15 Shrimp Recipes For When You Want Fancy Without The Pricey Check

A nice meal can feel special without spending a lot of money. Fancy does not always mean hard work or high cost. A few simple steps can turn something plain into something exciting. Good taste can come from easy cooking and smart choices. Here are 15 shrimp recipes for when you want fancy without the pricey check.

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Shrimp and Grits

A bowl of creamy grits topped with shrimp in a tomato-based sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

There’s a dish that brings a touch of elegance without breaking the bank. Meet Shrimp and Grits, a comforting mix of flavors and textures. Creamy grits paired with shrimp create a deliciousness in every bite. It’s homey, it’s special, and it’s surprisingly easy on the wallet. Perfect for nights when a bit of indulgence is needed.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of cooked shrimp seasoned with herbs and black pepper.
Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Life’s too short for the ordinary, so why not try something extraordinary with Shrimp Scampi. This dish brings a fresh, garlicky touch to your table. It feels fancy without needing deep pockets. It’s a go-to when you’re craving something easy yet outstanding. Just the right mix of simplicity and flair.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fancy without the fuss is where it’s at with Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Spicy shrimp meets cool salad greens in a combo that’s both refreshing and exciting. The creamy dressing ties it all together in a perfect way. It’s your passport to a little everyday luxury. Give yourself a tasty break from the routine.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

A bowl of seasoned shrimp, avocado, corn, black beans, rice, and a dollop of sour cream, garnished with cilantro.
Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A dish that turns a regular dinner into something special has to be Shrimp Burrito Bowls. Bursting with flavor, they offer endless possibilities for personal touches. It’s like your favorite burrito, but transformed into a deliciously deconstructed version. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy. When you’re ready for a meal that feels gourmet, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Let me tell you about Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, a dish that brings together creamy sauce and tender shrimp in perfect harmony. Every bite offers a blend of flavors that’s bound to delight. It’s an ideal meal for impressing guests without a high cost. Bring a little romance to your table any day of the week. You’ll want to make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Tacos

Close-up of a shrimp taco with avocado, tomato, red onion, and a drizzle of sauce in a toasted tortilla.
Shrimp Tacos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes, you need a meal that’s both fun and delicious, and that’s Shrimp Tacos. Filled with amazing textures and flavors, these tacos make any day feel like a celebration. Easy to prepare and so enjoyable to eat, they’re the perfect mix of casual and cool. You’ll find a certain joy in their simplicity. Great for a dinner that feels like a mini-party.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley.
Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you think of classic starters, Shrimp Cocktail naturally stands out. It’s an appetizer that screams elegance with minimal effort. The chilled shrimp paired with sauce delivers a flavorful punch. Perfect for starting any meal on a high note. It lets you indulge without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

A bowl of Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot, served on a blue woven placemat with a spoon on the side.
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Effort doesn’t always translate to excellence, and Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot proves it. A rich experience comes from the creamy coconut and perfectly cooked shrimp. With the help of an instant pot, this meal is surprisingly quick and easy. All the wonders of curry and shrimp unite in one dish. Enjoy a comforting meal that keeps it simple.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Shrimp Tempura

A bowl of crispy fried shrimp with slices of green onions and jalapeños.
Shrimp Tempura. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crisp and light is how you’d describe Shrimp Tempura, each piece is a delicious treat. It’s an easy way to enjoy what feels like a restaurant-quality dish at home. This dish focuses on letting the natural flavors shine through. Perfect for a snack or a fancy appetizer. You’ll love every crunchy bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Sushi Bake

A dish of loaded fries inspired by sushi bake, topped with avocado slices, diced cucumbers, green onions, sesame seeds, and drizzled with sauce.
Sushi Bake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Looking for a simple yet unique dish, Sushi Bake might just be it. It combines the essence of sushi with the convenience of a bake, resulting in something wonderfully original. Each spoonful delivers a harmony of flavors in an easy-to-make format. For sushi lovers seeking an alternative, this is a go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Close-up of a shrimp curry dish with rice, topped with black sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a little spice and a hint of sweetness and you’ll find Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry. The blend of coconut milk with well-cooked shrimp makes it a dish to remember. It’s your ticket to adventure without needing a plane ticket. Any meal can be transformed into something extraordinary with this recipe. You’ll find a little bit of paradise on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread.
Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A dish that feels like a warm hug in food form, meet Shrimp Toast. Crunchy, toasted goodness topped with seasoned shrimp offers the perfect balance. This snack or appetizer is simply addictive and surprisingly refined. It’s that something special you’ve been craving. Enjoyable alone or with friends, it speaks volumes in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Tom Yum Soup

Close-up of a spicy tom yum soup with shrimp, mushrooms, tomato chunks, lime wedge, and chopped herbs in a rich, red broth.
Tom Yum Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For soup lovers, Tom Yum Soup offers a mix of flavors that warms the heart. It’s a sensory journey with fragrant herbs and shrimp coming together beautifully. Great for when you want comfort with an exotic twist. Simple yet profound, a small serving holds big flavors. Any meal starts off on the right note with this.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Thai Drunken Noodles

A colorful dish of shrimp stir-fry with noodles, vegetables, and sesame seeds, garnished with basil leaves and green onions. Chopsticks rest on the dish.
Thai Drunken Noodles. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When simplicity meets flavor, Thai Drunken Noodles make an appearance. A beautiful blend of shrimp and noodles creates an experience to write home about. Quick and delicious, these noodles are perfect for any occasion. Step away from the ordinary and enjoy this perfect combination. It’s a tasty experience you won’t forget soon.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Air Fryer Shrimp

A close-up shot of seasoned, air fryer shrimp garnished with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Shrimp. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Enjoy a healthier twist without sacrificing taste with Air Fryer Shrimp. Each bite offers crispiness on the outside and tender shrimp within. No need to deep fry for great results. It’s efficient, delicious, and just what you need for a fuss-free meal. Enjoy shrimp like you never thought you could.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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