Shrimp recipes are ideal for fast and healthy meals! Here are the best shrimp dinner ideas that are easy and full of big flavor.
If you’re looking to eat a quick and healthy dinner, shrimp is where it’s at! Shrimp can go from zero to dinner incredibly fast: it cooks up in just 3 minutes! It’s also juicy, flavorful, and seriously satisfying. The best shrimp recipes for dinner play on the quick and simple nature of cooking this juicy crustacean. This list includes both healthy shrimp recipes and simple, crowd-pleasing spins (like pasta and scampi). Ready for our go-to shrimp dinner ideas?
Looking for the basics? Here’s how to make sauteed shrimp, boiled shrimp, grilled shrimp, and baked shrimp. Make these shrimp appetizers, or learn how to quickly thaw shrimp.
And now: 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.
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.
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).
With one bite, you’ll add this to your weekly dinner rotation: Creamy Shrimp Pasta! 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 style good, but you can make it in about 30 minutes. Dinner time win.
Is there anything better than shrimp tacos? And it’s not just the flavor, it's the vibe: carefree and celebratory. Combine shrimp tacos with chips, salsa, and frozen margaritas and we can’t think of much better. (Except please also add refried bean dip. Please and thank you!) 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.
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!
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.
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.
How to buy high quality shrimp: a few tips
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.
40 Easy Shrimp Recipes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This shrimp scampi recipe is pure bliss and made in minutes! Sauté shrimp and toss with a luxurious lemony garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp*, deveined (tail on or peeled)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ cup finely minced white onion
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Pino Grigio) or broth
- Zest of 1 lemon
- To serve: 8 ounces Angel Hair Pasta** or pasta of choice, crusty bread, or rice
Instructions
- Thaw the shrimp, if frozen. Pat the shrimp dry. In a bowl, sprinkle it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper and stir to combine.
- Chop the onion, garlic and parsley.
- In a very large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the minced onion and garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp in a single layer (without stacking it) and cook for about 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until just cooked. (The shrimp will continue cooking after removing from the heat.) Remove the shrimp to a bowl while making the sauce.
- In the same skillet add the butter, wine, lemon zest and parsley. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and rewarm it for a few seconds. Serve immediately, with pasta on the side**, rice or crusty bread (drizzle spoonfuls of the sauce over the shrimp and the pasta on the side).
Notes
*To serve very hungry eaters, you can increase to 1 ½ pounds shrimp and ¾ teaspoon salt, using the same amount of other ingredients. You may have to sauté the shrimp in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
**Cook 8 ounces angel hair pasta for 4 minutes, then rinse in lukewarm water. Mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt. Optionally, you can add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ tablespoon each dried oregano and dried basil. We recommend serving the angel hair pasta on the side of the shrimp. Don’t mix it together with the shrimp in the pan: it is difficult to mix and it absorbs all of the butter sauce. (See Easy Angel Hair Pasta for more.)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Keywords: Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Dinner Ideas, Best Shrimp Recipes for Dinner, Healthy Shrimp Recipes
Let us know if you have any questions!
★★★★★
It would be very nice if you had a metric vs. US measurement converter for those of us who live abroad.
I’d love to try some of your recipes, but the time to convert is quite time consuming.
Just a thought, Maya
Thank you! We will consider adding.