14+ Easy Shrimp Recipes Anyone Can Make Tonight

It always surprises me how a bag of shrimp in my freezer is like an instant dinner promise after a long day. Whether I’m craving something bright and citrusy, tossing together a fast stir fry, or reminiscing about summers at the beach with buttery shrimp rolls, shrimp has a way of making weeknights feel a little more special—without making my kitchen chaotic. If you’ve ever stared at shrimp and wondered what easy dinner magic you could pull off tonight, these 14+ easy shrimp recipes anyone can make tonight will have you covered, no matter what’s left in your fridge or how tired you are.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This one-pan wonder is my go-to for getting dinner on the table fast. Succulent shrimp, lots of garlic, and a pool of lemony butter mean you can scoop it over rice or mop it up with bread. It’s so fast, you’ll barely have time to set the table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1.5 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced (plus extra lemon slices for garnish)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until just pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Pour in lemon juice, toss to coat, and remove from heat.
6. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat.

Best Pairings: Steamed rice, simple green salad, warm baguette.

2. Shrimp Tacos with Crunchy Slaw

Why You’ll Love It:

Taco night gets an upgrade when shrimp are involved. The shrimp cook in minutes, and the slaw is just a toss-and-go affair. It’s a favorite with both kids and grown-ups, especially when everyone builds their own tacos around the table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups shredded cabbage (purple and green)
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 8 corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high; cook shrimp until pink, 2–3 minutes per side.
3. For the slaw, mix cabbage, mayo, sour cream, and lime juice in a bowl.
4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. Pile shrimp onto tortillas, top with slaw, and garnish with cilantro and lime.

Flavor Boost: Add sliced jalapeño to the slaw for extra zip.

Meal Prep Tip: Prep the slaw up to a day ahead — it gets even better as it sits.

3. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Shrimp and Veggies

Why You’ll Love It:

Just chop, toss, bake, and eat: this is the kind of dinner you can set and forget while dealing with the rest of your evening. It’s colorful, healthy, and there’s only one pan to wash.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss shrimp and veggies with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread shrimp and veggies on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
4. Tuck lemon slices throughout.
5. Roast for 12–15 minutes until shrimp are pink and veggies tender.
6. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Serving Idea: Serve over rice or quinoa for a full meal.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcrowd your pan — everything should lie in a single layer to roast evenly.

4. Classic Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp scampi is weeknight Italian at its best with garlicky shrimp, tender pasta, and plenty of lemon. It’s the kind of comfort food that tastes fancy but takes almost no effort, perfect for last-minute plans or date nights at home.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Cook spaghetti to al dente, reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté 1 minutes.
4. Add shrimp; salt and pepper lightly. Cook until just pink, 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
6. Toss shrimp and sauce with drained pasta, adding some pasta water as needed.
7. Garnish with parsley.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.

Best Pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccolini.

5. Shrimp Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

This is my ultimate fridge-cleanout recipe, turning leftover rice and a handful of veggies into a satisfying meal. The shrimp cook lightning fast and everything comes together in a single pan.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups leftover cooked white rice
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok. Add eggs, scramble until just set, then remove.
2. Add remaining oil, sauté carrots and peas 2–3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in rice and soy sauce; combine well.
5. Return eggs to the pan, drizzle with sesame oil and green onions, stir to finish.

Swap This With That: Use any veggie odds and ends—bell pepper, broccoli, or snap peas work great.

Meal Prep Tip: Works well for lunch the next day—just reheat in a microwave.

6. Spicy Shrimp Ramen Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

Ramen noodles become something special when topped with shrimp and a spicy broth. This recipe gets you from craving to slurping in well under 30 minutes, making it a fuss-free comfort meal.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled
• 4 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili-garlic sauce
• 2 soft boiled eggs, halved
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Red chili oil, for drizzling

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in a pot, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minutes.
2. Add broth, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce; bring to a simmer.
3. Drop in shrimp and cook until just pink, 2–3 minutes. Remove shrimp and reserve.
4. Cook ramen noodles in the broth as package directs.
5. Divide noodles and broth among bowls. Top each with shrimp, egg halves, scallions, and chili oil.

Flavor Boost: Add mushrooms or baby spinach with the noodles for extra flavor.

Best Pairings: Edamame, quick cucumber salad.

7. Crispy Shrimp Tostadas

Why You’ll Love It:

You get crunch, spice, and creamy toppings all in one bite. Piled high with shrimp and easy toppings, tostadas are a build-your-own, fun family dinner you can lay out on the kitchen island.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 8 tostada shells
• 1 cup canned refried beans, warmed
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Heat oil in skillet; sear shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked.
3. Spread each tostada shell with warm refried beans.
4. Top with shrimp, tomato, avocado, and cotija cheese.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Serving Idea: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or crema for an extra layer.

Best Pairings: Mexican rice, street corn.

8. Shrimp and Grits

Why You’ll Love It:

This southern classic is pure comfort and can transform any weeknight into something special. The creamy grits are perfectly matched with garlicky, buttery shrimp—just add a sprinkle of green onions and dig in.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Bring water to a boil; whisk in grits and cook, stirring, until thickened, 5–7 minutes. Stir in cheese and 1 tbsp butter.
2. Melt remaining butter in skillet; add garlic, paprika, cayenne.
3. Add shrimp, cook on both sides until pink, about 5 minutes total. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Divide grits among bowls, top with shrimp and pan sauce. Sprinkle with green onions.

Flavor Boost: Use chicken broth instead of water for richer grits.

Best Pairings: Sautéed greens, cornbread.

9. Easy Shrimp Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

On nights when you want dinner faster than takeout, a stir fry is the answer. Shrimp and any mix of vegetables you have get cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce, perfect for spooning over hot rice.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

1. Stir soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic together for sauce.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Quickly cook peppers and snap peas, 2–3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook just until pink, about 3 minutes.
4. Pour in sauce; cook until it bubbles and thickens, coating shrimp and veggies.
5. Serve over rice. Scatter with sesame seeds and green onions.

Swap This With That: Broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms are great alternatives if you don’t have snap peas.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Stick with whatever seasonal veggies are cheapest.

10. Shrimp Caesar Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

When I want something light but satisfying, this is an easy fix. Tossing shrimp onto a classic Caesar means you’re eating a real meal, not just salad. It’s quick, fresh, and easy to pack for lunch, too.

Serving size: Serves 2–3

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 3/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
• 1 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill or sauté shrimp until just pink, about 4 minutes per side.
3. Toss lettuce with Caesar dressing, add shrimp, croutons, and Parmesan.
4. Serve with lemon wedges.

Personal Note: I love swapping the croutons for garlicky roasted chickpeas when I want extra crunch.

Meal Prep Tip: Keep shrimp, dressing, and greens separate until serving to prevent sogginess.

11. Coconut Curry Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe is just right when you want dinner to taste like a mini vacation. The coconut-milk curry is mild but rich, and the shrimp soak up all that flavor in just minutes. I serve it with rice and lime for a quick, cozy meal.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
• 2 cups cooked white rice

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in skillet, sauté bell pepper, garlic, and ginger until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add curry powder, stirring until fragrant, 1 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and soy sauce; bring to simmer.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, 3–4 minutes.
5. Season with salt, garnish with cilantro and lime, serve with rice.

Swap This With That: Use light coconut milk for a lighter sauce.

Serving Idea: Add steamed snap peas for extra crunch.

12. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

For those “need dinner in 15 minutes” nights, this sticky-sweet shrimp comes to the rescue. Kids absolutely love the flavor, and it’s just as good spooned over rice or tucked into lettuce wraps.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups cooked white rice

How to Make It:

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds.
3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook 2 minutes per side until pink.
5. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lime before serving for brightness.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers are great cold over a salad.

13. Shrimp Avocado Summer Rolls

Why You’ll Love It:

Rolling rice paper around shrimp, avocado, and fresh herbs is an activity and a meal all at once. They’re cool, light, and perfect on nights when you don’t feel like cooking over a hot stove.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
• 8 large rice paper wrappers
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• Dipping sauce: 1/4 cup peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, water to thin

How to Make It:

1. Mix ingredients for dipping sauce; thin with water until smooth.
2. Prepare a pie plate of warm water. Dip 1 rice paper wrapper into water for 5 seconds.
3. Lay wrapper on a flat surface; add lettuce, shrimp, avocado, carrot, mint, and cilantro in the center.
4. Fold in sides, roll up tightly, set on a plate.
5. Repeat with remaining fillings. Serve with dipping sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: Rolls keep best if wrapped in damp paper towel and stored in airtight container in the fridge.

Serving Idea: Add thin rice noodles for extra substance.

14. Sticky Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love It:

These are perfect for fun, laid-back dinners—shrimp cooked in a sticky-spicy sauce, then piled inside lettuce leaves with fresh toppings. Set everything out on the table and let everyone build their own.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 8 large lettuce leaves
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges

How to Make It:

1. Mix chili sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, and sesame oil.
2. Toss shrimp with half the sauce.
3. Sauté shrimp on medium-high heat until pink, about 3–4 minutes; add the rest of sauce, cook another minute to glaze.
4. Pile shrimp into lettuce leaves. Top with carrots, peanuts, and cilantro.

Serving Idea: Try with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles.

Flavor Boost: Sprinkle with fried shallots for crunch.

15. Parmesan Baked Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Shrimp tossed with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, baked until golden and bubbly, is about as easy and satisfying as it gets. You can serve it as an appetizer or meal, and it always feels special but requires almost no effort.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Baguette or crusty bread for serving

How to Make It:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay shrimp in a single layer in baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake until shrimp are pink and cheese is bubbly, 12–13 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve with bread.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Parmesan before baking.

Serving Idea: Great alongside a simple arugula salad or as an appetizer.

16. Shrimp Cobb Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a satisfying salad that eats like a meal—layers of veggies, creamy avocado, and bacon with shrimp. It’s a classic dinner-salad you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 6 cups chopped romaine
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1/3 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper; grill or sauté until pink, about 5 minutes.
2. Arrange romaine on a platter or in a bowl. Lay out rows of shrimp, eggs, avocado, tomato, bacon.
3. Sprinkle with cheese and chives.
4. Drizzle or serve with dressing on the side.

Swap This With That: Use feta if blue cheese isn’t your favorite.

Best Pairings: Toasted sourdough or corn muffins, iced tea.

17. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This is perfect for a cozy night in when you want something indulgent without hours of work. The sauce is full of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and it clings to every shrimp—serve with crusty bread for the ultimate treat.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Crusty bread, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes.
2. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper; cook just until pink, about 4 minutes.
3. Stir in cream and Parmesan; simmer until slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with bread.

Flavor Boost: Finish with a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Best Pairings: Garlic bread, pan-seared green beans, a glass of crisp white wine.

FAQ

What kind of shrimp should I buy for easy shrimp recipes?

Buy peeled and deveined shrimp (fresh or frozen) to save time. Medium or large shrimp work for most recipes and cook quickly.

Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?

Absolutely—thaw in a colander under cold running water for a few minutes. Just make sure to pat shrimp dry before cooking for best results.

How do you know when shrimp are done cooking?

Shrimp are ready when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so watch closely.

Are these recipes good for meal prep or leftovers?

Most are great for leftovers—think shrimp salads, fried rice, or cold summer rolls. Store cooked shrimp in the fridge and use within 2 days for best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Shrimp recipes are one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary night into something special, and most can be pulled off in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving something light, comforting, spicy, or creamy, these 14+ easy shrimp recipes anyone can make tonight put a world of flavor at your fingertips, no matter how busy you are. You don’t need to be a pro to cook perfectly tender shrimp—just a willingness to try new flavors and a little trust in the process. Grab that bag of shrimp, pick a recipe, and enjoy how effortlessly satisfying home-cooked shrimp can be.