10 Shrimp Dinner Ideas That Will Make You Feel Like a Master Chef

ByEmma

Shrimp is one of the most versatile and delicious proteins you can cook with. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy garlicky buttery or light shrimp can deliver. In this article we’ll explore 10 incredible shrimp dinner ideas that will elevate your home cooking and make you feel like a culinary genius.

Contents

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled & deveined
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup white (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta (if using) according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
  4. Deglaze with white then add lemon juice red pepper flakes salt and pepper.
  5. Toss in parsley and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

Pro Tip: For extra richness stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

2. Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined
  • 1 cup stone-ground grits
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions chopped
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1/2 onion diced

Instructions:

  1. Cook grits in chicken broth until creamy (about 20 mins) then stir in butter cream and cheese.
  2. In a separate pan sauté bell pepper and onion until soft.
  3. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning cooking until shrimp are done (3-4 mins).
  4. Serve shrimp mixture over creamy grits garnished with green onions.

Pro Tip: Use andouille sausage for an extra kick!

3. Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger grated
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions:

  1. Whisk honey soy sauce garlic ginger and cornstarch in a bowl.
  2. Stir-fry shrimp in sesame oil until pink then remove from pan.
  3. Sauté veggies until tender-crisp.
  4. Return shrimp to pan pour sauce over and simmer until thickened.

Pro Tip: Serve over jasmine rice for a complete meal.

4. Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp seasoned with chili powder & cumin
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1 mango diced
  • 1/2 red onion diced
  • 1 jalapeño minced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

Instructions:

  1. Grill or sauté shrimp until cooked.
  2. Mix mango onion jalapeño cilantro and lime juice for salsa.
  3. Assemble tacos with shrimp mango salsa avocado and a drizzle of sour cream.

Pro Tip: Char the tortillas lightly for extra flavor.

5. Creamy Coconut Shrimp Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1/2 onion sliced
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft.
  2. Add curry paste then coconut milk fish sauce and sugar. Simmer.
  3. Stir in shrimp and cook until done (3-4 mins).
  4. Garnish with basil and serve over rice.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lime for brightness.

6. Lemon Pepper Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 lemon zested & juiced
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water)

Instructions:

  1. Marinate shrimp in olive oil lemon zest juice and seasoning for 15 mins.
  2. Thread onto skewers and grill 2-3 mins per side.

Pro Tip: Serve with a garlic aioli dip.

7. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 8 oz fettuccine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta then drain.
  2. Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic then remove.
  3. Simmer cream and Parmesan until thickened.
  4. Combine everything and serve.

Pro Tip: Add a pinch of nutmeg for depth.

8. Bang Bang Shrimp

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp sriracha
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Bread shrimp in panko then bake or air-fry until crispy.
  2. Mix mayo chili sauce and sriracha for the sauce.
  3. Toss shrimp in sauce and serve.

Pro Tip: Great as an appetizer or over rice.

9. Shrimp Fried Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp
  • 3 cups cooked rice (day-old works best)
  • 2 eggs scrambled
  • 1 cup mixed veggies
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Stir-fry shrimp then set aside.
  2. Cook eggs and veggies then add rice.
  3. Mix in shrimp and soy sauce drizzle with sesame oil.

Pro Tip: Use high heat for the best texture.

10. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp grilled or boiled
  • 2 avocados diced
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Toss all ingredients gently.
  2. Chill before serving.

Pro Tip: Add cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

Final Thoughts

With these 10 shrimp dinner ideas you’ll never run out of delicious ways to enjoy this seafood favorite. Whether you prefer creamy spicy or light dishes shrimp is the perfect protein to make any meal feel gourmet.

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