29 Shrimp Recipes For Lighter Comfort On Cold Nights
Weeknight dinners get a helpful boost when 29 shrimp recipes are on hand during winter. Having choices that land somewhere between filling and fresh can really come in handy. Shrimp recipes offer that kind of comfort people crave when it’s cold outside. Warm meals like these often make the season a little brighter.

Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Light crunch and a peppery kick give this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp a lively edge, especially on cold nights. The shrimp arrive golden and sizzling, perfect for sharing at the table. I enjoy how quickly this dish cooks up when cravings hit. People love the way each bite pops with flavor and sparkle.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp
Air Fryer Shrimp

Snappy texture and speedy prep turn this Air Fryer Shrimp into an easy answer for winter dinners. The shrimp come out crisp with less mess than frying. I reach for this method whenever I need something quick but impressive. Everyone notices how light and crunchy these turn out with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp

Crunchy coating and a taste of the tropics let this Coconut Shrimp transform the winter table into something fun. Each shrimp brings a sweet, nutty finish that has guests reaching for more. I save this recipe for when I want a touch of sunshine indoors. The golden shells always get big smiles.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creamy sauce and tender shrimp combine in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for a meal that feels special on even the coldest nights. The aroma signals comfort is on the way. I find this one perfect for date nights in or impressing friends with little fuss. Most people rave about the mix of flavors and rich texture.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy bites with a kick of heat make this Bang Bang Shrimp a favorite for warming up after long days. Sauce coats each piece, so every forkful delivers punch and crunch. I double the batch, since they always disappear fast. Guests usually ask what’s behind that spicy finish.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Mango Shrimp Salad

Bright fruit and cool crunch bring this Mango Shrimp Salad a refreshing spot during comfort-food winters. Light, sweet notes balance out the shrimp for a surprising twist. I love serving this when heavier meals have started to feel routine. Feedback often centers on the lively color and juicy texture.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Shrimp Ceviche

Tangy citrus and a chill from the fridge set this Shrimp Ceviche apart at winter gatherings. Each scoop offers a burst of flavor that’s lively and unexpected. I use this dish as a refreshing starter for cozy nights in. People most often praise the lightness and vibrant taste.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Creamy coconut sauce and warm spices make this Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry one of the coziest picks for winter dinners. Each bowl serves up rich, inviting flavor. I enjoy making this for special evenings when something extra is needed. The aroma fills the house and draws everyone closer.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Full-bodied sauce and quick prep are the biggest perks of this Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot dinner. The shrimp turn out perfectly cooked and juicy. I toss everything together in the pot and let it do the work. Most reviews mention the deep flavor and creamy finish.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot
Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy sauce and twirling noodles carry this Shrimp Alfredo through long, cold evenings when warmth is needed most. Hearty but light enough to keep you comfortable, it promises smiles at every table. I welcome requests for seconds whenever this dish appears. Friends note the way the shrimp and pasta play together so well.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Colorful toppings and seasoned shrimp make these Shrimp Burrito Bowls just right for evenings that call for variety. Each bowl can be mixed to suit every taste at the table. I assemble them buffet-style to let people pick their favorites. Raves focus on the freshness and fun build-your-own approach.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Crispy Shrimp Toast

Slices of bread crisped up with shrimp topping provide this Crispy Shrimp Toast an inviting crunch on chilly nights. Each piece offers the perfect mix of savory and light. I cut them into small squares for easy sharing at parties. Snackers are always curious about what makes the toast so golden and rich.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast
Sushi Bake

Warm layers and a creamy finish let this Sushi Bake twist classic rolls into pure winter comfort. Each scoop captures the fun of sushi in cozy casserole form. I serve this at potlucks where unique dishes are wanted. Guests mention the playful blend of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake
Shrimp Tempura Roll

Crunchy tempura and sticky rice bring this Shrimp Tempura Roll a spot at any cold-weather sushi night. The rolls hold their shape for easy chopstick handling. I line up plates for grab-and-go bites during family movie times. People talk about the fun combination of warm shrimp and cool nori.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll
Shrimp Etouffee

Deep, stew-like flavors define this Shrimp Etouffee for nights when all you want is comfort. The rich sauce seeps into every spoonful, carrying warmth into every bite. I serve this over fluffy rice to soak up extra gravy. Friends go back for seconds and always ask about the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Etouffee
Tandoori Shrimp

Smoky, spiced notes fill the kitchen as this Tandoori Shrimp cooks, making it a welcome escape from plain winter food. Every piece gets a hit of heat that lingers. I line these up on skewers for easy serving. Comments often focus on how the seasoning stands out.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp
Shrimp and Grits

Creamy grits and buttery shrimp team up in this Shrimp and Grits to create the heartiest comfort for crisp evenings. Each bowl disappears quickly at the table. I love seeing the steam rise as everyone digs in. It’s a dish people will always remember for its warmth.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp Cocktail

Chilled bites and tangy sauce keep this Shrimp Cocktail fresh and simple for holiday spreads. Every shrimp snaps with flavor as soon as it’s dipped. I stack bowls over ice for a pretty, practical touch. Compliments come rolling in about the clean, classic taste.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Charred edges and creamy dressing turn this Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing into a light meal that still brings comfort. The colors pop on the plate for a little mid-winter cheer. I stack leftovers for lunchboxes. Most raves are about the bold seasoning and cool sauce.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Thai Fried Rice

Savory, toothsome grains mixed with shrimp give this Thai Fried Rice a laid-back luxury perfect for cold weather. Variety and color keep dinner interesting every time. I scoop leftovers for next-day meals. Friends call out the punch of flavor in each forkful.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice
Shrimp Spring Rolls

Fresh crunch and herby scent make these Shrimp Spring Rolls a break from heavy comfort food, even on cold evenings. Each roll is wrapped and ready for dipping fun. I prep the fillings ahead for quick assembling. Guests love the burst of flavor and smart presentation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls
Shrimp Fried Rice

Tender shrimp meet golden rice in this Shrimp Fried Rice, turning leftovers into a new favorite—especially in winter. Every bite holds a mix of flavors from the pan. I pour leftovers into lunch boxes for another tasty meal. People comment on how it hits the spot without being too rich.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Tacos

Soft tortillas and seasoned shrimp give these Shrimp Tacos extra brightness for colder nights. Toppings can be mixed for endless twists to keep things interesting at the table. I set up a taco bar so everyone can build their own bundle. Most comments are about how fresh and filling each taco feels.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp Scampi

Bright garlic and buttery sauce make this Shrimp Scampi a cold-weather classic that’s still light. The shrimp come out delicate, creating a meal that feels both elegant and easy to enjoy. I serve up big bowls when company comes. Guests usually comment on the citrusy aroma before the first forkful.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Clever swaps and snug flavors build this Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice for anyone craving something wholesome, even in winter. The texture is so close to regular that people are always surprised. I serve it when I want a lighter meal without losing comfort. Friends appreciate the smart twist on a classic takeout favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Tom Yum Soup

Fragrant broth and a lively tang turn this Tom Yum Soup into a stand-out for cold nights. Spoonfuls deliver both a gentle burn and a soul-warming kick. I use it as a starter to wake up dinner guests. Feedback focuses on just how refreshing and bright it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup
Shrimp Tempura

Extra crisp coating and tender shrimp keep this Shrimp Tempura at the center of the table during family movie nights. Dipping sauces make every bite more fun. I make a big plate, knowing everyone loves snagging seconds. The secret to its popularity is the perfect golden crunch.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura
Massaman Curry

Slow-steeped spices and a creamy finish give this Massaman Curry deep comfort value for long winter evenings. Each spoonful combines warmth and sweetness. I use it to introduce friends to new flavors. Most praise the subtle richness and gentle heat.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry
Thai Drunken Noodles

Wide, chewy noodles and a punch of flavor help this Thai Drunken Noodles earn a spot in the cold-weather comfort lineup. Sauce wraps every strand to keep the dish lively. I crank up the spice when I want to feel extra warm. Comments center on how every bite stays bold to the end.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles
About the Author

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.
