Frozen shrimp is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners. It’s just sitting there in the freezer, waiting to be turned into something that’ll actually impress you. Whether you’re dealing with a time crunch or just don’t feel like getting too fancy, that one bag of shrimp can save the day. From quick stir-fries to tacos that put takeout to shame, we’ve rounded up some easy, flavorful recipes that prove shrimp doesn’t have to be boring.
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
These steak and shrimp fajitas make it easy to enjoy surf and turf at home. With everything cooked on one pan in under 20 minutes, this is a no-brainer for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad gets an upgrade with the addition of shrimp and a sriracha-infused dressing. Ready in minutes, this light meal packs flavor without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Caesar Salad
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
From the freezer to your dinner plate in under 20 minutes, these air fryer shrimp are coated in a garlic ginger sesame sauce that delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo
This brown butter shrimp is served over creamy parmesan basil corn orzo with blistered cherry tomatoes. It’s a quick yet impressive option for a summer date night at home.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo
Shrimp Lo Mein
Skip the takeout and make shrimp lo mein at home. With Chinese egg noodles, juicy shrimp, and vegetables tossed in a flavorful sauce, this 20-minute meal is bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Lo Mein
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Tossed with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes, this bucatini pasta dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy nights when you still want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
General Tso Shrimp
This General Tso shrimp is a quick and easy takeout copycat made in just 10 minutes. With its sweet and slightly spicy sauce, there’s no reason to order out anymore.
Get the Recipe: General Tso Shrimp
Greek Shrimp Skillet
This Greek shrimp skillet is a one-pan meal featuring tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, and feta. With fresh oregano and lemon, it’s a 30-minute dinner that’s both simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Greek Shrimp Skillet
Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines sweet mango with a spicy kick for a well-balanced meal that’s as quick as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Mango Shrimp
Kung Pao Shrimp
This kung pao shrimp is a time-saver and a money-saver. Made in minutes, it’s a great way to enjoy a flavorful dinner at home instead of reaching for the takeout menu.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Shrimp
Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Not quite tacos, but these shrimp tostadas bring the heat with a refreshing jalapeño avocado sauce. They’re quick to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Shrimp Tostadas
Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad
This shrimp avocado mango lime salad bursts with fresh summer flavors. The best part? It’s ready in just 10 minutes, making it a go-to for a light dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Avocado Mango Lime Salad
Blackened Shrimp Tacos
With a simple salsa made from juicy cherries, grilled corn, and spicy jalapeños, these blackened shrimp tacos are a summer favorite that’s easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
