When it comes to quick and easy meals, few ingredients are as versatile or convenient as frozen shrimp. With a freezer full of these tasty morsels, you can whip up everything from classic scampi dishes to international-inspired stir-fries and pasta sauces in no time. But what really sets frozen shrimp apart is their ability to soak up flavors like a sponge, making them the perfect canvas for your favorite seasonings and spices.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious recipes that showcase the best of frozen shrimp. From spicy Cajun-inspired dishes to creamy Alfredo sauces, there’s something here for every taste and dietary preference. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a flavorful party appetizer, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This classic Italian-inspired dish is a flavorful and quick seafood option that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet with a slotted spoon; leave the garlic butter sauce in the pan.
6. If using white wine and lemon juice, add to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Add a tropical twist to your seafood with this creamy Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe. Succulent shrimp are smothered in a rich and aromatic curry sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 teaspoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon coconut cream
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add curry powder; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add shrimp; cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Stir in coconut cream, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour in coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy cajun shrimp pasta dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine, fettuccine)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and Cajun seasoning; cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing with the shrimp mixture.
6. Stir in heavy cream and hot sauce; cook for an additional minute.
7. Top with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
A bright and citrusy twist on the classic stir-fry, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with the bold flavors of lemon and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked white rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the lemon juice, grated ginger, and chopped scallions (if using). Stir to combine.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat with the lemon-garlic sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately over cooked white rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a creamy avocado salsa for a perfect pairing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado Salsa (recipe below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced radishes, cilantro
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
Avocado Salsa:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. Serve with shrimp tacos.
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes (including marinade time)
Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Impress your family and friends with this sweet and savory shrimp skewer recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each shrimp.
4. Brush the honey garlic mixture evenly over the shrimp.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
A rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines succulent shrimp with a velvety sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound linguine pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked shrimp back into the sauce and toss to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
6. Toss cooked pasta with the creamy shrimp mixture, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Chinese-Inspired Dish
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
5. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir in the soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 10-12 minutes
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This recipe combines succulent shrimp with crunchy broccoli and savory sauce, all cooked to perfection in just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli to the pan and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and ginger. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to combine with the broccoli.
5. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir-fry for another minute to combine with the sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Shrimp Ceviche with Lime and Cilantro
A refreshing twist on the classic Latin American dish, this shrimp ceviche is perfect for a light and flavorful meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: 1-2 dashes of hot sauce (such as sriracha)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and lime juice.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, red onion, and salt. Mix well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, give the mixture a good stir.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dish is best served immediately after chilling.
Shrimp and Grits
A classic Lowcountry dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a brunch option. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with creamy grits and a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil, then slowly whisk in the grits. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes or until creamy.
2. In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. Stir in paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve the shrimp on top of the grits. If desired, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines succulent shrimp with a colorful medley of vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the bell peppers and broccoli to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the shrimp and vegetable mixture over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp Paella
Paella, a classic Spanish dish, gets a seafood twist with this shrimp-packed recipe. This flavorful and aromatic rice dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked Spanish rice (Calasparra or Bomba)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add rice, water, smoked paprika (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Shrimp and Corn Chowder
A hearty and flavorful chowder that combines the sweetness of corn with the savory taste of shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Add the corn kernels, chicken broth, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Dip
Elevate your cocktail game with this flavorful and spicy shrimp recipe, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup cocktail sauce (see below)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Ice cubes
Spicy Dip:
– 1/2 cup cocktail sauce
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cocktail sauce, mayonnaise, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
3. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
5. Serve chilled, with ice cubes if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in no time.
Enjoy your spicy and savory Shrimp Cocktail!
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Shrimp and Avocado Salad Recipe
A refreshing and light salad perfect for warm weather, this shrimp and avocado combination is a flavorful twist on traditional seafood dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
5. Add the cooled shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to combine with the avocado mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Divide the mixed greens among four plates or bowls.
8. Top each plate with the shrimp and avocado salad.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shrimp and Mango Salsa
Add a tropical twist to your gatherings with this refreshing shrimp and mango salsa recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, mangos, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle salt over the top and stir to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in a flash.
Enjoy your shrimp and mango salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, or as a topping for grilled meats and seafood.
Shrimp and Pesto Pasta
Shrimp and Pesto Pasta Recipe
A classic Italian-inspired dish, this shrimp and pesto pasta combines the flavors of succulent shrimp, rich pesto sauce, and al dente pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pesto sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add pesto sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss cooked pasta with the shrimp and pesto mixture. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl
A flavorful and nutritious bowl filled with succulent shrimp, nutty quinoa, and a hint of Mediterranean spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add diced onion. Cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and paprika to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, shrimp, and onion mixture in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
A creamy and flavorful risotto dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender asparagus, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove shrimp from skillet; set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add asparagus; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. In a large pot, heat broth over low heat.
7. Add rice to pot; stir constantly for 1-2 minutes.
8. Add wine (if using); cook until absorbed.
9. Add cooked shrimp and asparagus to pot; stir to combine.
10. Serve hot, topped with butter and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavors with these 20 quick and easy frozen shrimp recipes! From classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi to international-inspired Coconut Curry Shrimp and Spicy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry or Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa for a flavorful twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep, these recipes are sure to impress. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy Alfredo or light and refreshing ceviche, this collection has got you covered.
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