I Cooked 23 Shrimp Meals That Worked For Both Kids And Adults

There were 23 shrimp meals involved, and not once did anyone fake a stomachache to skip dinner. Kids actually ate without bribes, adults didn’t reach for cereal, and leftovers vanished like socks in a dryer. Somehow, shrimp walked the line between picky and grown-up without making a scene. That’s rare, like silence at a family table.

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

Air Fryer Shrimp

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

When you need shrimp cooked fast this is the way to go. Air Fryer Shrimp comes out crispy and flavorful without the mess of frying. It’s a versatile option that works for quick dinners or even as a snack. Great for keeping things simple while still pleasing everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

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.

Meals that let everyone build their own plates are always a hit. Shrimp Burrito Bowls bring together hearty portions and fresh toppings to make dinner fun. They’re perfect for kids who like simple flavors and adults who want to get creative. A smart choice when you need something flexible for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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.

Adding creamy sauces to shrimp really changes up the usual dinner routine. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry blends bold flavors with tender bites for a meal that feels complete. Serve it with something simple like rice and it’s good to go. Perfect when you want to keep dinner flavorful but uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers served on a plate, topped with chopped herbs and a drizzle of sauce.
Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shrimp on the grill always feels like an easy way to impress without much effort. Grilled Shrimp brings charred flavors that work as either the main event or an easy side. They cook quickly which makes them great for last-minute dinners. A reliable choice no matter how many people you’re feeding.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

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.

Pasta meals are always a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta has creamy sauce and tender bites that keep things satisfying. It’s fancy enough for special dinners yet simple enough for weeknights. Great when you need a meal that works for kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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.

Combining shrimp with comfort food is always a good idea. Shrimp and Grits brings together creamy textures and flavorful bites that everyone enjoys. It’s hearty enough to fill you up without too much extra work. Perfect for relaxed family dinners or when you’re craving something easy and warm.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

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.

Shrimp served on toast is a quick way to turn appetizers into something special. Shrimp Toast is crispy and flavorful which makes it great for both kids and adults. It’s easy to eat and pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Perfect for small dinners or adding a unique snack to the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

A white plate holds grilled shrimp and vegetable skewers with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, garnished with chopped herbs.
Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Serving shrimp on skewers makes it easier for everyone to enjoy. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs deliver smoky flavors and bite-size portions that are fun to grab. They work as a light main dish or as part of a bigger dinner spread. A simple option that always looks and tastes great.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mixing shrimp with fresh fruits keeps the meal light and interesting. Mango Shrimp Salad combines hearty seafood with sweet additions making it work for everyone at the table. It’s flexible enough to stand as the main or sit alongside other dishes. Perfect for when you want shrimp but something a little different.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Bang Bang Shrimp

A bowl of rice topped with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with cucumber slices, lime wedge, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shrimp meals with a crispy coating are fun to eat and full of flavor. Bang Bang Shrimp is bold enough to make dinner exciting while still being great for kids. Serve it as a main or a side dish depending on the rest of the menu. A guaranteed success when you want to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

Tandoori Shrimp

Grilled shrimp skewers seasoned with spices and garnished with fresh herbs, served on a dark plate.
Tandoori Shrimp. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Shrimp paired with smoky and layered spices can turn any dinner into something memorable. Tandoori Shrimp is flavorful and easy to serve without extra fuss. It works with simple sides to create a balanced meal for the whole table. Great for when you’re looking to keep things quick but bold.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

Shrimp Fried Rice

A red plate of shrimp fried rice garnished with chopped green onions, with black chopsticks resting on the side.
Shrimp Fried Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Mixing shrimp into stir-fried rice makes it quick to cook and easy to serve. Shrimp Fried Rice is filling and works well as a standalone dish or alongside smaller sides. It’s a great way to use up leftovers while creating a meal everyone enjoys. Simple enough for weeknights but always a favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

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.

Classic shrimp setups work for everything from appetizers to light dinners. Shrimp Cocktail is chilled and easy to grab making it perfect for both kids and adults. Pair it with some dipping sauce to keep things interesting. A clean and simple meal that works well for any event.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Tempura

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

Shrimp coated and fried makes it impossible not to love. Shrimp Tempura delivers crispy bites that work as snacks or part of a larger dinner. Pair it with something simple like a dipping sauce to make it feel complete. Great for feeding a mix of kids and adults who want something crunchy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

Massaman Curry

A creamy shrimp curry with peppers, chopped nuts, sliced green onions, red chili slices, and lime wedges. Metal spoon submerged in the dish.
Massaman Curry. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cooked in creamy curry warms up any meal plan. Massaman Curry is hearty but not overwhelming making it perfect for kids while keeping adults interested. Serve it with rice and it balances out to create a complete plate. A dependable dish for when you want shrimp done a little differently.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

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.

Seasoned and tossed into salads turns them into proper meals. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing brings smoky bites and a rich sauce that ties it all together. It’s light enough to pair with other items but filling enough to stand on its own. A great way to include shrimp in a fresh and easy way.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Shrimp Tempura Roll

Close-up of sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, and rice, topped with sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo on a beige plate.
Shrimp Tempura Roll. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sushi-style options don’t have to feel complicated. Shrimp Tempura Roll brings the crispy texture of shrimp into a roll that’s great for sharing. It pairs well with other side dishes or works as a main dish on nights you want something unique. Perfect for introducing kids to new flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

Shrimp Ceviche

A close-up of shrimp ceviche with sliced red onions and chopped cilantro, served in a decorative green bowl.
Shrimp Ceviche. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Shrimp mixed into salads gives dinners a refreshing twist. Shrimp Ceviche combines tangy flavors with light textures that pair well alongside other mains. It’s an easy addition for tables where variety is expected. Great for prepping ahead and serving without too much last-minute work.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

Adding shrimp to handheld meals is a no-fail option for all ages. Shrimp Tacos give fresh flavorful bites in soft shells that kids and adults alike can build as they like. Serve them with simple sides to keep the process easy. A creative way to keep dinner both interactive and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

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.

Shrimp tossed into noodle dishes makes dinner hearty and colorful. Thai Drunken Noodles blend flavorful sauces with chewy noodles creating a fun mix of textures and tastes. Pair it with simple sides or serve it alone as a one-bowl meal. A great choice when you need something easy and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

Cooking shrimp with coconut curry in one pot keeps everything simple yet flavorful. Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot combines hearty bites with a creamy sauce that’s kid-friendly too. Serve it over rice or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish for fuss-free dinner planning. Perfect for fast meals with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

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.

Baked meals with shrimp can give you all the flavor without the work. Sushi Bake layers seafood and rice into one dish that’s easy to share or portion. It’s a little different from everyday meals but not too far away that it feels unfamiliar. A practical option for switching up dinners at home.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

Shrimp Scampi

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

A shrimp pasta dish always gets the job done when feeding mixed groups. Shrimp Scampi combines buttery sauces with easy-to-enjoy flavors perfect for adults and kids too. Pair it with bread or keep it as is for a straightforward dinner. A simple crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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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