Shrimp is one of the quickest and most versatile proteins to cook, making it a perfect choice for easy, delicious meals.
Whether you love it garlicky, spicy, creamy, or grilled, these five shrimp recipes will have you coming back for more.
Each recipe is ready in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying meal.
Quick Reference Table
| Recipe Name | Cooking Time | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Butter Shrimp & Quinoa | 20 min | High-Protein |
| Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos | 25 min | Bold & Flavorful |
| Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp | 30 min | Rich & Comforting |
| Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry | 20 min | Sweet & Savory |
| Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers | 20 min | Light & Fresh |
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Quinoa
A protein-packed meal featuring juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce, served over fluffy quinoa.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Stir in lemon juice and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Serve over cooked quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos
These bold and spicy tacos are packed with flavor and topped with a cool, creamy slaw for the perfect balance.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Tacos:
- 8 small tortillas
- ½ cup diced avocado
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and lime juice.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side.
- In a bowl, mix cabbage, Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt to make slaw.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with shrimp, slaw, avocado, and cilantro.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
A rich, restaurant-style dish featuring succulent shrimp in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Return shrimp to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes, then serve over pasta or rice.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
A sweet and savory stir-fry loaded with shrimp and colorful vegetables in a delicious honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Shrimp & Veggies:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Return shrimp to the pan and pour in the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve over rice or quinoa.
Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers
A light, zesty shrimp dish perfect for grilling and packed with fresh herb flavors.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 10 minutes)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium heat and cook skewers for 2 minutes per side.
- Serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp is quick, versatile, and full of flavor, making it a fantastic protein for weeknight meals. Whether you love garlicky, spicy, creamy, or grilled shrimp, these five recipes will have you making shrimp on repeat.
Try one tonight for a delicious, effortless dinner!
