20 Easy Shrimp Recipes For Dinner

Shrimp is high in protein, low in calories, and rich in nutrients. It is delicious in pasta, stir-fry, salads, and on the grill. Take a break from chicken and try one of these tasty, quick, and easy shrimp recipes! Most of these dishes are cooked in 30 minutes or less from start to finish.

When selecting your shrimp there are a few things to consider. Do you want farm raised or wild caught shrimp? Or what size shrimp you want to use in your dish?

Farm Vs. Wild Caught Shrimp

Shrimp in the supermarket are either farmed or caught in the wild. Wild shrimp are caught in their natural habitat by fisherman. Farmed shrimp are grown in a tank or pond.

Which type offers a better flavor? Wild shrimp eat their natural diet, therefore they often taste better than the farm raised. However, most US shrimp farms feed their shrimp a controlled diet that mimics the shrimp's natural diet. Therefore US farmed raised shrimp often rival the wild caught shrimp. For this reason, it is important to identify where the shrimp is caught or raised.

Which type is a better value? The farm raised shrimp are typically less expensive than the wild caught shrimp. When choosing your shrimp, it is best to look for shrimp that have been sustainably farmed or responsibly caught.

Size of Shrimp

When purchasing your shrimp, whether it is fresh or frozen, look at the count per pound to determine the best size of shrimp you will need.

The larger the number in count per pound, the smaller the shrimp will be. A large sized shrimp is typically 21/30 count per pound. A small shrimp is typically 36/45 count per pound.

20 Easy Shrimp Recipes

Now that you have selected your shrimp, let's get cooking! Try these 20 easy shrimp recipes to make for dinner. Every recipe is packed with flavor and turns out delicious!

How to Boil Shrimp for Shrimp Cocktail

One of the most popular ways to eat shrimp is shrimp cocktail. This recipe gives tips on how to perfectly boil shrimp for shrimp cocktail. It also offers directions on how to peel and devein shrimp.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta Recipe

This Cajun shrimp pasta is packed with a flavorful Cajun creamy sauce and succulent shrimp. The pasta is both light and hearty. It's simply AMAZING and will have you going back for seconds. 

Shrimp Pasta Salad

This mayonnaise-based, cold pasta salad is a great way to use fresh shrimp. The sweet flavors of the peas compliment the sweet flavor of shrimp. It is great as a meal or a side dish for pot-lucks and barbecues.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a recipe that is loaded with the flavors of the French Quarter. For this recipe, bigger is better. Use a 16/20 ct. size shrimp or larger. You will also want to pick out shrimp with the shell still on.

Instant Pot Gumbo with Shrimp and Sausage

Gumbo can be intimidating to make. However, this recipe offers step by step instructions on how to easily make it in the Instant Pot. You will love the spicy flavors of the andouille sausage combined with the shrimp. It is the perfect comfort dish!

Buffalo Shrimp

This Buffalo shrimp recipe is baked, so no frying needed. It’s packed with flavor thanks to the spicy buffalo sauce. Serve it as an appetizer or over a salad for a delicious meal!

Shrimp Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Shrimp Stuffed baked potatoes are so easy to make. Simply bake the potatoes, scoop out the inside, and mix with cheese, half and half, sauteed shrimp, and lots of seasonings.

Fill the potato halves with the potato mixture, pop them back in the oven for 15 minutes. Top your shrimp stuffed baked potato with sliced green onions and serve with a salad and a buttered roll. So good!

Spanish Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp with Garlic, is a very popular classic Spanish Tapas Dish. The simple layering cooking process allows each flavor to build on each other climaxing to an incredibly delectable shrimp dish. A slice French bread on the side would be great for sopping up the spicy olive oil butter sauce. 

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs with Lemon Garlic

If you’re short on time, grilled shrimp kabobs are a great option since they can be cooked in as little as 10 minutes. The delicious marinade gives the shrimp so much flavor. Plus, they are a healthy and low-calorie meal option that everyone will love.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

Traditionally you boil the ingredients in one large pot to make a shrimp boil. However, that is a lot of time, prep, and can be mess. By baking on a sheet pan, the deep, rich flavors of this dinner turn out amazing. The savory blend of spices mixed with garlic butter coats each and every bite.

Shrimp Salad with Pickled Okra

Traditional Southern shrimp salad often adds sweet pickles to the mix. This recipe changes it up with pickled okra. The sweet shrimp mixed in with the salty brined okra is a delicious combination.

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp

Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, (aka Kahuku Shrimp), is a favorite local dish on Oahu. The shrimp is bathed in a buttery garlic sauce that brings out sweet notes without overpowering the shrimp. Serve with rice for a delicious meal.

General Tso Shrimp

These shrimp are not battered or breaded for this healthier General Tso version. They are quickly sautéed instead of frying or deep frying. The sauce is tangy, sweet and spicy. You can serve it over a bed of rice or cauliflower fried rice.

Hunan Shrimp

Hunan shrimp is laced in a chili paste enhanced sauce with just a drizzle of this and a splash of that of some Asian staples. Add in whatever veggies you can think of, stir and fry for a few minutes and it’s ready to go over a bowlful of white rice.

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Warm tortillas filled with shrimp and topped with mango salsa and creamy cilantro avocado dressing.  This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and is the perfect Taco Tuesday dinner.

Shrimp Nachos

Whether hosting a Cinco de Mayo get-together or enjoying a quiet night at home, these easy, cheesy shrimp nachos are perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks! With Mexican-inspired flavors, easy quick prep, and lots of customization options, you should treat yourself to a tasty seafood twist on classic nachos.

Tandoori Shrimp Recipe

Tandoori shrimp is a delicious appetizer that showcases succulent shrimp coated in a marinade of yogurt and aromatic spices. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, it can be paired with a variety of accompaniments such as naan bread or flavored rice.

Simple Shrimp Curry

Fresh basil, ginger, garlic, shrimp, and coconut milk make this amazing Simple Shrimp Curry. Serve over rice or noodles.

Firecracker Shrimp Lettuce Cups

These Firecracker Shrimp Lettuce Cups have crispy pan-fried shrimp coated in a sweet, spicy and sassy firecracker sauce stuffed in lettuce cups with fluffy coconut rice.

It is a fabulously light dinner with dynamite flavor.

Shrimp Foil Packets with Summer Veggies

Why do we love this recipe? Juicy, tender shrimp are cooked together in individual foil packs along with zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, corn and bell peppers, then doused with olive oil and zesty seasoning. It is a healthy dinner packed with tons of flavor!