15 Easy Shrimp Recipes for Effortless Weeknight Dinners

Cooking shrimp is a fantastic way to create quick and delicious meals. You can enjoy an array of easy shrimp recipes that will satisfy your cravings without spending too much time in the kitchen. Shrimp cooks fast and pairs well with a variety of flavors, making it a versatile choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Whether you prefer it grilled, sautéed, or tossed in pasta, shrimp can be prepared in minutes. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a delightful dish that your family and friends will love.

Get ready to explore some quick and tasty shrimp recipes that will elevate your cooking skills and bring joy to your dining table.

1) Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and quick dish you can whip up in just 20 minutes. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.

This recipe is versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer or over pasta for a main meal. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower instead.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for a minute.
4. Add the shrimp, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

2) Cajun Blackened Shrimp

Cajun blackened shrimp is a delicious and quick dish that’s full of flavor. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings.

Start by preparing your shrimp. Toss them with oil and a mix of Cajun spices for that signature kick. You can let them marinate or cook them right away.

Pan-sear the shrimp in a hot skillet. Aim for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are cooked through, juicy, and slightly charred. This creates a smoky flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

3) Spicy Thai Shrimp Curry

Spicy Thai shrimp curry is a delicious dish that’s packed with flavor. You’ll love how the creamy coconut milk and spicy curry paste work together. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare.

In a pot, heat oil and sauté garlic, ginger, and onions. Then, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Stir in the curry paste and coconut milk, letting it simmer for a few minutes.

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. Adjust the spice level by adding more curry paste if you like it hotter. Serve your curry over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: bell peppers, snap peas, or other vegetables

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until soft.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in curry paste and coconut milk.
5. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. Add vegetables if using and cook until tender.
7. Serve over rice and enjoy!

4) Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Grilled shrimp tacos are a tasty and quick meal that you can enjoy any night of the week. Using fresh shrimp, you can create a delicious dish packed with flavor.

Start by marinating your shrimp in spices to add a kick. Grill them until they are pink and tender. You can use corn or flour tortillas to hold your grilled shrimp.

Top your tacos with crunchy slaw and a creamy sauce for extra flavor. Fresh cilantro and lime juice make great additions too.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup cabbage slaw
• ¼ cup creamy sauce
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink.
4. Warm the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each.
5. Assemble the tacos with shrimp, slaw, and sauce.
6. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

5) Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta is a delicious dish that you can prepare in no time. The rich sauce pairs perfectly with shrimp and pasta, making it a family favorite.

To start, you will need fettuccini pasta cooked until al dente. Lightly season your shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor. In a skillet, cook the shrimp until they turn pink.

Next, prepare the creamy sauce using butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together so the sauce coats the pasta well. You can add garlic for an extra kick.

This dish is comforting and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how delicious it tastes!

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb fettuccini noodles
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika
• 1 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fettuccini noodles as per package instructions and drain.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until pink.
5. In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until combined.
7. Toss cooked pasta and shrimp in the sauce.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

6) Sriracha Lime Shrimp

Sriracha Lime Shrimp is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for dinner. You can make it in under 20 minutes, so it’s great for busy nights. The combination of spicy Sriracha and zesty lime creates a delicious taste.

Start by marinating your shrimp with lime juice, Sriracha, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soak in the flavors. Then, cook the shrimp in a hot pan for just a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

You can serve this dish with rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s also great as an appetizer for gatherings. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix Sriracha, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

7) Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers

Lemon herb shrimp skewers are a quick and tasty meal. You can grill them in just a few minutes. They make a great dish for gatherings or a simple dinner at home.

Start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This adds a burst of flavor. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 minutes for best results.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them for 2-3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and slightly charred when done.

Serve your shrimp skewers with your favorite sides for a delicious meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and cilantro.
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat.
3. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
5. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
7. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

8) Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

Honey garlic shrimp stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy nights. You get tender shrimp and crisp veggies, all coated in a delicious sauce. This dish is both satisfying and easy to make.

First, you marinate the shrimp in a mix of garlic, ginger, olive oil, honey, and soy sauce. After letting it sit, cook the shrimp and veggies together in a hot skillet.

This recipe is ideal to serve over rice or with a side of broccoli. You’ll love how fast and simple this meal is!

9) Coconut Shrimp with Mango Sauce

Coconut shrimp is a delicious and fun dish that’s easy to make at home. The crispy coconut coating adds great flavor and texture. Pair it with a sweet and tangy mango sauce for the perfect touch.

To make the mango sauce, blend mango with honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This dipping sauce will complement your shrimp wonderfully.

For the shrimp, coat them in a mix of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs before baking or frying. This keeps them crispy and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 mango, diced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Blend the mango, honey, lime juice, and salt for the sauce.
3. Mix the coconut and breadcrumbs in a bowl.
4. Coat the shrimp in the coconut mixture.
5. Bake shrimp for 15-20 minutes until golden.
6. Serve with mango sauce for dipping.

10) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a delicious Southern dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. You can make it in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. The combination of savory shrimp with creamy grits is worth trying.

Begin by cooking the grits according to package directions. If you prefer a rich taste, you can use chicken broth instead of water.

In another pan, cook shrimp with some butter and seasonings. You can add bacon for extra flavor if you like.

Serve the shrimp over the grits, and enjoy a hearty meal that feels special without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 cup stone-ground grits
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cooked bacon, cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
2. Stir in grits and reduce heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
4. Add shrimp, cooking until pink and opaque, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve shrimp over grits and top with seasonings or bacon if desired.

11) Garlic Parmesan Shrimp

Garlic Parmesan shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that can be made in about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple dinner party.

To make this dish, you start with fresh or thawed shrimp. You’ll season them with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The combination of flavors is rich and satisfying.

You can also add a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat. This will elevate the flavor and give it a nice kick.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place shrimp in a baking dish and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp are cooked through. Enjoy!

12) Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a simple and tasty dish you can whip up in no time. It’s perfect for using leftover rice and packed with flavors.

Start by frying shrimp until they turn pink. You can use medium white or pink shrimp for the best results. Then, add some colorful frozen vegetables like peas and carrots.

Next, stir in some garlic for extra flavor and toss in lightly beaten eggs. Mix everything with soy sauce and sesame oil for that authentic taste. It’s a quick meal that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C) and add olive oil.
2. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute.
4. Push shrimp to the side and add beaten eggs, stirring until cooked.
5. Mix in the rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
6. Stir everything together and heat for another 2-3 minutes. Enjoy!

13) Baked Shrimp with Lemon and Garlic

Baked shrimp with lemon and garlic is a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare. This recipe highlights the fresh flavors of shrimp combined with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic.

To start, you’ll need large or jumbo shrimp. When selecting shrimp, opt for raw, as it retains better texture and flavor.

The garlic lemon butter sauce enhances the dish. A simple mix of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic gives the shrimp a rich flavor.

Bake the shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. When done, the shrimp will turn pink and be opaque, making a beautiful and tasty meal.

Ingredients

• Extra-large raw shrimp
• Butter (salted or unsalted)
• Fresh garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Coat the shrimp with the mixture.
4. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until pink and opaque.

14) Shrimp Piccata

Shrimp Piccata is a quick and delicious dish that brings fresh flavors to your table. It features shrimp cooked in a zesty lemon sauce with capers. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering.

To make this dish, you will need only a few ingredients. Cook shrimp in butter and garlic, then add lemon juice and capers for a tasty sauce. You can serve it over pasta or with bread for a satisfying meal.

This dish cooks in about 20 minutes, making it easy and enjoyable. The bright flavors from the lemon and capers make shrimp shine. You’ll love how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink.
4. Stir in lemon juice and capers. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

15) Firecracker Shrimp

Firecracker shrimp are a delicious and spicy treat that you can whip up in just about 15 minutes. This dish features shrimp coated in a crispy layer and tossed in a tangy sauce.

Start by seasoning your shrimp with salt and pepper. Dredge each one in cornstarch before frying them in a hot skillet with oil.

For the sauce, mix together ingredients like chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha for a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce until well coated.

Serve your firecracker shrimp hot and enjoy this tasty dish!

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Oil, for frying
• 1/4 cup chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha

Cooking Instructions

1. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge shrimp in cornstarch.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Fry shrimp until golden, about 2-3 minutes.
5. In another bowl, mix chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha.
6. Toss the shrimp in the sauce and serve.