve it with rice, an avocado salad, or in tacos. Or make it into a main dish salad topped with our cilantro dressing.
Here’s a fun idea for a fast and easy dinner! Pan-sear this large, juicy seafood with savory spices and it’s 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 (called pimentón in Spanish); it lends a sultry, smoky flavor that’s instantly addicting. Top the saffron rice with some tender, juicy shrimp and tangy artichokes, and you’ve got one gorgeous dinner.
This cold pasta salad 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!
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 or 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 “fresh is best.” 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 (& More Recipes!)
Pin Recipe
Print RecipeThis sauteed shrimp recipe comes out juicy and seasoned to perfection in 5 minutes! A quick and healthy dinner idea.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
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.
from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/iVyrcOY
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