These 21 Shrimp Recipes Make My Budget Go Further Than I Expected

Dinner doesn’t need to be expensive to feel like it’s working, and shrimp proves that every time. A set of 21 solid meal ideas meant fewer last-minute store runs and more leftovers that got eaten. It didn’t take much to make it stretch, either. Budget wins don’t always come with coupons—sometimes they just come with shrimp.

Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

Skewered shrimp is a fun and easy way to enjoy seafood. Grilled Shrimp Kebobs pair perfectly with a quick grill session, adding a smoky touch. You can switch up what you pair with it to keep things interesting. Great for gatherings or a quick dinner with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

Shrimp and Grits

Comfort food with a balanced mix of textures comes alive in Shrimp and Grits. Creamy, hearty, and filling, it’s perfect when you want an affordable option that still feels like a treat. The shrimp adds just the right bite to round out the southern-inspired meal. A go-to for weeknights or when you want something warm and simple.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Bang Bang Shrimp

Lightly crisped shrimp meets a kick of flavor in Bang Bang Shrimp. The textures and bold sauce keep the dish from feeling boring. It’s a standout for appetizers or something quick and appealing. Versatile enough to be the highlight of your meal or a casual snack.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Shrimp

Quick and low-effort, Air Fryer Shrimp offer a crispy option that doesn’t rely on deep frying. The texture hits that crave-worthy crunch without being heavy or greasy. It’s an easy way to include seafood in your meals any day of the week. Perfect when you’re short on time but still want something great.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Budget-friendly bowls make meal prep simple, and Shrimp Burrito Bowls keep everything in one dish. Shrimp makes it feel more special without costing much. You can mix and match add-ins to stretch it further. It’s practical for work lunches or family dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Grilled Shrimp

Plain grilling brings out so much in Grilled Shrimp without overcomplicating things. Simple yet satisfying, they’re flexible enough for pairing with almost any side dish. Perfect for summer, cookouts, or even indoors if you’ve got a grill pan. It shows how little you need to do to make shrimp work.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

The bold shrimp and smooth dressing make Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing an interesting mix. Shrimp bundles up the dish so it doesn’t feel like your usual salad. It’s light, hearty, and doesn’t require many extras on the side. Works well for blending fresh with flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Massaman Curry

Southeast flavors mix with the soft, tender bits of shrimp in Massaman Curry. The dish balances rich and mild flavors without overwhelming your palate. Shrimp brings a different layer than more traditional meats in this recipe. Perfect for when you want something filling but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Thai Drunken Noodles

A stir-fried noodle dish like Thai Drunken Noodles balances shrimp with noodles to stretch your budget. The shrimp blends into the hearty, saucy dish that feels made for sharing. It’s one of those quick options that feel more extravagant than they are. Great for switching up an ordinary dinner.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

Sushi Bake

Layered shrimp with everything we love about sushi makes Sushi Bake a more casual way to enjoy the flavors. You don’t need any fancy equipment to get a satisfying mix. It’s a great way to stretch portions when you crave seafood but need to keep an eye on costs. Ideal for parties or a fun family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Mango Shrimp Salad

A mix of shrimp and fresh fruity bits creates balance in Mango Shrimp Salad. Shrimp levels up an otherwise light dish, making it more filling. The fruit keeps it feeling fresh, while the protein makes it a proper meal. Perfect for midday meals or something quick and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Tom Yum Soup

Bold, tangy flavors meet plump shrimp in Tom Yum Soup, offering a rich broth that hits the spot. It’s a warm option when you need something easy that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Shrimp adds that soft bite and works with the broth for big portions. It’s a simple way to bring variety into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp over pasta feels like a treat, and Marry Me Shrimp Pasta makes it feel restaurant-worthy at home. Adding shrimp gives it color and balance without much effort or expense. It’s comforting while still feeling approachable and casual. Good for when you want something fancier with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Cocktail

Classic and timeless, Shrimp Cocktail makes shrimp the star for appetizers or snacking. It’s easy to prep and lets the shrimp stay simple and fresh. Great for gatherings or keeping it as a quick pre-dinner bite. You get affordability with flair and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Toast

Shrimp Toast turns shrimp into an appetizer that feels more special than it costs. It blends easy prep with bold flavor that’s hard to resist. You can mix things up and make a batch whenever company comes. It’s a nice twist on the usual snack.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Creamy and rich, Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry makes a comforting meal with its easy balance. Shrimp makes it hearty but not too heavy for leftovers or lunch options. The creamy base blends well, letting shrimp add just enough bite. Good for when you need a no-fuss dinner with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Tandoori Shrimp

Oven-cooked shrimp with a seasoned twist makes Tandoori Shrimp a flavor-packed meal or side. It’s got enough seasoning to stand out without overpowering the shrimp itself. Quick cook time keeps things simple, and shrimp adds a different twist to affordable meals. A good option for trying something outside your usual rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Tempura takes shrimp to another level for appetizers or mains. Even though it seems fancy, it’s simpler than you’d think. Shrimp adds that needed crunch without being over-the-top pricey. Ideal for pairing with sides or just eating on a whim.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp Scampi

Pasta and shrimp go together easily in Shrimp Scampi, bringing bright simple flavors to the table. It feels classic yet easy without needing many fancy extras. Shrimp completes the dish without stretching your budget too far. It’s comfort food for when simplicity works best.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Tacos transform shrimp into handheld bites great for meals or parties. Shrimp pairs perfectly without overpowering the rest and stretches easily for more servings. They’re customizable, so you can try a lot of combinations. Useful for dinner themes or casual nights.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Fast cooking with bold results, Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot is all about quick, big portions. Shrimp brings balance without needing too much to stand out. Affordable but filling, it’s perfect for when you’re low on prep time. Works great for leftovers or meal prep later.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot