47 Quick-Cooking Shrimp Recipes That Are Shrimp-ly Irresistible (2024)

We shrimp-ly can't get enough shrimp.

By Camille Lowder and Mackenzie Filson
47 Quick-Cooking Shrimp Recipes That Are Shrimp-ly Irresistible (1)

Forgive our pun, but shrimp is shrimp-ly... the best, especially at dinnertime. They cook SO fast, are super-convenient (you can swap in frozen for pretty much any of these recipes!), and fit into so many recipes, from fancy side dishes and special occasion romantic meals to party appetizers and casual weeknight dinners. No matter if you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, shrimp is about to be your favorite protein. We’ve rounded up 47 shrimp recipes to inspire you—we bet you’ll fall in love with the little pink crustacean as much as we have.

One of the greatest things about shrimp is how easily it can be swapped for other proteins (particularly if you’re low on time and want a quick shortcut). Love chicken and rice? Swap shrimp in instead, like in our simply named shrimp and rice, our , or our jambalaya. Big fan of pasta? Try our one-pot shrimp primavera, our shrimp fettuccine Alfredo, or our creamy chipotle shrimp pasta. Love Asian food? Shrimp makes a great addition to all your faves, like in our shrimp kung pao noodles, our shrimp pad Thai, or our honey walnut shrimp. Need something a little handheld for an on-the-go meal? Make a shrimp sandwich or tacos, like our grilled shrimp tacos with sriracha slaw, our shrimp po’ boy, or our cilantro-lime shrimp tacos. Trust us, there’s almost no recipe that’s not improved by swapping in or adding a little shrimp.

Want more seafood inspiration? Check out our favorite salmon recipes, our top grilled seafood recipes, and our top fish recipes too. If you, like us, can't get enough shrimp, check out all our favorite shrimp appetizers and shrimp pasta recipes next!

1

Shrimp Scampi

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Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish that is usually made using plump, pink shrimp served over a heaping bowl of pasta. We think the pasta detracts from the delectable simplicity of this dish, so we made it without, but feel free to add some if you like!

Get the Classic Shrimp Scampi recipe.

2

Pad Thai

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An easy alternative to takeout, our simplified pad Thai recipe is designed to satisfy noodle cravings fast. We skipped some traditional ingredients (such as dried shrimp, tamarind, pressed tofu, and bean sprouts), opting for ingredients that you can pick up at your local grocery store. Skip the delivery and make it tonight!

Get the Pad Thai recipe.

3

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Asparagus

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Having a few quick, easy, and delicious recipes in your repertoire is the key to weeknight dinner success. Similar to our lemon garlic butter shrimp, but with an extra-springy vegetable addition, this garlic butter shrimp & asparagus is one of those recipes.

Get the .

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4

Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo

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You might be wondering why we call for shrimps with the tails on for this Louisiana classic. Though it won’t make or break your gumbo, shrimp shells have SO much flavor, so we always prefer to keep them on.

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5

Shrimp Ceviche

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Traditionally, the acid in the citrus juice changes the shrimp’s protein structure so that it firms up and becomes opaque, similarly to the way it would if it was poached. People have been preparing and eating shrimp ceviche like this for years, but if you're worried about it, we've provided alternate instructions for cooking it here too.

Get the Shrimp Ceviche recipe.

6

Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Wraps

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"Cilantro lime" is a flavor profile we never get over: It's got a kick from cumin, the tang from lime juice, and fresh zing from cilantro. You can let this shrimp recipe marinate for about 20 minutes to let the flavors meld, or don't—it'll be great no matter what.

Get the Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Wraps recipe.

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7

Best Jambalaya

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Spicy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful, jambalaya is a New Orleans classic for good reason. Its complex flavor is informed by cuisines from around the world—Spanish, West African, and French to name a few. Our recipe combines three proteins and vegetable-packed rice for a flavor-packed dish that will warm you up all year long.

Get the Best Jambalaya recipe.

8

Shrimp Stew

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Shrimp Stew is a Cajun dish from Louisiana. This quick one-pot dinner is flavored with Cajun seasoning, packed with green bell pepper and fennel, and has a garlic-infused tomato broth. Be sure to serve it with a New Orleans-inspired co*cktail like a Hurricane or a Cherry Sazerac!

Get the Shrimp Stew recipe.

9

Crispy Honey Chipotle Shrimp

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We love making shrimp when we want an easy and quick dinner, but this crispy honey chipotle shrimp gives easy and delicious weeknight dinner a whole new meaning. The crispy breaded shrimp is coated in a sweet, spicy and tangy sauce that is the real star of the show. Whatever you do, don't forget the lime wedges!

Get the Crispy Honey Chipotle Shrimp recipe.

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10

Shrimp and Grits

There's a lot of richness going on here. Bacon! Butter! Cheese! To cut all the fat, you need some acid. Enter: fresh lemon juice. It brightens these bowl up BIG TIME—so don't skip it.

Get the Shrimp and Grits recipe.

11

Vietnamese-Cajun Shrimp Boil

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In Houston—neighbor to New Orleans and home to one of the largest Vietnamese diasporas in the world—they add a little flair to the traditional boil, birthing Vietnamese-Cajun cuisine.

Get the Vietnamese-Cajun Shrimp Boil recipe.

12

Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi

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Classic shrimp scampi is one of our favorite Italian American dishes. What could possibly beat plump shrimp spiked with garlic and lemon over pasta? How about all of that tossed in a Parmesan cream sauce. This Cheesecake Factory staple is a seafood lover’s dream!

Get the Copycat Cheesecake Factory Shrimp Scampi recipe.

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13

Classic Paella

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This Spanish dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing centerpiece for special occasions and parties, but honestly, this dish is enough reason to celebrate all on its own. With its beautiful and impactful presentation, we wouldn’t be surprised if a few tears are shed when you serve it.

Get the Classic Paella recipe.

14

One-Pot Shrimp Primavera

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This loaded fettuccine makes it so easy for you (and your family!) to eat your vegetables. We love adding quick-cooking shrimp to the pot for protein once the pasta is almost al dente.

Get the One-Pot Shrimp Primavera recipe.

15

Shrimp Mango Salad

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Like most salads, this one is ripe for improvisation. Raw, thinly sliced Napa cabbage is exceptionally crunchy and sweet, but sliced romaine is a perfectly good replacement. (If you want to add in some additional crunch, go with thinly sliced endive.) Chopped toasted peanuts are a crucial final addition, but can be replaced with toasted sunflower or sesame seeds for a similar effect.

Get the Shrimp Mango Salad recipe.

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16

Shrimp and Rice

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This particular easy recipe is packed with smart cooking know-how. Rather than just topping plain rice with sautéed shrimp, you'll instead build flavor in the pan before steaming the rice. This means first cooking the aromatics in butter, then toasting the rice in the skillet, and cooking the rice in a combination of white wine and chicken broth rather than plain water. 😍

Get the Shrimp and Rice recipe.

17

Shrimp Tempura Roll

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Get out your chopsticks, pour a few dishes of soy sauce, set a bowl of seaweed salad on the table—it's time for sushi night at home. The starring dish is shrimp tempura roll, which is stuffed with avocado and battered jumbo shrimp that are fried until crisp perfection.

Get the Shrimp Tempura Roll recipe.

18

Blackened Shrimp Bowls

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If you're looking for summer in a bowl, turn to these blackened shrimp bowls. Not only delicious, these bowls are also a filling powerhouse. It's also the perfect meal-prep meal: Make all the ingredients ahead of time, then prepare your bowls as you please throughout the week!

Get the Blackened Shrimp Bowls recipe.

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19

Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets

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We love a good shrimp boil, but sometimes we don't have time for the production. Foil packs turn a shrimp boil into individual parties that are so fun to throw onto the grill! It's everything you love with way less work.

Get the Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets recipe.

20

Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

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These lettuce wraps are way cleaner than your average Buffalo wings, making them the perfect low-carb lunch. They super-flavorful, fresh, and ready in under an hour!

Get the Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps recipe.

47 Quick-Cooking Shrimp Recipes That Are Shrimp-ly Irresistible (2024)

FAQs

Why add baking soda to shrimp before cooking? ›

Alkaline baking soda slightly alters the pH of the shrimp, making them as plump and succulent as lobster and resistant to overcooking. The brine also causes the meat to pull away from the shells while cooking, so you get all the great flavor of shell-on shrimp without the hassle.

What's the tastiest way to cook shrimp? ›

  1. Heat the oven to 450°F.
  2. On a half sheet pan, toss the shrimp, salt, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Roast for 7 to 9 minutes, until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the oven, add the butter, and toss the shrimp until coated. Spritz with fresh lemon juice.
Dec 10, 2021

What is the absolute best way to cook shrimp according to so many tests? ›

  1. Add 1 quart of water and the salt to a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil.
  2. Stir in the shrimp, cover, and remove the pot from heat. Let sit for 5 to 8 minutes, until all the shrimp are cooked through to a bright pink shade.
  3. Drain through a colander. Transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl or platter.
Jan 1, 2022

How do you get the most flavor out of shrimp? ›

13 Tips To Make Your Shrimp Taste So Much Better
  1. Start with the best quality shrimp. Pablo Garcia/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Defrost frozen shrimp the right way. ...
  3. Devein your shrimp. ...
  4. Clean shrimp with potato starch. ...
  5. Brine your shrimp before cooking. ...
  6. Use a flavorful marinade. ...
  7. Don't overcook your shrimp. ...
  8. Liven up shrimp with citrus.
Mar 25, 2023

What is the secret to juicy shrimp? ›

Soak shrimp in brine

Soak quickly in brine to keep lean seafood moist as it cooks and season it throughout. A solution of 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 quart water works to season 1 pound of seafood. Dissolve the salt in the water, and then submerge the shrimp and chill for 30 minutes.

What does baking soda and salt do to shrimp? ›

It may sound minor, but the combination works wonders: the salt helps keep the shrimp nice and moist as they cook, while alkaline baking soda delivers a crisp, firm texture.

Why do you soak shrimp before cooking? ›

Soak shrimp in brine

Soak quickly in brine to keep lean seafood moist as it cooks and season it throughout. A solution of 1 tablespoon kosher salt and 1 quart water works to season 1 pound of seafood. Dissolve the salt in the water, and then submerge the shrimp and chill for 30 minutes.

What takes the fishy taste out of shrimp? ›

Add Lime Juice

Therefore, how to process shrimp, so they are not fishy can be done by adding lime juice which can help disguise the fishy smell. When adding the lime juice, don't forget to let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so that the fishy smell of the shrimp completely disappears.

What does vinegar do when cooking shrimp? ›

Day Dream Kitchen explains that vinegar helps to loosen the attachment between the shell and the meat of the shrimp. They claim it is not 100 % effective, but it does help. Vinegar also helps to add flavor to the shrimp. Live Strong says that adding vinegar enhances the taste of shrimp, and Black Tail NYC agrees.

How not to cook shrimp? ›

So here are the five most common mistakes to avoid when cooking shrimp so you end up with fresh, sweet, and succulent results every time.
  1. Mistake #1: Buying the Wrong Shrimp.
  2. Mistake #2: Improper Thawing.
  3. Mistake #3: Overcooking the Shrimp.
  4. Mistake #4: Not Deveining.
  5. Mistake #5: Throwing Away the Shells.
Jul 1, 2020

How do you pretreat shrimp before cooking? ›

All but one technique calls for shelled and deveined shrimp. Start with 15 Minutes of Pretreatment: Before cooking, it pays to toss shrimp with a little salt and baking soda. The pretreatment alters the protein structure of the flesh, helping it retain moisture when it's exposed to high heat.

What tenderizes shrimp? ›

Poach: Poaching shrimp in a flavored liquid such as broth, wine, or water can keep it tender and moist. Grill: Grilling shrimp can give it a smoky flavor and caramelized surface. Brush the shrimp with oil to prevent sticking and cook until just opaque.

What shrimp have the most flavor? ›

Brown shrimp, thanks to an iodine-rich diet, have a strong flavor that goes great with robust dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. White shrimp have a more mild flavor with notes of natural sweetness because they're found in areas with less salinity, like brackish estuaries and bayous.

How do you make shrimp plump and juicy? ›

By starting cold and not exceeding 170°F, instead of dropping them into boiling liquid, you get the plumpest, most tender shrimp from edge to edge. As a final step, run the shrimp under cold water to chill them, then spin them dry in a salad spinner.

How long do you leave baking soda on shrimp? ›

Brining the peeled shrimp in a small amount of salt and baking soda keeps them firm and succulent. Thirty minutes accomplishes the job. The salt makes them plump and juicy while the baking soda produces the crispy, snappy shrimp. Before cooking, rinse thoroughly in cold water.

How long should you soak shrimp in baking soda? ›

Method 1: Sprinkle baking soda on shrimp and soak in a cold water solution for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This velveting process helps to draw out any impurities from the shrimp and improves texture.

Should I soak shrimp in baking soda? ›

Add baking soda to the brine

And it's in such a teeny amount (about 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every pound of shrimp) that you won't taste any suspicious soapiness, especially if you're adding any other flavors to the mix—like the garlic, parsley, and lemon here.

Do you use baking soda or powder for crispy shrimp? ›

However, there's one ingredient hack that is sure to bring certain fried foods to the next level. The next time you're frying a pan of shrimp, include baking soda in your coating if you want to achieve maximum crispness.

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