25 Shrimp Recipes for Quick and Elegant Dinners

Shrimp is a versatile and quick-cooking protein that can transform a simple meal into an elegant feast. Whether you prefer it grilled, sautéed, or baked, these 25 shrimp recipes offer a variety of flavors and techniques to make weeknight dinners feel special.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Simple and Irresistible

Sautéed shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce is perfect for serving over pasta or rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Steps:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp turns pink.
• Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp and cook for an additional minute.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over pasta or rice.

Tip: Use cold butter and add it in small pieces at the end of cooking to create a richer, silkier sauce. This prevents the butter from separating and gives the dish a luxurious finish.

2. Shrimp Scampi

A Classic Italian Favorite

Juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce is a quick and flavorful dish. Pair it with linguine for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz linguine
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

• Cook linguine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Pour in white wine, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 2 minutes.
• Toss cooked linguine with shrimp and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tip: Use high-quality white wine (one you’d drink) for the best flavor. Avoid cooking wine, as it can make the dish overly salty or bitter.

3. Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Packed with Spicy Flavor

Marinated shrimp grilled on skewers bring a bold, smoky kick to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Steps:

• Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
• In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.
• Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
• Serve with extra lemon wedges for garnish.

Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. For extra flavor, brush the skewers with a little melted butter while grilling.

4. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Indulgence

This rich and creamy pasta dish combines shrimp with a luscious Alfredo sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz fettuccine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Cook fettuccine according to package instructions and set aside.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmering until the sauce thickens.
• Toss cooked fettuccine in the creamy shrimp sauce. Serve hot.

Tip: Grate your own Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-grated. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and enhances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce.

5. Coconut Shrimp

Crispy and Sweet

Breaded in shredded coconut and baked or fried, this shrimp recipe is perfect for dipping in a tangy orange sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (or heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high).
• Mix shredded coconut and breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
• Dip shrimp into beaten eggs, then coat with coconut mixture.
• For baking: Place shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, turning once.
• For frying: Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve with orange dipping sauce.

Tip: For extra crispiness, double-coat the shrimp by dipping them in the egg mixture and coconut mixture twice before frying or baking.

6. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Sweet and Savory

Shrimp cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce is delicious served with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
• Return shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce until coated. Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.

Tip: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to the honey garlic sauce to balance the sweetness with a touch of acidity.

7. Shrimp Fried Rice

A Takeout Classic

Use leftover rice and toss it with shrimp, vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, scrambled
• 1/2 cup peas and carrots
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Steps:

• In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, then remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, scramble eggs until cooked. Remove and set aside.
• Add peas, carrots, and rice to the skillet, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes.
• Add cooked shrimp and scrambled eggs back to the skillet, stirring in soy sauce.
• Garnish with green onions before serving.

Tip: Use day-old rice that’s been refrigerated. Cold rice fries better and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.

8. Lemon Herb Shrimp

Light and Fresh

Shrimp sautéed with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs is a simple and healthy dish that pairs beautifully with quinoa or salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add shrimp, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Stir in lemon zest, juice, and chopped parsley.
• Serve immediately with quinoa or a fresh salad.

Tip: Add the lemon zest before cooking and the lemon juice at the end to preserve the bright, fresh citrus flavor.

9. Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

A Fun Taco Night Upgrade

Grilled shrimp topped with tangy cilantro lime slaw and avocado slices create the ultimate taco experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 small tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 avocado, sliced

Steps:

• Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• In a bowl, toss cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and sour cream to make the slaw.
• Warm tortillas and fill them with shrimp, slaw, and avocado slices.
• Serve with lime wedges.

Tip: Toast the tortillas lightly on a dry skillet or over an open flame for a smoky flavor and better texture.

10. Shrimp and Grits

Southern Comfort Food

Creamy grits topped with savory, spiced shrimp make this a hearty and comforting dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup grits
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Cook grits according to package instructions, using chicken broth and adding butter and heavy cream.
• Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Sauté shrimp in a skillet with butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Serve shrimp over creamy grits and enjoy.

Tip: Use stone-ground grits for a more authentic, creamy texture. Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness.

11. Pesto Shrimp Pasta

A Quick Italian Treat

Shrimp tossed with pesto sauce and spaghetti makes for a vibrant and easy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Steps:

• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
• Toss cooked shrimp with pesto sauce and spaghetti, stirring to coat evenly.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Tip: Reserve a little pasta water to thin out the pesto sauce if needed. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

12. Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy and Spicy

Coated in a crispy batter and drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce, this shrimp dish is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Steps:

• In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, baking powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to make the batter.
• Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
• Dip shrimp into the batter, then fry in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang sauce.
• Toss cooked shrimp in the sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tip: For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter. This will make the shrimp even crispier when fried.

13. Shrimp and Spinach Stir-Fry

Healthy and Flavorful

Shrimp cooked with fresh spinach and a light soy-ginger sauce is a healthy and delicious choice for weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Steps:

• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
• Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
• Serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tip: Add the spinach in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing.

14. Shrimp Ceviche

A Refreshing Appetizer

Marinate shrimp in lime juice with diced onions, tomatoes, and cilantro for a refreshing, no-cook dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix shrimp and lime juice. Let sit for 30 minutes to “cook” in the lime juice.
• Add diced onion, tomato, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
• Season with salt and pepper, then serve chilled as an appetizer with tortilla chips.

Tip: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can taste artificial and overpower the delicate shrimp.

15. Shrimp Risotto

Luxuriously Creamy

Creamy risotto topped with sautéed shrimp is an elegant dinner option perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Steps:

• In a saucepan, heat chicken broth over low heat.
• In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until softened.
• Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat in the butter.
• Pour in white wine and stir until absorbed. Gradually add warm chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is tender and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
• In another skillet, sauté shrimp in butter for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Serve the creamy risotto topped with shrimp and Parmesan cheese.

Tip: Stir the risotto constantly and add the broth gradually. This helps release the starch from the rice, creating a creamy texture.

16. Buffalo Shrimp Wraps

A Spicy Twist

Toss shrimp in tangy buffalo sauce and wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce and ranch dressing for a quick handheld meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 4 large tortillas
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Steps:

• Toss shrimp in buffalo sauce and cook in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Lay tortillas flat and fill each with buffalo shrimp, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Roll up the tortillas and serve.

Tip: Warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave before assembling to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

17. Thai Shrimp Curry

Warm and Fragrant

Shrimp simmered in a creamy coconut curry with Thai spices creates a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh basil, chopped

Steps:

• In a pan, combine coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
• Serve with rice and garnish with fresh basil.

Tip: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier curry. Light coconut milk can make the dish watery.

18. Shrimp Fajitas

Sizzling Goodness

Seasoned shrimp with sautéed peppers and onions is served with warm tortillas for a fun, interactive meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 small tortillas

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Remove shrimp and add bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Return shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with fajita seasoning, and stir to combine.
• Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings like sour cream and salsa.

Tip: Marinate the shrimp in lime juice, olive oil, and fajita seasoning for 15-20 minutes before cooking to infuse more flavor.

19. Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

A Protein-Packed Meal

Bell peppers filled with shrimp, rice, and vegetables are baked to perfection for a balanced and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook shrimp until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix shrimp, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until peppers are tender.

Tip: Parboil the bell peppers for 2-3 minutes before stuffing to soften them slightly and reduce baking time.

20. Baked Parmesan Shrimp

Crunchy and Cheesy

Shrimp coated in Parmesan and breadcrumbs is baked until golden, making it a healthier alternative to fried options.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
• Dip shrimp in olive oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
• Arrange shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the Parmesan.

21. Shrimp Avocado Salad

Light and Refreshing

Shrimp tossed with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette creates a nutritious and flavorful salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps:

• Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
• In a large bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, and cilantro.
• Toss gently and serve chilled.

Tip: Add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. A squeeze of lemon juice over the avocado also helps keep it fresh.

22. Shrimp Pho

Vietnamese Comfort Food

This light and fragrant noodle soup features shrimp in a flavorful broth with fresh herbs and rice noodles.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise
• 8 oz rice noodles
• Fresh cilantro and basil, for garnish

Steps:

• In a pot, bring chicken broth, water, fish sauce, cinnamon stick, and star anise to a simmer. Let cook for 15 minutes.
• Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
• Add shrimp to the broth and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
• Serve the pho with cooked noodles, broth, and fresh herbs.

Tip: Char a small piece of ginger and an onion before adding them to the broth for a deeper, more complex flavor.

23. Shrimp and Zoodles

A Low-Carb Delight

Shrimp sautéed with garlic and olive oil is tossed with zucchini noodles for a healthy, low-carb meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
• Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until tender.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon and extra seasoning.

Tip: Salt the zucchini noodles lightly and let them sit for 10 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture, preventing the dish from becoming watery.

24. Mediterranean Shrimp Bowls

Bursting with Flavor

Shrimp, roasted vegetables, and quinoa are drizzled with tzatziki sauce for a fresh and vibrant dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups mixed roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, red onion)
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce

Steps:

• Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
• Roast vegetables in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
• Sauté shrimp in a skillet for 3-4 minutes until pink.
• Serve the shrimp over quinoa, topped with roasted vegetables and tzatziki sauce.

Tip: Make your own tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

25. Shrimp Chowder

Creamy and Hearty

This creamy chowder with shrimp, potatoes, and corn is perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter

Steps:

• In a pot, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
• Add potatoes, corn, chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
• Add shrimp and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

Tip: Add a splash of sherry or white wine to the chowder base for an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Conclusion

Shrimp is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a variety of dishes. From creamy pastas to fresh salads and comforting soups, these 25 shrimp recipes will keep your weekly dinners exciting and delicious. Try a new one tonight and elevate your mealtime experience.