14+ Quick Shrimp Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes

Some nights, after a long day juggling work and life, shrimp is my secret weapon. It cooks fast, needs barely any fuss, and turns a handful of ingredients into something special, even when the fridge looks bare. There’s nothing quite like that moment when quick shrimp recipes ready in 20 minutes mean dinner goes from zero to hero before anyone starts asking what’s for dinner—for the third time. Whether it’s a last-minute weeknight meal or a sunny weekend lunch with good bread to catch all the juices, shrimp always finds its way to my table.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a life-saver for when you want something dinner-worthy but have zero patience. Garlicky, buttery, and perfect with crusty bread or a simple salad, it’s the dish my family asks for when we all want real comfort in a hurry.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss in shrimp and cook, stirring often, until pink and opaque (about 4 minutes).
5. Squeeze in lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and give everything a good toss.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter for a light heat.

Best Pairings: Serve with a green salad or steamed rice.

2. Spicy Honey Shrimp Tacos

Why You’ll Love It:

If you crave a little kick, these tacos come together quicker than takeout and make busy weeknights genuinely fun. It’s always a hit for an at-home taco night with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like sriracha)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. In a bowl, whisk honey, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss shrimp in olive oil and the honey-hot sauce mixture.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and caramelized.
5. Warm tortillas, fill with shrimp, cabbage, avocado, and squeeze lime over top.

Swap This With That: Sub honey for agave nectar or maple syrup.

Serving Idea: Top with quick pickled onions for extra tang.

3. Lemon Herb Shrimp Pasta

Why You’ll Love It:

This one comes together while the pasta boils. Light, bright, and full of springtime flavors, it’s my go-to when I want to feel like I’m eating out but only have weekday energy and a few pantry staples.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 19 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Boil pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. While pasta cooks, season shrimp with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet; sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
5. Drain pasta and toss with shrimp, garlic oil, lemon zest, juice, parsley, basil, and a splash of pasta water as needed.

Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container; freshen with a little extra lemon juice before reheating.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the shrimp or they’ll get rubbery—remove from heat as soon as they’re pink.

4. Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

Great for grill nights or indoor grill pans. The marinade is pure flavor magic and works even if you only have 10 minutes. Friends ask for the recipe whenever this shows up at summer gatherings.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

How to Make It:

1. Soak wooden skewers if using.
2. Whisk olive oil, lime juice, zest, chili powder, honey, garlic, and salt.
3. Toss shrimp in marinade and skewer.
4. Grill or pan-sear shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until cooked.
5. Serve with more lime.

Best Pairings: Serve with grilled corn and a side of rice.

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

5. Shrimp Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies. This is my go-to clean-out-the-fridge meal, and no one’s the wiser—it feels takeout-special but is so much lighter and quicker.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into pieces
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

How to Make It:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet; scramble eggs and remove.
2. Add second tbsp oil, cook garlic, then shrimp until just pink.
3. Stir in peas, carrots, and rice, breaking up clumps.
4. Add scrambled egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Toss to combine.
5. Top with green onions.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen shrimp and whatever veggies you have on hand.

Swap This With That: Try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a twist.

6. Creamy Cajun Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This creamy skillet number tastes restaurant-fancy but uses pantry basics. I make it for quick date nights or whenever anyone’s craving something bold and a little indulgent.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Toss shrimp with half the Cajun seasoning.
2. Sauté in oil until pink; remove from pan.
3. Add garlic, rest of seasoning, cream, and broth; simmer until thickened.
4. Return shrimp, toss in the sauce, and serve with parsley.

Serving Idea: Spoon over rice or cooked grits.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish.

7. Shrimp Avocado Salad

Why You’ll Love It:

On really hot days, chopping up shrimp and avocado with crisp veggies is heaven—no need for a heavy meal. It’s my favorite work-from-home lunch or easy starter for BBQs.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 ounces mixed salad greens
• 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley
• 3 tablespoons vinaigrette dressing

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil and cook shrimp just until pink, season lightly with salt.
2. Arrange salad greens, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber in bowls.
3. Top with shrimp and herbs, drizzle with vinaigrette.

Best Pairings: Add a piece of seedy toast or baguette.

Personal Note: I add a handful of toasted nuts if I have them.

8. Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

Why You’ll Love It:

Zucchini noodles plus garlicky shrimp mean low-carb luxury in minutes. This is my shortcut to feeling good after a carb-heavy weekend, or when there’s too much zucchini in the garden.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil and cook garlic and pepper flakes 30 seconds.
2. Add shrimp, cook until pink.
3. Toss in zucchini noodles, lemon juice, and parsley, cook 2 minutes.
4. Season to taste and serve immediately.

Swap This With That: Use spaghetti squash or carrot noodles.

Meal Prep Tip: Spiralize zucchini ahead and store in a paper-towel lined container.

9. Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love It:

All the flavor of your favorite appetizer, but lighter and super fast. These lettuce wraps are perfect for summer parties or nights you just want to eat with your hands and keep things fresh.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound small shrimp, peeled
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Vegetable oil for sautéing
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 8-10 butter lettuce leaves
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Pat shrimp dry, toss with cornstarch.
2. Heat oil and fry shrimp until crisp and pink.
3. Drain and toss with mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
4. Spoon into lettuce leaves, top with onions and sesame.

Serving Idea: Serve as an appetizer or main dish.

Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lime to the sauce.

10. Simple Shrimp Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

A fridge clean-out hero. Toss whatever veggies are on hand with quick shrimp and a pantry stir-fry sauce—you’ll have a vibrant, healthy dinner before you can finish a takeout order.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 cups assorted vegetables (such as bell pepper, broccoli, snap peas, carrots)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in large skillet.
2. Add shrimp and cook until just pink; remove.
3. Add veggies and stir-fry until just tender.
4. Toss in garlic, add shrimp back, pour over sauces and sesame oil, stir to coat.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overcrowding the pan leads to steaming, not stir-frying—cook in batches if needed.

Swap This With That: Use chicken or tofu for different protein.

11. Sriracha Lime Shrimp Bowl

Why You’ll Love It:

A punchy, spicy bowl you can build from leftovers. Great tossed on rice, greens, or even noodles for a customizable weeknight fix.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 cups steamed rice
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• 1 cup shredded carrots

How to Make It:

1. Whisk sriracha, lime, and honey.
2. Season shrimp and sauté in olive oil until pink.
3. Add sauce, simmer 2 minutes then remove from heat.
4. Assemble bowls with rice, toppings, and glazed shrimp.

Best Pairings: Add a poached egg or sliced avocado.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Use frozen, pre-cooked shrimp and thaw before glazing.

12. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s cozy, quick, and every bite gets a little sauce—like a shortcut risotto. On hectic nights, this one-pot wonder does all the heavy lifting.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté garlic in oil until fragrant.
2. Add orzo, stir for 1 minutes.
3. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, and simmer until orzo is almost tender.
4. Add shrimp, lemon juice, zest, salt, and cook just until shrimp is pink.
5. Stir in parsley and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers keep well—just add a splash of broth to reheat.

Serving Idea: Good with a side of garlic green beans.

13. Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Why You’ll Love It:

Old-school but always in style. When you want something cold, quick, and special, this is pure party food. Perfect as a savory snack or a starter with bubbly.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons horseradish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Boil water with lemon and bay leaf.
2. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink; immediately place into ice water.
3. Mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and hot sauce for cocktail sauce.
4. Arrange shrimp and serve with sauce and garnish.

Personal Note: My mom made this for every holiday and it always felt festive.

Serving Idea: Pile onto a bed of lettuce for a light lunch.

14. Mediterranean Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta

Why You’ll Love It:

This skillet brings together all the best Mediterranean flavors fast—sweet tomatoes, briny feta, fresh herbs. A healthy dinner with pantry ingredients that makes a simple meal feel like a treat.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil or parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, cook 3-4 minutes until just softened.
3. Add shrimp, cook until pink and cooked through.
4. Top with feta and herbs, serve with bread if desired.

Best Pairings: Serve with orzo or a side of roasted potatoes.

Flavor Boost: Add black olives or a splash of white wine to the sauce.

15. Shrimp & Mango Summer Rolls

Why You’ll Love It:

These are fun for hands-on meals or as a colorful appetizer—no stove needed. I love making these for picnics or as a light dinner when it’s too hot to cook.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 16 medium cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
• 8 rice paper wrappers
• 1 ripe mango, cut into thin strips
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup fresh mint or cilantro
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1/2 cup rice vermicelli noodles (optional, cooked and cooled)
• Dipping sauce (such as sweet chili or hoisin-peanut)

How to Make It:

1. Dip rice paper wrappers in warm water to soften.
2. Lay shrimp, mango, lettuce, herbs, carrot, and noodles in the center.
3. Roll tightly, folding in sides as you go.
4. Slice in half and serve with dipping sauce.

Meal Prep Tip: Cover with damp towel and chill up to 3 hours.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Overfilling makes them hard to roll—keep amounts modest.

FAQ

How do I prevent shrimp from getting rubbery?

The best trick is simply not to overcook shrimp—they turn pink and opaque quickly. As soon as each side is pink and they curl into loose “C” shapes, they’re done. Move them off the heat right away.

Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?

Absolutely. Just thaw them under cold water for a few minutes, then pat very dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp work great for quick shrimp recipes ready in 20 minutes.

What’s the easiest way to peel and devein shrimp?

Use your fingers to remove the shell, then make a shallow cut along the back with a paring knife and pull out the dark vein with the tip. Some stores even sell them already peeled and deveined to save more time.

Are these recipes good for meal prep?

Some are—especially the salads, fried rice, and bowls. The shrimp is best freshly cooked, but you can prep your veggies and sauces in advance for even faster assembly.

Conclusion

Shrimp is always the answer for fast, satisfying meals that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. With these 14+ quick shrimp recipes ready in 20 minutes, you’ll have plenty of ways to mix things up—whether you’re after bright, breezy salads or something a little more indulgent. I hope these ideas make your weeknights smoother and your dinners more delicious. Keep experimenting and trust your own taste—you might just find a new favorite. Happy cooking.