10 Cooked Shrimp Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

ByEmma

Shrimp is a culinary chameleon—quick to cook, rich in protein, and versatile enough to star in everything from cozy pastas to bold international dishes. Whether you’re working with fresh or frozen cooked shrimp, these recipes will help you whip up satisfying meals in minutes.

Contents

🍤 1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

A timeless favorite, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic and lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink (2-3 minutes per side).
  4. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley.

Pro Tip: For an extra kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

🍤 2. Honey Garlic Shrimp

This sweet and savory dish is a crowd-pleaser and comes together in just 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink (2-3 minutes per side).
  4. Pour in the honey mixture and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens.

Pro Tip: Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

🍤 3. Shrimp Scampi

A classic Italian-American dish that’s both elegant and easy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp, seasonings, and cook until pink.
  4. Pour in wine and lemon juice, simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Toss in cooked pasta and mix well. Garnish with parsley.

Pro Tip: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute wine with chicken broth.

🍤 4. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil

A one-pan wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 2 ears corn, cut into thirds
  • 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, corn, and sausage with olive oil and Old Bay seasoning.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
  4. Add shrimp to the sheet, toss, and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
  5. Serve with lemon wedges.

Pro Tip: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

🍤 5. Shrimp Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into a flavorful meal with this easy recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Remove and set aside.
  4. Pour beaten eggs into the skillet, scramble, and cook through.
  5. Add rice and vegetables, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Return shrimp to the skillet, add soy sauce, and mix well.
  7. Garnish with green onions before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a dash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of white pepper.

🍤 6. Udang Balado (Indonesian Spicy Shrimp)

Experience the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this spicy shrimp dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 5 red chilies
  • 3 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 tomato
  • Salt and sugar to taste
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

  1. Blend chilies, shallots, garlic, and tomato into a paste.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the paste until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp, season with salt and sugar, and cook until shrimp are done.

Pro Tip: Serve with steamed rice to balance the heat.

🍤 7. Shrimp Tacos

A fresh and zesty meal that’s perfect for taco night.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small tortillas
  • Toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado slices, lime wedges, cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until pink.
  3. Warm tortillas and fill with shrimp and desired toppings.

Pro Tip: Drizzle with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce for added flavor.

🍤 8. Shrimp and Grits

A Southern classic that’s rich and comforting.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook grits according to package instructions. Stir in cheese and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, and sauté.
  4. Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink.
  5. Serve shrimp over grits, topped with bacon.

Pro Tip: For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the shrimp.

🍤 9. Shrimp Pasta Primavera

A light and colorful dish packed with vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 8 oz pasta
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add garlic, and sauté.
  3. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
  4. Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink.
  5. Toss in cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

🍤 10. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

A low-carb and refreshing option that’s big on flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Butter lettuce leaves
  • Toppings: shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté.
  2. Add shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook until shrimp are pink.
  3. Spoon shrimp mixture into lettuce leaves and top with desired toppings.

Pro Tip: Serve with a side of dipping sauce made from hoisin and sriracha.

Final Thoughts

With these 10 irresistible shrimp recipes, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and cuisines without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a shrimp dish here to satisfy every palate.

Helpful Resources

More Recipes