10 Delicious Shrimp Dinner Recipes

When you’re tired of rotating the same three meals every week, it’s easy to feel uninspired by dinnertime, especially if you’re craving something quick and still full of flavor.

That’s exactly why I started hunting for shrimp dinner recipes that were fast enough for a weeknight but still satisfying enough to land a regular spot on my table. I especially wanted a few that would pair perfectly with my favorite penne pasta.

At first, I thought shrimp might be too fussy or delicate to work into everyday meals, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Shrimp is surprisingly versatile.

One night it’s cheesy grits with shrimp, and the next it’s a whole tapas night with gambas al ajillo and crusty bread, Spanish tortilla, manchego, and marinated olives.

Another night? It’s a quick and creamy shrimp Alfredo over penne or sizzling shrimp fajitas with just the right amount of spice.

Still, my favorite go-to is a Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp, big, juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, with just a hint of smoked paprika and lemon, all piled next to a scoop of rice and mac salad.

When I’m in the mood for something lighter, I go for shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw and jalapeño sauce or even shrimp pesto tossed with penne pasta and veggies.

Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or cooking something special for guests, these shrimp dinner recipes never disappoint.

Below, I shared my favorite shrimp dinner ideas, from spicy to mild, with grains or pasta, healthy or indulgent, so check out these ideas.

10. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ cup mayonnaise

Directions:

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
3. Mix shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and mayonnaise to make slaw.
4. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with shrimp and cilantro lime slaw.
5. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

9. Cajun Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Cooked linguine or spaghetti

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Toss cooked pasta in the skillet, and garnish with parsley.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.

8. Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
• 8 oz cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Italian dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine pasta, shrimp, spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
2. Toss with Italian dressing until well coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

7. Bobby Flay Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups cooked grits
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic and shrimp in bacon fat, and then sprinkle paprika.
3. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in butter and cooked grits.
5. Top with shrimp, bacon, and green onions.

6. Citrus Shrimp Salad with Avocado

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
• 2 avocados, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
2. Toss mixed greens, shrimp, avocado, orange segments, and almonds.
3. Drizzle dressing over salad before serving.

5. Fettucini Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 oz fettuccini pasta
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and simmer to thicken.
5. Toss pasta in sauce, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

4. Authentic Chinese Shrimp Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok, scramble eggs, and remove.
2. Stir-fry shrimp until cooked, then add peas and carrots.
3. Add rice, soy sauce, and scrambled eggs; toss well.
4. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

3. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
• 1 lb small red potatoes
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 4 cups water
• 3 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

Directions:

1. Place potatoes and sausage in a slow cooker; add water and Old Bay.
2. Cook on low for 5 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3. Add corn and shrimp; cook on high for 30 minutes.
4. Drain and serve with melted butter.

2. Teriyaki Sushi Shrimp Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp
• 2 cups cooked sushi rice
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Pickled ginger (optional)

Directions:

1. Divide sushi rice into bowls.
2. Top with shrimp, cucumber, and avocado.
3. Drizzle teriyaki sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds.
4. Add pickled ginger for extra flavor.

1. Teriyaki Broccoli Shrimp Stir Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• ½ cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet; stir-fry garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
2. Add broccoli and cook until crisp-tender.
3. Add shrimp and teriyaki sauce; cook until shrimp are opaque.
4. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well for shrimp dinner recipes. Thaw completely before cooking for the best texture.

2. How do I prevent shrimp dinner recipes from overcooking?

For delicious shrimp dinner recipes, cook shrimp until they turn pink and curl slightly; overcooking makes them rubbery.

3. Are these shrimp dinner recipes healthy?

Most shrimp dinner recipes use lean protein and fresh vegetables, making them balanced and nutritious.

4. Can I make these shrimp dinner recipes ahead of time?

Some dishes, like shrimp pasta salad or shrimp boil, can shrimp dinner recipes be prepped in advance but are best served fresh.

5. What are good side dishes for shrimp dinner recipes?

Sides like steamed veggies, rice, grits, or fresh salads complement shrimp well.

6. How do I store leftover shrimp dinner recipes?

Keep leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

These 10 shrimp dinner recipes offer a variety of flavors, from spicy tacos to creamy Alfredo pasta. By following the detailed ingredients and directions provided, you can effortlessly prepare mouthwatering meals that impress. Incorporate fresh ingredients and balanced seasonings to elevate your shrimp dinner recipes to restaurant quality at home.