14+ Low-Carb Shrimp Recipes for Light & amp; Satisfying Dinners

There’s something effortless about thawing a bag of shrimp after work, especially when the day’s been full and you’re craving a dinner that won’t weigh you down. Shrimp always feels like a treat, yet it’s one of those rare ingredients that cooks fast and makes any weeknight dinner feel special. I’ve circled back to my favorite 14+ low-carb shrimp recipes for light & satisfying dinners more times than I can count—sometimes for a quiet solo meal, sometimes to impress friends. Each dish comes together without fuss, letting those naturally sweet, briny shrimp shine with bright veggies, bold spices, or classic garlic-and-butter magic. These are the kind of dinners that make you feel good long after the plates are cleared.

14+ Low-Carb Shrimp Recipes for Light & amp; Satisfying Dinners

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Zucchini Noodles

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a weeknight lifesaver for anyone craving pasta comfort without the carbs. Zucchini noodles soak up all that garlicky, buttery shrimp goodness and keep everything light. It cooks in one pan and always vanishes quickly—especially if you’ve got kids and adults who don’t want to compromise on flavor.

 

A shallow white bowl filled with spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with pink shrimp glistening in garlic butter. Freshly chopped parsley scattered over the top, with lemon wedges on the side and a few flecks of black pepper. Everything sits on a rustic wooden tabletop.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

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

How to Make It:

  1. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high.
  3. Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink; transfer to a plate.
  4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet; cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes.
  5. Toss in zucchini noodles, sauté 2 minutes until just tender.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and remaining butter, and toss everything to combine.
  7. Sprinkle with parsley; serve immediately.

Optional Enhancers (choose 2):

Flavor Boost: Add freshly grated parmesan for a savory touch.

Meal Prep Tip: Spiralize and store zucchini noodles ahead in the fridge, wrapped in paper towel.

2. Shrimp & Avocado Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

Why You’ll Love It:

This is what I whip up when lunchtime rolls into dinner and all I want is a fresh, satisfying salad. Creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and deliciously spiced shrimp all tossed in a citrusy homemade dressing—it’s simple, filling, and works beautifully as a make-ahead meal.

 

A generous wide salad bowl piled high with chopped romaine, seared shrimp, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and thin red onion slices. Everything is drizzled with a glossy green cilantro-lime dressing and finished with fresh cilantro leaves. White napkin and silver fork beside the bowl.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cilantro-Lime Dressing:

How to Make It:

  1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear shrimp in a skillet over medium heat, 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
  3. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, avocado, tomato, and onion.
  5. Top salad with shrimp and drizzle with the dressing.
  6. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Swap This With That: Try baby spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine.

3. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

If you crave a little heat, this one’s for you. Cajun spices turn shrimp into a bold, zesty dinner with barely any effort. You can toss it over cauliflower rice or just enjoy straight from the pan. It’s a favorite for those hectic nights when you want all the flavor, stat.

 

A deep black skillet filled with sizzling shrimp coated in a red-orange Cajun spice blend. Scattered slices of sautéed bell peppers and a sprinkle of chopped green onions brighten the scene. The skillet sits atop a simple white linen on a stove.

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 Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Salt, to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning until coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add bell peppers, and sauté for 3 minutes.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle with green onions and serve warm.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Best Pairings: Serve with cauliflower rice, fresh green salad, or roasted asparagus.

4. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for lazy evenings, this sheet pan supper brings together juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli with almost zero mess. The lemony garlic flavor wakes everything up. I love making it when I need to feed the whole table fast.

 

A metal baking sheet layered with roasted broccoli florets and plump shrimp, all glistening with olive oil and lemon juice, lightly charred around the edges. Lemon wedges arranged at the corners and a smattering of parsley.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Toss broccoli with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast broccoli for 8 minutes.
  4. Toss shrimp with remaining oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add shrimp to the pan; roast everything for another 7 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the shrimp mixture.

5. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Snow Peas & Red Pepper

Why You’ll Love It:

Takeout vibes, minus the carbs and mystery oils. This stir-fry is bright, colorful, and cooked in minutes. It’s especially handy if you’re clearing out the produce drawer midweek. Every bite is crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor.

 

White shallow bowls brimming with sautéed shrimp, vibrant snap peas, and strips of red pepper, all glistening in a soy-ginger glaze. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onion for garnish. Wooden chopsticks rest across the rim.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make It:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high.
  2. Add red bell pepper and snow peas, sauté 3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 1 minutes.
  4. Add shrimp and tamari; cook 3-4 minutes until shrimp is pink.
  5. Stir in sesame oil, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Swap This With That: Use snap peas or sugar peas if you don’t have snow peas.

6. Coconut Lime Shrimp

Why You’ll Love It:

This dish brings bright, tropical flavors to the table with barely any carbs. Creamy coconut pairs so well with juicy shrimp and a hit of fresh lime. It’s the kind of meal I go to when I want to feel like I’m on vacation, even if I’m at my own kitchen table.

 

A low, wide white bowl brimming with shrimp coated in a glossy coconut-lime sauce, garnished with thin lime wheels and sprigs of cilantro. Coconut flakes sprinkled over for texture. Soft sunlight filtering on a light wooden table.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes

How to Make It:

  1. Pat shrimp dry, season with salt.
  2. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium, cook shrimp 2 minutes per side.
  3. Add garlic and ginger, stir until fragrant.
  4. Pour in coconut milk, lime zest, and juice. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat, top with cilantro and coconut flakes.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Serving Idea: Serve over sautéed cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

7. Shrimp Caesar Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love It:

All the rich, crunchy flavors of Caesar salad—without the carbs from croutons or wraps. These lettuce boats are my picnic go-to. Crisp romaine leaves hold creamy Caesar shrimp for a little hand-held dinner everyone can build their own.

 

Long romaine leaves lined up on a platter, each piled with grilled shrimp, a drizzle of creamy Caesar dressing, shredded parmesan, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Lemon wedges at the side.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 large romaine leaves
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges
  • Black pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear shrimp in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Lay romaine leaves on a serving tray.
  4. Fill each with several shrimp, drizzle with Caesar dressing, and top with parmesan.
  5. Add a dash of black pepper and serve with lemon wedges.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Meal Prep Tip: Keep shrimp and dressing stored separately, then assemble wraps fresh for best texture.

8. Avocado Shrimp Boats

Why You’ll Love It:

When it’s too hot to cook, I lean on this one. Just slice open a ripe avocado and fill it with cool, tangy shrimp salad. Ideal for an easy, carb-friendly lunch or light dinner—especially if you’re eating solo or packing a snack for later.

 

Halved avocados on a ceramic plate, each half heaped with creamy pink shrimp salad, speckled with fresh dill and finely diced red onion. Lemon wedges and a dusting of paprika complete the look.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Paprika, for garnish

How to Make It:

  1. In a bowl, mix chopped shrimp, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, dill, red onion, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spoon the shrimp salad into avocado halves.
  3. Sprinkle with paprika and serve with extra lemon if you like.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Budget-Friendly Tip: Swap fresh dill for dried—use half the amount to boost the flavor inexpensively.

9. Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash

Why You’ll Love It:

Classic scampi flavor but without the pasta, thanks to roasted spaghetti squash. It feels indulgent, but you get all the garlicky, lemony shrimp flavors without feeling stuffed after. This is a good make-ahead dinner too—the squash strands hold up well and keep everything fresh.

 

Mounded twirls of golden spaghetti squash on a white plate, topped with sautéed shrimp, flecks of parsley, and a generous drizzle of lemon-garlic butter sauce. The plate is sprinkled with parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hours

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan

How to Make It:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Halve squash, scoop out seeds, brush with 1 tablespoon oil, and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 40 minutes.
  2. Cool squash 10 minutes, then scrape into strands with a fork.
  3. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a skillet. Add shrimp, cook 2 minutes per side, remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté garlic, then add wine, lemon juice, and zest. Reduce slightly, then whisk in butter.
  5. Toss squash strands with sauce, return shrimp to pan, toss to combine.
  6. Plate, top with parsley and parmesan.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Meal Prep Tip: Roast spaghetti squash up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate—just reheat for fast scampi nights.

10. Shrimp & Cauliflower Grits

Why You’ll Love It:

A lighter twist on Southern comfort food that’s surprisingly filling and just as creamy as the original. The cauliflower base soaks up every bit of buttery, smoky shrimp sauce—perfect for when you want something hearty but not heavy.

 

A rustic bowl layered with creamy white cauliflower mash, topped with golden brown shrimp and flecks of fresh chives. A light drizzle of paprika butter sauce and a side spoon finish the homey scene.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • Black pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Steam cauliflower until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well and blend with cream cheese, parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth.
  2. Mix paprika and garlic with shrimp and toss well.
  3. Melt butter in a skillet, add shrimp, cook about 2 minutes per side until pink.
  4. Serve shrimp over cauliflower mash and sprinkle chives and pepper on top.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Personal Note: My family asks for this on chilly nights when we want something cozy but light.

11. Greek-Style Shrimp with Feta & Tomatoes

Why You’ll Love It:

This is an easy Mediterranean-inspired option that looks and tastes fancy. Salty feta, sweet tomatoes, and tender shrimp come together in a skillet. It’s a bright, crowd-pleasing meal that feels special enough for guests or date night.

 

An oval ceramic dish filled with shrimp, roasted cherry tomatoes, and melted feta, garnished with chopped fresh oregano. A drizzle of olive oil over the top and hunks of lemon on the side, with a simple striped napkin beneath.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • Lemon wedges
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Heat oven to 400°F.
  2. In an oven-safe skillet, cook tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper for 5 minutes.
  3. Nestle shrimp into tomatoes in a single layer, lightly salt and pepper, and bake 7 minutes, until shrimp turn pink.
  4. Scatter feta and fresh oregano over top, return to oven for 3 minutes until feta softens.
  5. Squeeze lemon over before serving.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Best Pairings: This recipe is perfect with roasted zucchini, crisp green beans, or a simple cucumber salad.

12. Thai Basil Shrimp Lettuce Cups

Why You’ll Love It:

Restaurant-inspired but ready in 15 minutes, these spicy-sweet shrimp are served in lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist on Thai take-out. The fresh basil adds a pop of green flavor, and they’re great for a party platter or light family dinner.

 

Butter lettuce leaves cupped around glossy shrimp tossed in a caramelized soy-chili sauce, with torn basil leaves, thin sticks of carrot, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. Everything is arranged on a large white platter.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 8 butter lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts

How to Make It:

  1. Stir together tamari, lime, chili paste, and brown sugar substitute.
  2. Heat coconut oil, add shrimp, and cook 2 minutes per side.
  3. Pour in the sauce. Stir shrimp to coat, then fold in chopped basil.
  4. Spoon shrimp into lettuce cups, top with carrots and peanuts.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’ll turn rubbery. Pull them off the heat as soon as they’re opaque.

13. Shrimp Ceviche Stuffed Bell Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

Zesty, crisp, and cool—this no-cook recipe is a savior for hot weather and busy days. Pre-cooked shrimp gets a citrusy toss and is tucked into sweet pepper halves. It’s always a hit for appetizers or a lunch that won’t slow you down.

 

Halved and hollowed-out red, yellow, and orange bell peppers each filled with colorful shrimp ceviche, flecked with tomato, cilantro, and jalapeño. Served on a blue ceramic platter with lime wedges.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp, chopped
  • 2 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Extra lime wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

  1. In a bowl, mix shrimp, tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spoon ceviche filling into bell pepper halves.
  3. Serve with lime wedges.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Best Pairings: Great alongside sliced cucumber, fresh watermelon salad, or chips if you don’t mind the carbs.

14. Shrimp & Spinach Omelette

Why You’ll Love It:

Breakfast-for-dinner never gets old, especially when you fold succulent shrimp into fluffy eggs and sautéed greens. This high-protein, low-carb omelette keeps you full without excess calories and feels extra fancy, even on a Tuesday evening.

 

A golden folded omelette on a simple white plate, brimming with pink shrimp and glossy spinach, flecked with fresh chives. A silver fork rests beside, with a sprinkle of black pepper over the omelette.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons chives, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make It:

  1. Whisk eggs with milk, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet; add spinach, sauté 1-2 minutes.
  3. Pour in eggs, cook until almost set.
  4. Scatter shrimp and half the chives across the eggs, then fold omelette over.
  5. Cook 2 more minutes, then slide onto a plate and top with remaining chives.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Serving Idea: Serve with sliced avocado or a small side of mixed greens.

15. Lemon Dill Shrimp Skewers

Why You’ll Love It:

Grilling season or not, these skewers are always welcome—from summer cookouts to quick oven broiling. The lemon and dill keep them fresh and fragrant. I love serving them family-style with extra sauce for drizzling.

 

Bamboo skewers threaded with plump shrimp, grilled to a subtle char, sprinkled with minced dill and lemon zest. The skewers are arranged over a bed of lettuce on a platter, with a bowl of yogurt-dill sauce at the side.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Yogurt-Dill Sauce:

How to Make It:

  1. Soak wooden skewers 15 minutes if grilling.
  2. Toss shrimp with oil, lemon juice, dill, zest, salt, and pepper.
  3. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
  4. Grill or broil 3-4 minutes per side until just opaque.
  5. Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  6. Serve skewers hot, with sauce for dipping.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Swap This With That: Use parsley instead of dill if you prefer a milder herb flavor.

16. Shrimp Tacos in Cabbage Shells

Why You’ll Love It:

Craving tacos without the tortillas? Crunchy cabbage leaves hold spicy shrimp and fresh slaw for low-carb taco night. You can pile them high with fixings—no one will miss the regular shells.

 

Large green cabbage leaves cradling plump, chili-dusted shrimp, topped with crisp shredded slaw, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime crema. The tacos are arranged on a long wooden board with lime wedges.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper
  • 8 large cabbage leaves
  • 1 cup shredded slaw mix
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

  1. Toss shrimp with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sauté shrimp in a skillet, 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Mix slaw with a bit of lime juice and salt.
  4. Stir remaining lime juice and a little salt into sour cream to make a quick crema.
  5. Fill cabbage leaves with shrimp, slaw, diced tomato, and drizzle with crema.
  6. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Flavor Boost: Add sliced jalapeños or pickled onions for more punch.

17. Miso Ginger Shrimp & Bok Choy

Why You’ll Love It:

A fast, one-pan meal that brings clean, Asian-inspired flavors together. Savory miso and sharp ginger balance sweet shrimp and tender bok choy—a nourishing bowl that comes together in under 20 minutes.

 

A wide, shallow bowl with wilted bright green bok choy layered under succulent shrimp glazed with a shiny miso-ginger sauce, topped with finely sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Chopsticks rest neatly on the side.

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 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon white miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Green onion and sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make It:

  1. Whisk miso, ginger, garlic, tamari, vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet. Sear shrimp about 2 minutes per side; set aside.
  3. Sauté bok choy in the same pan for 4 minutes until wilted.
  4. Return shrimp, add sauce, and cook together 2 minutes longer.
  5. Garnish and serve immediately.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t add the miso sauce too early—it’s best stirred in at the end to keep the flavor bright.

18. Shrimp & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls

Why You’ll Love It:

Upgrade taco night with a big burrito bowl—minus the rice. Cauliflower rice makes it hearty but low in carbs, and the toppings are easy to mix up. It’s one of those things you can meal-prep and customize for everyone at the table.

 

A deep bowl layered with fluffy cauliflower rice, shrimp sautéed with southwest spices, chopped fresh salsa, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Lime wedges and scattered cilantro on top.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups riced cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomato salsa
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges

How to Make It:

  1. Season shrimp with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet, cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side; set aside.
  3. In another skillet, heat remaining oil, sauté cauliflower rice 5-6 minutes until tender, season with salt.
  4. Divide cauliflower rice among bowls, then top with shrimp, salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Optional Enhancers (choose 1):

Meal Prep Tip: Keep cauliflower rice and shrimp stored separately; warm up before adding fresh toppings.

FAQ

What are some good sides for low-carb shrimp dinners?

Try oven-roasted veggies, mixed greens, cauliflower rice, or grilled asparagus. All keep the meals light and let shrimp stay the star.

How do you know when shrimp is cooked perfectly?

Shrimp cooks fast—just a couple minutes per side. Look for them to turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so keep a close eye.

Can I buy frozen shrimp or does it need to be fresh?

Frozen shrimp work great for nearly all of these recipes. Just thaw them gently under cold water and pat dry before cooking.

Are shrimp dinners kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Smart seasoning and simple presentations like lettuce wraps or taco bowls help make shrimp fun and tasty, even for picky eaters.

Conclusion

Light, satisfying dinners don’t have to be dull, and shrimp proves it every time. With these low-carb shrimp recipes, you can eat well on a busy schedule and still look forward to dinner. Whether you’re after something zesty, creamy, crunchy, or packed with veggies, shrimp brings a special-occasion feeling to everyday cooking. So stock your freezer and let these ideas inspire you—experiment with seasonings, switch up your veggie sides, and make these recipes your own. There’s no need to overthink it—just enjoy the process, the flavor, and the simple pleasure of a lighter dinner that still feels like a treat.

Soumyadip Chatterjee
Founder of easyshrimprecipes.com
Hi, this is Soumyadip, creator of easyshrimprecipes.com. I love cooking and sharing new tasty recipes to the entire world. So what are you waiting for, join me on a delicious journey.

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