50 Easy Shrimp Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Looking for a shrimp recipe that's skimpy on prep time, jumbo on flavor? We've got plenty of them! These easy shrimp recipes include Italian, Caribbean and Asian flavors, so you can go far (even on weeknights).

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Our Test Kitchen’s Favorite Easy Shrimp Dinners

If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, try Fajita-Style Shrimp & Grits, Garlic Lemon Shrimp, Seafood Gumbo, Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp and Spicy Shrimp with Rice.

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Skewered Ginger Shrimp with Plums

Sweet, simple and sensational, these shrimp skewers boast loads of flavor with just four ingredients. Throw them on the grill for a quick dinner or tasty potluck dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Learn how to clean shrimp.

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Popcorn Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

I love combining classic flavors in new ways. This healthy recipe combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It’s one of my family’s favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Make your weeknights easier with these 10 Products That Make Meal Planning Easy (Plus a Free Printable!).

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Sesame Cilantro Shrimp

On days when I don't feel like spending much time in the kitchen, I reach for shrimp. I can have a hot meal in the table in 10 minutes. —Tami Penunuri, League City, Texas

Make sure you’re using the right type of shrimp in your recipes.

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Easy Seafood Salad

This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and like it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
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Easy Jambalaya

I brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn't believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
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Sheet-Pan Chipotle-Lime Shrimp Bake

I like to make this seafood dinner for company because it tastes amazing, but takes very little effort to throw together. Use asparagus, Broccolini or a mix of the two. It’s all about what's available for a decent price. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
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Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles

This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
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Light & Lemony Scampi

A touch more lemon helped me trim the calories in our favorite shrimp scampi recipe. For those who want to indulge, pass around the Parmesan. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
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Shrimp Cobb Salad

This shrimp cobb salad is quite healthy. I often use a grill pan, but you can simply saute, too. Feel free to use any greens you like. — Nicholas Monfre, Hudson, Florida
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Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice

My husband often ordered pineapple fried rice at Thai restaurants, so I surprised him by tweaking some similar recipes to come up with a version that's both simple and delicious. —Bonnie Brien, Pacific Grove, California
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Coconut Chicken and Shrimp

I was looking for a fun, easy weeknight dinner based on our favorite shrimp dish that was healthier than fast food. This has become a favorite! —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
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Shrimp Fried Rice

This delectable shrimp fried rice is filled with color and taste that makes it vanish fast. Our family of four can't get enough of it. Bacon adds crispness and a hint of heartiness. Consider it when you need a different main dish or brunch item. —Sandra Thompson, White Hall, Arkansas
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Cajun Boil on the Grill

I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The foil steams up inside, so open carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Asparagus 'n' Shrimp with Angel Hair

We’ve all heard that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so when I plan a romantic dinner, this shrimp asparagus pasta with angel hair is one dish I like to serve. It is easy on the budget and turns out perfectly for two. —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
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True Shrimp Creole

An authentic Cajun dish, this tastes even better if refrigerated overnight to allow all the flavors to blend.
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Thai Shrimp Salad for 2

Here's a deliciously different salad that blends grilled shrimp, a lean source of protein, with the low-calorie crunch of cucumber and onion. It's tossed and dressed with Thai flavors of sesame, cilantro, lime and refreshing mint. Annette Traverso - San Rafael, California
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Feta Shrimp Tacos

A unique combination of taco seasoning and feta cheese works remarkably well in these refreshing tacos. It’s a goodthing you get two per serving, because you won’t want to stop at one! —Athena Russell, Florence, South Carolina
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Ragin’ Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet

We have a large summer garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That’s when we harvest our onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplant—some of the key ingredients of this dish. This recipe turns Cajun with the holy trinity (onion, celery and bell pepper), shrimp and red pepper flakes. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri
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Greek Shrimp Orzo

This is one of our go-to meals. It's finger-licking good and so satisfying, and it reheats well. My husband would rather have the shrimp orzo than go out to eat. Serve it with crusty bread and a green salad. — Molly Seidel, Edgewood, New Mexico
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Cajun Grilled Shrimp

The kicked-up marinade on these shrimp makes this a flavor-packed dish. Serve over rice, and make sure to squeeze those charred lemons over top—that makes them taste extra bright and delicious. —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Curry Shrimp

I created this Indian-style shrimp when we were entertaining some friends, one of our favorite things to do. It works on the stovetop or the grill. —Shana Conradt, Appleton, Wisconsin
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Shrimp Pasta Primavera

They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. So when I invite that special guy to dinner, I like to prepare something equally wonderful. This well-seasoned pasta dish has lots of flavor, and it won't hurt your budget! —Shari Neff, Takoma Park, Maryland
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One-Pan Sweet Chili Shrimp and Veggies

This one-pan shrimp and veggies recipe has everything I'm looking for in a weeknight family dinner: quick, flavorful, nutritious and all three of my kids will eat it! My oldest son loves shrimp and I thought it would work well as a sheet-pan supper. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Creole Shrimp Pizza

Pizza and the flavors of Creole cuisine blend amazingly well in this hearty dish with a crispy crust. Add more hot sauce to boost the heat if you like things spicy. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
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Bang Bang Shrimp Cake Sliders

My family loves these shrimp sliders. The bang bang slaw dressing and shrimp cake patties can be made ahead. When ready to serve, toss the cabbage slaw and sear the shrimp cakes, then assemble and enjoy. —Kim Banick, Salem Oregon

Don’t forget to try this copycat bang bang shrimp recipe at your home.

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Spicy Coconut Shrimp with Quinoa

Help yourself to a plate full—generous servings are still lower in calories and big on protein. If you have company, you can add a salad and call it a day. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California

Psst…This is the meal prep trick that makes life SO much easier.

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Rosemary Shrimp with Spaghetti

I came up with this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was pressed for time. Now it’s my go-to dish whenever I need a quick, nutritious meal. Serve this with garlic bread so you can scoop every last bit of goodness off your plate! —Candace Havely, Sterling, Colorado
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Garlic Shrimp Spaghetti

Served with a salad and garlic bread toast, this garlic shrimp spaghetti makes a tasty dinner. —June Foote, Spring Hill, Florida
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Rosemary Garlic Shrimp

Delicate shrimp take on fabulous flavor when simmered in a chicken broth mixed with garlic and ripe olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Thai Shrimp Soup

This tasty soup comes together in minutes, and it’s a crowd pleaser. The ingredients are available in my little Maine grocery store, too. —Jessie Grearson-Sapat, Falmouth, Maine
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Lemony Shrimp & Snow Pea Pasta

This pretty pasta is a family favorite —the kids love the light lemony flavor and I love that they devour the fresh veggies. You can use other types of pasta for variety, like bow ties or corkscrews. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
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Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce forms a crispy shell that's full of possibilities, depending on what's in your fridge. Swap shrimp for cooked chicken, pork or tofu. Mix in any veggies you want: carrots, broccoli, snow peas and chopped zucchini are all fantastic add-ins. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Mediterranean Shrimp 'n' Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes and curry take center stage in this dish that's loaded with tender shrimp and pasta. —Shirley Kunde, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Ginger-Chutney Shrimp Stir-Fry

I made this recipe a lot when I was juggling college, work and a growing family. It tastes like you spent a lot of time making it, yet only takes minutes to pull together. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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Broccoli Shrimp Alfredo

After tasting fettuccine Alfredo at a restaurant, I came up with this shrimp Alfredo with broccoli version at home. Not only does my family love the creamy dish, but my husband prefers it to the one at the restaurant. —Rae Natoli, Kingston, New York
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Barbecued Shrimp & Peach Kabobs

Shrimp grilled with peaches and green onions really sets off fireworks! The spicy seasonings even helped me win a ribbon at a county fair. —Jen Smallwood, Portsmouth, Virginia
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Shrimp and Grits

For a sweet and spicy meal, I serve shrimp and vegetables in a honey, lemon juice, pepper sauce alongside dressed-up grits. It's my fresh spin on the southern classic. —Judith King, Madisonville, Tennessee
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Thai Shrimp Stir-Fry

Peanut butter gives this tasty blend of red peppers, snow peas and shrimp its Thai flavor, while ginger and red pepper flakes spice it up. I like to serve the colorful main dish over pasta—everyone just loves it! —Jeanne Fisher of Simi Valley, California.
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West African Shrimp

My girls have always loved seafood, so I invented a shrimp dish with coconut milk and ginger. They raved; I was delighted. It's great with jasmine rice. —Sharon Scaletta, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
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Grilled Lemon-Dill Shrimp

This grilled shrimp is one of my go-to recipes when I stare at the freezer and draw a blank. Add veggies if desired, but grill them separately. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
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Sesame Noodles with Shrimp & Snap Peas

Stir-fries and busy nights are a match made in heaven. For a boost of vibrant color and freshness, I sometimes stir in chopped cilantro just before I serve it from the pan. —Nedra Schell, Fort Worth, Texas
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Hearty Shrimp Risotto

Super creamy and packed with shrimp, this impressive Italian meal maker is special enough to serve company. Laced with the warm flavors of white wine, goat cheese and fresh spinach, it’s scrumptious, comforting and so fast! —Lydia Becker, Parkville, Missouri
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Quick & Easy New Orleans Shrimp

I’ve simplified my mom's Shrimp Creole—she made it for us growing up. Now it's effortless comfort food I make for my own family. —Crystal Milne, Urbana, Illinois
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Dijon Shrimp with Pasta

I combined several family recipes to create this dish, which I like to serve when we have company. If my husband had his way, I’d make it every night. —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois. Looking for more? Check out our collection of easy shrimp recipes.
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Shrimp Fajitas

I’ve lost 50 pounds recently and my husband, Jere, has lost 65. We’re always looking for tasty ways to keep the weight off. I think working moms would love it as much as we do because it's so quick and easy. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
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Grilled Shrimp & Tomatoes with Linguine

This pasta came about one night when I started making up dinner as I went along, using what I had on hand. We knew it turned out amazing with the very first bite. —Lisa Bynum, Brandon, Mississippi
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Shrimp & Feta Skillet

My friend’s feisty Italian grandmother, Gemma, makes a dish similar to my shrimp with tomatoes. When I make this recipe, I think of Gemma and smile while stirring. —Celeste Ehrenberg, Topeka, Kansas
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Shrimp Piccata

I serve this easy shrimp piccata recipe with crusty French bread and asparagus. —Holly Bauer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Kristin Sutter
A big fan of homegrown cooking, Kristin has been a writer and editor for nearly 20 years. She has mastered the art of learning from her inexpert riffs on other people's truly good recipes.
Lisa Kaminski
Lisa is a former Taste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.