I Count On These 21 Shrimp Recipes To Keep Food Costs Down
Grocery bills seem higher every week, and making good meals feels harder than before. Fancy ingredients and long recipes just add more stress. Quick meals that still taste great are the real helpers now. Shrimp stays simple, cooks fast, and always brings good flavor without much cost. Count on these 21 shrimp recipes to keep food costs down.

Shrimp and Grits

Packed with southern charm, this hearty combo of shrimp and creamy grits brings warmth to the table. Every bite offers a rich flavor that’s sure to make it a favorite. Shrimp and Grits is a simple way to create something comforting without breaking the budget. Perfect for meals when you need something filling and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Combine shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s quick and budget-friendly. Creamy sauce coats every ingredient, turning it into a meal that everyone loves. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is an easy option when you need an inexpensive yet tasty dinner. It’s luxurious enough for special moments without costing too much.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Loaded with simple ingredients, this recipe keeps things cost-effective while being full of flavor. The mix of shrimp, rice, and toppings turns dinner into a fun experience. Shrimp Burrito Bowls are customizable, making them a crowd-pleaser without blowing the budget. Great for keeping meals exciting and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Air Fryer Shrimp

Quick cooking meets affordability in this easy to make shrimp dish. Crispy and tender, every bite is made with minimal effort and cost. Air Fryer Shrimp is perfect for stretched budgets while offering big taste. Ideal for something fast and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Rich flavors blend together in this creamy and comforting dish. Shrimp makes the recipe budget-friendly while offering loads of texture and taste. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is wholesome and easy enough for an affordable dinner option. Great for when you’re seeking something tasty without much splurge.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry
Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy shrimp covered in a flavorful sauce makes for a great low-cost snack or meal. It’s easy to put together without spending too much. Bang Bang Shrimp gives you bold flavors while still fitting into a tight food budget. Excellent for treating yourself without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A mix of shrimp and greens comes together in an affordable yet flavorful way. The creamy dressing adds richness without overspending. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing balances taste and budget effortlessly. A great choice for lighter meals that are still filling.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Affordable ingredients come together in this easy one-pot recipe made for convenience. Shrimp adds a touch of protein while staying cost-conscious. Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot simplifies dinner and keeps expenses minimal. It’s an ideal choice for busy days and frugal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot
Grilled Shrimp

Simple and quick, this recipe makes shrimp an easy budget-friendly meal. Grilling brings out the natural flavors without much work or cost. Grilled Shrimp is a great go-to for balancing flavor and affordability. Perfect when keeping food costs low is a priority.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp
Shrimp Tacos

Affordable shrimp pairs well with simple toppings for a creative yet low-cost meal. Every bite is packed with flavor without going over budget. Shrimp Tacos keep dinner fresh and fun while sticking to inexpensive cooking. A smart pick for wallet-friendly dining.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos
Sushi Bake

Turn shrimp into a dish that feels special without being pricey. Layers of simple ingredients are baked together in a comforting way. Sushi Bake offers big flavors without breaking the bank. A fun alternative for meals that are easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake
Shrimp Scampi

A classic and cost-effective way to enjoy shrimp in a light, buttery sauce. Pasta makes it filling while keeping expenses in check. Shrimp Scampi is a simple solution for creating a meal that’s both elegant and affordable. Perfect for when you need quick, inexpensive options.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

Shrimp threaded on skewers keeps this recipe simple and low on cost. Bright flavors make it a great choice for easy meals. Grilled Shrimp Kebobs balance affordability with something fun for the table. Ideal for cooking without worrying about spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kebobs
Mango Shrimp Salad

Mixed with fresh ingredients lets you create a colorful dish that’s easy on the wallet. The burst of flavors makes every bite enjoyable while staying budget-conscious. Mango Shrimp Salad brings variety without costing too much to make. Great for lighter, affordable meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Thai Drunken Noodles

Shrimp adds a layer of protein in this hearty noodle dish, keeping costs manageable. Bold flavors come together effortlessly for an enjoyable yet inexpensive meal. Thai Drunken Noodles is perfect when you’re looking for budget-friendly comfort food. A perfect way to stretch food expenses while still eating well.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles
Shrimp Cocktail

A cold shrimp appetizer can really work to keep food costs in check while still feeling special. Shrimp Cocktail uses shrimp sparingly but makes a big impression. Preparing it in bulk is affordable and creates a dish that looks great at any table. This versatile option is great for casual meals or more formal occasions without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail
Tandoori Shrimp

Marinated shrimp can stretch protein costs while still delivering bold flavors. With Tandoori Shrimp, inexpensive seasonings transform simple shrimp into something flavorful. It’s also quick to prepare, saving both time and energy. Plus, pairing it with rice or bread keeps meals filling without adding extra costs.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp
Massaman Curry

Adding shrimp to budget-friendly meals can give them a special boost without spending too much. Massaman Curry is a great example, combining shrimp with affordable ingredients to create a hearty dish. Making this meal in batches helps stretch servings for larger groups or meal prep. Its balance of richness and simplicity makes it cost-effective for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry
Shrimp Toast

Mixing shrimp with basic pantry items can easily turn into a crowd-pleaser. Shrimp Toast is a clever way to use shrimp economically and still deliver great flavor. Using simple bread and frying makes it a crispy option that looks appealing on any plate. It’s a useful recipe for making snacks or appetizers while keeping food costs affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast
Tom Yum Soup

Incorporating affordable add-ins with shrimp can make meals that feel special without spending extra. Tom Yum Soup uses shrimp sparingly in a broth packed with flavor. It’s light yet filling enough to stretch servings further, keeping it budget-friendly for multiple portions. Serving it with rice turns it into a complete meal at a low overall cost.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup
Shrimp Tempura

Making treats that feature shrimp doesn’t have to cost a lot if you balance the portions well. Shrimp Tempura uses a simple batter coating to create a crispy, appetizing snack. Frying shrimp quickly locks in quality without lengthening cooking time or effort. Pairing it with sauces keeps it flexible for different occasions, all while keeping expenses in check.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura
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.
