🍤 Easy Shrimp Recipes: Simple and Delicious Ways to Cook Shrimp

Shrimp is one of those wonderfully versatile ingredients that can make dinner feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. It cooks quickly, works with everything from pasta and rice to tacos and salads, and takes on all kinds of flavors.

Keep a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer and you've got the makings of a quick meal whenever the dinner-hour question strikes.

These easy shrimp recipes are simple enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to serve when company comes over.

🍋 1. Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Let's start with the classic. Tender shrimp cooked in butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs makes a ridiculously easy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
4. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
5. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
6. Add the remaining butter and garlic to the skillet.
7. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
8. Return the shrimp to the pan.
9. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
10. Toss everything together for about 30 seconds.
11. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Serve over rice, pasta, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.

🌶️ 2. Easy Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Sweet, spicy, garlicky, and sticky. This one comes together incredibly quickly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp.
4. Cook for about 1 minute per side.
5. Pour the sauce over the shrimp.
6. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, tossing gently, until the sauce coats the shrimp.
7. Remove from the heat.
8. Sprinkle with green onions.

Serve over steamed rice with vegetables.

🍝 3. Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy pasta and garlicky shrimp make a very happy little dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Pat the shrimp dry.
4. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
6. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
7. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
8. Pour in the cream.
9. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
10. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes.
11. Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan.
12. Add the pasta and toss to coat.
13. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
14. Return the shrimp to the skillet.
15. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.

Don't boil the sauce aggressively after adding the Parmesan. Gentle heat helps keep the sauce smooth.

🌮 4. Easy Shrimp Tacos

These are fresh, colorful, and perfect for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lime

For Serving

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Shredded cabbage
• Diced tomato
• Avocado
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. Squeeze lime juice over the shrimp.
5. Warm the tortillas.
6. Fill each tortilla with cabbage and shrimp.
7. Add tomato, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

For an easy creamy taco sauce, stir together 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder.

🍚 5. Easy Shrimp Fried Rice

A great way to turn leftover rice into dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil.
4. Add the eggs and scramble until just cooked. Remove them from the pan.
5. Add the garlic and frozen vegetables.
6. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Add the cold rice.
8. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
9. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil.
10. Return the shrimp and eggs to the pan.
11. Add the green onions and black pepper.
12. Toss everything together and serve hot.

Cold, day-old rice works particularly well because it stays separate instead of becoming mushy.

🧄 6. Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

These are perfect for grilling season.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp and toss to coat.
3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers.
4. Heat a grill to medium-high.
5. Grill the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through.
6. Remove from the grill.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water before grilling.

🥥 7. Easy Coconut Curry Shrimp

This quick skillet dinner brings big flavor without a long ingredient list.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 can, 13.5 ounces, coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and curry powder.
4. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the coconut milk.
6. Add salt and pepper.
7. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
8. Add the shrimp.
9. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
10. Stir in the lime juice.
11. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Serve over rice.

🥗 8. Easy Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Fresh, light, and perfect for lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Simple Lime Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Add the lettuce, shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and cilantro to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad.
4. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Add black beans or corn to turn this into a more substantial meal.

🧀 9. Easy Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

A cozy Southern-inspired dinner that's especially good for breakfast-for-dinner nights.

Ingredients

For the Grits

• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Bring the water and salt to a boil.
2. Slowly whisk in the grits.
3. Reduce the heat and cook according to the package directions, stirring often.
4. Stir in the butter and cheddar.
5. While the grits cook, melt the butter in a skillet.
6. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
7. Add the shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper.
8. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
9. Spoon the cheesy grits into bowls.
10. Top with the shrimp and green onions.

🍤 Easy Shrimp Appetizer With Garlic and Lemon

Need something quick for a party? This simple shrimp appetizer can be served warm or chilled.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked shrimp
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the cooked shrimp.
4. Warm for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once.
5. Add lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss gently and serve with lemon wedges.

Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the garlicky juices.

🌿 Easy Ways to Season Shrimp

Shrimp is basically a tiny flavor sponge, so don't be afraid to experiment.

Try these combinations:

• Garlic + butter + lemon
• Chili powder + cumin + lime
• Honey + soy sauce + garlic
• Cajun seasoning + butter
• Curry powder + coconut milk
• Pesto + Parmesan + lemon
• Old Bay-style seasoning + lemon
• Paprika + garlic + parsley
• Ginger + soy sauce + sesame oil
• Lime + cilantro + chili

🍤 Tips for Cooking Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry first. Excess moisture makes it harder to get good browning.

Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.

Watch the cooking time. Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery when overcooked.

Use the size as a guide. Smaller shrimp may cook in only a couple of minutes, while larger shrimp can take slightly longer.

Frozen shrimp are perfectly useful. Thaw them in the refrigerator or use a safe cold-water thawing method before cooking.

Season just before cooking. Shrimp don't need a complicated marinade to taste good.

🧊 How to Store Cooked Shrimp

Refrigerate cooked shrimp promptly in a covered container and use them within a few days. Keep cold foods cold when serving, especially during outdoor meals and parties.

When reheating shrimp, use gentle heat and warm them only until heated through to help prevent a rubbery texture.

🌙 The Crunchy Moon Takeaway

Shrimp is one of those ingredients that can rescue dinner when you haven't planned much ahead. A little garlic and butter can turn it into a quick skillet meal. Add pasta and you've got comfort food. Toss it into tacos, rice, salad, or curry and suddenly dinner has taken a completely different direction.

Keep frozen shrimp around, stock up on a few basic seasonings, and you've got plenty of possibilities waiting in the freezer.

Technical Note

Shrimp are best cooked just until they become opaque and reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F. Cooking time varies with shrimp size, starting temperature, and cooking method, so use appearance and temperature rather than the clock alone.