There are many reasons to love shrimp [1]: its sweet flavor; succulent, snappy texture; and speed of preparation come to mind. Add to that the versatility of this freezer staple [2], and it's no surprise that it's a weeknight dinner superstar [3]. From meals like tacos, fajitas, skewers, and even pasta bakes, this seafood can be used in almost anything.
Keep reading for recipes to whip up a wide range of shrimp meals, from a lighter take on the classic bang bang shrimp to a special lemon butter shrimp so irresistible, you'll want to mop up every last drop of its sauce. Trust us, these dinners are so good, you'll be digging in for seconds.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Shrimp Fajitas
Plump, juicy, and tender shrimp that's ready in 25 minutes? That's what these shrimp fajitas [5] are all about!
Shrimp Garlic Skewers
The shrimp garlic skewers [6] are marinated in chili, garlic, and an array of spices for a flavorful, light, and delicious meal.
Grilled Shrimp With Lemon and Parsley
It doesn't get much simpler than this lemony shrimp skewer recipe [7].
One-Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp
Keep cleanup simple with one-pot lemon orzo shrimp [8].
Buffalo Shrimp Skewers
Served with a blue cheese dipping sauce and a green salad (or plenty of celery), grilled buffalo shrimp [9] isn't just for game day.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Put down the delivery menu, and make this shrimp and broccoli stir-fry [10] instead.
Gouda Grits With Brown Butter Shrimp
Shrimp and grits can be a time-consuming recipe to prepare, but not this flavorful, cheesy take [11]. The secret: quick-cooking grits.
Ginger Garlic Shrimp With Noodles
A variety of textures and flavors make this ginger garlic shrimp with noodles [12] exciting to eat.
One-Pot Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
This one-pot shrimp and tomato pasta [13] is fast, fresh, and family-friendly.
Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients like light cream cheese and evaporated milk make this shrimp alfredo pasta bake [14] less indulgent than it appears.
Lemon Butter Shrimp
A Paula Deen recipe, this lemony shrimp option [15] doesn't skimp on the butter (or the flavor, for that matter).
Shrimp Tacos With Cilantro-Lime Crema
Shrimp tacos [16] are always a crowd-pleaser, and this cilantro-lime crema sauce keeps the flavor light and fresh.
Bang Bang Shrimp With Napa Cabbage Slaw
Lightly pan-fried instead of deep-fried and served with a honey mustard napa cabbage slaw, bang bang shrimp [17] is less indulgent and far less messy to prepare.
Shrimp Scampi
You won't find a recipe much faster (or easier) than shrimp scampi [18]; if you start with prepeeled shrimp, it can come together in as little as 15 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Quinoa
To make garlic butter shrimp and quinoa [19] into a meal, add a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers
Treat yourself to surf and turf with a platter of these ultrasimple shrimp and chorizo skewers [20].
Shrimp Fajitas in Foil
If you're craving Tex-Mex, consider making shrimp fajitas in foil [21].
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Too hot to cook? Prep refreshing shrimp avocado salad [22] instead.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Make sure you have plenty of sliced baguette to serve with this garlic butter shrimp recipe [23]; you'll want to mop up every last drop of its rich sauce.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Shrimp and Quinoa
This easy slow cooker garlic butter shrimp and quinoa recipe [24] is healthy, fast, and delicious.
Mini Shrimp Rolls With Dill
Like lobster rolls, but a bit more budget-friendly, these mini shrimp rolls [25] will bring back happy memories of the seashore.
Shrimp Zucchini Pasta Puttanesca
You won't miss the noodles in this spiralized zucchini take on pasta puttanesca [26].
Chopped Thai Shrimp Salad With Garlic Lime Dressing
This chopped Thai shrimp salad [27] looks like a bowl of edible confetti.
Baked Shrimp With Olive Oil and Herbs
For a fresh take, bathe shrimp in olive oil and a trio of fresh herbs [28].
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp
Snappy, succulent, and savory, garlic parmesan roasted shrimp [29] will quickly enter your meal rotation.
Shrimp and Avocado Salad With Miso Dressing
Be warned: you may want to put this salad's tangy ginger-miso dressing [30] on everything in sight.
Coconut Shrimp
Sometimes it's fun to make a meal out of an appetizer instead of a main dish, like with this crisp-crusted coconut shrimp [31]. Just add a simple salad or some roasted vegetables to round it out.
Garlic-Soy Shrimp
You won't believe how simple this classic Chinese shrimp dish [32] is; it only requires six ingredients, including white rice to serve it with.
Shrimp Ceviche
If ceviche is your go-to seafood order, try making this naturally low-carb meal [33] in the comfort of your own home. Simply adjust the amount of jalapeño to make it more or less spicy.
Lime-Cilantro Shrimp and Black Bean Salad
Packed with fiber and garnished in delicious spices, you can't go wrong with this lime-cilantro shrimp and black bean salad [34].
Honey Lime Air Fryer Shrimp
If you still don't have an air fryer, what are you waiting for? You can cook this citrusy-sweet shrimp [35] in just five minutes after marinating.
Shrimp and Asparagus
You can't go wrong when you top shrimp and asparagus with butter, herbs, and garlic. This one-pan meal [36] even adds a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Shrimp Avocado Salad With Watermelon
You don't often see shrimp and watermelon together, but this is one combination that works. Even with the fruit and spicy honey dressing, this dish [37] has just 22 grams of carbs per serving, and only takes 15 minutes (with prep time) to make.
