Shrimp is one of the easiest proteins to cook—it’s fast, flavorful, and goes with just about anything. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for one or feeding the whole family, shrimp can be on the table in minutes.
From spicy stir-fries to creamy pastas, these ideas make dinner feel exciting without the stress. Grab a pan, some seasonings, and let shrimp do the rest.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Sautéed in melted butter with plenty of garlic and a splash of lemon, this dish is rich and packed with flavor. The shrimp turn golden and slightly crispy at the edges in just minutes.
Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all that buttery goodness.
2. Shrimp Tacos With Lime Slaw
Toss shrimp in chili powder and paprika, then cook quickly in a skillet until juicy. Load into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw tossed in lime juice and a drizzle of sour cream.
It’s fresh, zesty, and perfect for taco night. Add avocado slices if you’re feeling fancy.
3. Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
Plump shrimp meet a creamy Parmesan sauce in this quick weeknight pasta. A little garlic, butter, and heavy cream turn into a silky base that coats every bite.
Ready in under 30 minutes and feels like something from a restaurant. Comfort food with a seafood twist.
4. Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices get threaded on skewers and grilled until slightly charred. The heat from paprika and cayenne adds kick, while lemon juice keeps things bright.
Good for outdoor grilling or under the broiler. Great with corn on the cob or over salad.
5. Shrimp Fried Rice
Toss chopped veggies, cold rice, and shrimp into a hot pan with sesame oil and soy sauce. The shrimp cooks quickly while everything gets crispy and golden.
It’s better than takeout and comes together fast. Don’t forget the scrambled egg for extra flavor.
6. Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Shrimp
Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, and herbs like parsley or thyme. Roast on a sheet pan with cherry tomatoes or green beans for a full meal.
Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Dinner’s done in 20 minutes or less.
7. Spicy Shrimp Ramen Bowl
Cook shrimp with ginger, garlic, and chili paste, then ladle into a bowl of hot ramen noodles with broth, veggies, and a soft-boiled egg.
It’s cozy, slurpy, and has just the right amount of heat. A perfect rainy-day dinner.
8. Shrimp And Grits
Crispy shrimp cooked with smoky bacon and green onions sit on top of buttery, cheesy grits. The mix of creamy and crunchy is hard to beat.
This Southern classic tastes like comfort in a bowl. Great for brunch or dinner.
9. Sweet Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry
Sauté shrimp in a mix of sweet chili sauce, soy, and garlic, then toss with bell peppers and snap peas. The sauce gets sticky and coats every bite.
Serve it over jasmine rice or noodles for a colorful, easy meal with a little sweet heat.
10. Coconut-Crusted Shrimp With Mango Dip
Bring the tropics to your table with coconut-crusted shrimp and mango dip. The shrimp is coated in a crunchy coconut crust, fried until golden, and served with a sweet and tangy mango dipping sauce.
The crispy coating offers a delightful crunch, while the succulent shrimp inside remains tender.