25 Shrimp Recipes I Relied On During Busy Summer Evenings

When the heat is high and energy is low, the right recipes can turn chaos into calm in under half an hour. A list of 25 shrimp-based meals can keep any week running smoothly without repeating the same thing twice. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd or just avoiding the “what’s for dinner” stare-down.

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.

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.

Dinner moves along quickly when plates of Shrimp and Grits are served. The mix of creamy and firm textures gets noticed right away. Friends enjoy comparing their favorite shrimp dishes as they eat. It always feels hearty and filling. Guests ask if there are leftovers they can pack for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

Air Fryer Shrimp

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

Quick bites help out during busy nights, so Air Fryer Shrimp is a go-to choice. People talk about how easy it is to serve everyone at once. Kids join the table for this crunchy dish without fuss. Plates clear out faster than expected. Second servings seem to happen without pause.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

Shrimp Alfredo

A bowl of fettuccine pasta with shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and black pepper.
Shrimp Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Comfort food takes center stage when creamy Shrimp Alfredo comes out for dinner. Pasta gets picked first from every bowl. Friends talk about how shrimp turns a simple meal into something special. Some choose extra servings even if they weren’t hungry. Leftovers usually don’t make it to the next day.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo

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.

Conversations spark when someone brings a platter of Grilled Shrimp to share. The smoky flavor stands out and gets people reaching for another piece. Meals wrap up quickly with empty plates. Guests chat about different ways to grill their shrimp next time. It’s one recipe that never gets boring.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

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.

Fun finger foods like Bang Bang Shrimp keep mealtime lively. Groups gather around the plate, taking extra bites between stories. The unique coating makes the dish memorable. Friends often ask for the recipe before they head out. By the end, every shrimp is gone.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Everyone likes a skewer, especially when it’s loaded with Grilled Shrimp Kabobs. The simple setup makes serving easy at group meals. Kids help pick pieces off the stick while chatting. Meal times run smoother, with fewer plates to clean up. It’s a hit almost every night it’s made.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

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.

Sushi gets a new twist with Sushi Bake in the lineup. Baked rolls cut down on prep time while still bringing fun to the table. Friends compare slices and debate their ideal bake. People grab pieces for quick meals before heading back to busy evenings. Slices don’t last long in the serving dish.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Light meals work best after a long day, so Mango Shrimp Salad tends to get picked first. The sweet and tangy mix always sparks a few compliments. Bowls are emptied well before dinner finishes. Guests want the recipe for tomorrow’s lunch. It makes dinner feel easier when things are rushed.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

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.

Appetizers help kick off the evening with Shrimp Cocktail at the center. Friends circle around the platter for a quick snack. People say it’s perfect for sharing with a crowd. The shrimp goes fast, leaving little for seconds. On busy evenings, it’s always finished quickly.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Quick skillet meals like Shrimp Fried Rice keep everyone fed. Dinner bowls fill up fast with this mix. Friends talk about adding different things for extra crunch. Everyone grabs a serving for lunch the next day. It’s dependable for keeping things easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

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 lovers always pay attention when someone slices up Shrimp Tempura Roll for the table. The crunchy coating is the focus of every conversation. Each roll disappears in minutes. Even picky eaters join in for a try. No piece ever makes it to dessert.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

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.

Dinner gets a boost with Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing mixed up for the table. The bold flavors spark new ideas for healthy meals. Friends ask about the dressing each time. It’s one salad that never gets ignored next to heavier dishes. Leftover dressing is used with other meals later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Busy schedules meet their match with Marry Me Shrimp Pasta on the menu. People always say the dish feels special without being hard to make. Each bite seems perfect for sharing with friends. Bowls come back clean before anyone leaves the table. Extra portions never stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Tempura

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

Fry baskets work overtime with trays of Shrimp Tempura at dinner. Crunch brings smiles to everyone’s face. Guests compete for the last piece. It’s a safe bet for keeping meals on track during hectic nights. Seconds disappear before people finish their drinks.
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.

Dinner feels more interesting with bowls of Massaman Curry rich in shrimp flavor. Friends mention how they try new dishes after having this one. Everyone looks forward to refilling their bowl. It gets talked about long after the meal ends. Plenty ask about how to make it themselves for later nights.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

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.

The move to quick dinners puts Shrimp Burrito Bowls in the spotlight. Layers in the bowl help multitask meals for a busy household. People like customizing their plate for extra flavor. Friends choose it for both dinner and late-night snacking. These bowls are empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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.

Cold meals are a relief when Shrimp Ceviche lands among dinner options. The freshness draws people in from the start. Guests ask for smaller portions so everyone gets a taste. Each spoonful runs out before the main course is served. It’s requested often by anyone searching for lighter meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

Spices come alive for everyone sharing Tandoori Shrimp at dinner time. People ask for seconds just based on the aroma. Meals wrap up with more talk about other uses for the recipe. Plenty agree it helps shake up the usual routine. Shrimp gets finished without a fight.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

Shrimp Scampi

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

Pasta dishes make busy nights easier, especially with Shrimp Scampi next to garlic bread. Friends like trading tips for making it even faster. Everyone wants more before dessert appears. The pan is empty before anyone talks about leftovers. It’s brought up often for dinner requests.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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.

Bowls of Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry become the go-to after a long day. People pour ladles for multiple helpings without pause. The creamy sauce sparks talk of future meals. It’s a regular favorite among those seeking quick comfort foods. Extra curry is saved for lunch every time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

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.

Fast meals end strong with trays of Shrimp Tacos served up fresh. Guests top their tacos with extras from the table. Kids love choosing their favorite fillings. Plenty for everyone, but leftovers never stick around. Extra tacos stay on the mind for future dinners.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

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.

Bowls of Tom Yum Soup set the mood for dinner. People notice how the broth feels light but packs energy. Friends slurp up spoonfuls before the main dish lands. It often gets repeated on busy weeks. Soup pots are cleaned out first.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

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.

Snack plates lose their last piece once Shrimp Toast is served up warm. Everyone agrees it makes for a great fast meal. Kids reach for slices while chatting with friends. This recipe pops up in conversation for party plans. Not a crumb is ever left on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Quick dinner choices include bowls of Thai Drunken Noodles full of shrimp. Busy nights get more lively with this mix. People remark on the chewy noodles with each bite. Friends take seconds every time it’s served. The dish always disappears before the meal wraps up.
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.

Meal prep gets easier with Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot ready in no time. Bowls fill up quickly and nobody asks for leftovers. Friends share ideas for Instant Pot favorites. It often comes up during talk of busy weeks. The pot always gets cleaned out before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

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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