Quick Shrimp Recipes for Dinner

Highlighted under: Fast Easy Meals Ideas

Discover a variety of quick and delicious shrimp recipes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner. These recipes are not only fast to prepare but also packed with flavor.

Maribel Sutton

Created by

Maribel Sutton

Last updated on 2026-01-03T05:29:34.452Z

These quick shrimp recipes are designed for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Enjoy fresh, flavorful shrimp dishes that can be on your table in no time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
  • Versatile recipes that can be tailored to your taste
  • Healthy and packed with protein

Quick and Flavorful Shrimp Dishes

Shrimp is a fantastic protein choice for busy weeknights. These quick shrimp recipes allow you to whip up something delicious in no time, making them perfect for families and individuals alike. Whether you prefer a classic shrimp scampi or a spicy shrimp stir-fry, these dishes are sure to please. The best part? You can have a gourmet meal on the table in under 30 minutes!

Incorporating shrimp into your dinner repertoire not only adds variety but also brings a wealth of health benefits. Shrimp is low in calories yet high in protein, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. These recipes are designed to be both satisfying and nutritious, so you can feel good about what you're eating.

Versatile Cooking Options

One of the greatest advantages of shrimp is its versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a wide range of flavors and dishes that cater to your personal taste. From zesty shrimp tacos filled with fresh avocado and cilantro to a savory stir-fry bursting with vibrant vegetables, the possibilities are endless. Don't hesitate to customize these recipes with your favorite spices and sides!

These shrimp recipes can easily adapt to accommodate dietary preferences, whether you're looking for gluten-free options or want to pack in more veggies. By swapping out certain ingredients or adding your favorite sauces, you can make these dishes uniquely yours. This flexibility makes them ideal for families with diverse palates.

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

When time is of the essence, these quick shrimp recipes shine. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. The simplicity of these dishes does not compromise on taste; they are packed with flavor that will delight your taste buds.

Moreover, shrimp cooks quickly, which means you can have a satisfying dinner ready in a flash. With minimal prep and cooking times, these recipes are perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious but don't want to spend hours cooking. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking for a satisfying meal just for yourself, these shrimp dishes are the perfect solution.

Ingredients

Shrimp Scampi

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Shrimp Stir-Fry

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Shrimp Tacos

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 8 small tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your preferences!

Instructions

Shrimp Scampi

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp, white wine, and lemon juice. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

Shrimp Stir-Fry

Heat sesame oil in a large pan. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Add mixed vegetables and soy sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Shrimp Tacos

In a skillet, cook shrimp over medium heat until pink. Warm tortillas in another pan. Fill each tortilla with shrimp, avocado, cabbage, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious shrimp dinners!

Tips for Cooking Shrimp

When preparing shrimp, it's essential to ensure they are properly thawed if using frozen shrimp. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water. This step helps maintain the shrimp's texture and flavor during cooking.

Additionally, avoid overcooking shrimp. They cook very quickly and should ideally be removed from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery, so keep a close eye on them while cooking.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, consider pairing your shrimp dish with a side of rice or quinoa. These grains complement the flavors of shrimp beautifully and add a satisfying base to your meal. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables can also round out your plate, providing a nutritious balance.

Don't forget to garnish your dishes! Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate your shrimp recipes, adding both visual appeal and enhanced flavor. These small touches make a big difference in presentation and taste.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for white wine?

You can use chicken broth or skip it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How do I know when shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.

Quick Shrimp Recipes for Dinner

Discover a variety of quick and delicious shrimp recipes that are perfect for a weeknight dinner. These recipes are not only fast to prepare but also packed with flavor.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Maribel Sutton

Recipe Type: Fast Easy Meals Ideas

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Shrimp Scampi

  1. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1/4 cup butter
  4. 1/4 cup white wine
  5. Juice of 1 lemon
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. Chopped parsley for garnish

Shrimp Stir-Fry

  1. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
  3. 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  4. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  5. 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Shrimp Tacos

  1. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 8 small tortillas
  3. 1 avocado, sliced
  4. 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  5. 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  6. Lime wedges for serving
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp, white wine, and lemon juice. Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

Step 02

Heat sesame oil in a large pan. Add ginger and garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Add mixed vegetables and soy sauce, and stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 03

In a skillet, cook shrimp over medium heat until pink. Warm tortillas in another pan. Fill each tortilla with shrimp, avocado, cabbage, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 25g