25 Shrimp Recipes Worked For Casual Cookouts And Weeknights

This set of 25 shrimp recipes strikes a balance between casual cookouts and quick weeknight solutions. Shrimp keeps things flexible, whether you’re outside with a crowd or inside trying to avoid dirtying another pan. It’s fast, reliable, and vanishes from plates before anyone asks about seconds. Basically, shrimp works harder than most sidekicks at dinner.

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.

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 meals make life easier for busy weeknights and last-minute cookouts. Air Fryer Shrimp comes out crisp and light with less mess. Plates clear fast, so cleanup is just as simple. Friends always ask how you made shrimp taste this good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

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.

Comfort plates get noticed at laid-back dinners and big events alike. Shrimp and Grits brings a creamy kick, so it fits any group. Full bowls guarantee no leftovers. Most want seconds before even finishing the first round.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

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.

Pasta nights turn into something special with a quick shrimp upgrade. Shrimp Alfredo coats noodles richly and makes leftovers worth keeping. It works for easy family meals or sharing at outdoor gatherings. Kids and adults go for extra sauce every time.
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.

Smoky seafood is always a hit at any cookout or dinner table. Grilled Shrimp picks up char that everyone wants to taste fresh off the grill. Guests grab these first at every event. There are never any left behind after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled 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.

Fast skillet meals fit busy schedules so nobody waits hungry. Shrimp Fried Rice brings crunch and color together for solo dinners or group hangouts. Every bowl comes back empty. People request this more than once a week.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice

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.

Finger food wins points for cookouts or weeknight dinners with no fuss. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs look great lined up on the plate and build flavor bite by bite. Clean-up is easy since skewers keep things simple. Even picky eaters reach for another.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

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.

Global flavors work for family meals or larger groups looking for something new. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry serves up warmth in every spoonful. Bowls stack up for seconds before any side dish runs out. Kids love it just as much as adults.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

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.

Casual snacks go fast when the crowd is in the mood for something bold. Bang Bang Shrimp is easy to share and disappears faster than anything else. Plates refill themselves almost instantly. Friends start asking for more before round one is gone.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

Fresh lunches and cookout sides help keep things bright and simple. Mango Shrimp Salad draws compliments for looks alone, then wins people over with every bite. No bowl stays full once everyone tries it. Some even ask for the leftovers box before leaving.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

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.

One-pot meals stand out at weeknight family tables or relaxed gatherings outside. Massaman Curry fills every plate with comfort and just the right blend of flavors. Its aroma spreads through the whole house. Second helpings are a sure thing.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Shrimp Tempura

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

Crispy bites grab attention at parties and bring fun to quiet dinners. Shrimp Tempura holds its crunch even as the tray cools down. Kids compete for the biggest piece every time. Bowls always come back empty, so another batch would be necessary.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

Busy cooks love meals that work with little effort, while guests love comfort. Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot comes out rich and steamy so plates get wiped clean quickly. Serves well for one or a crowd. Friends always want the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

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 starters get all the attention at cookouts and formal sit-downs. Shrimp Cocktail adds chill and snap to any party spread. It’s an easy appetizer that feels special at home or outside. Most guests sneak an extra piece when no one’s watching.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Quick wraps turn tacos into a popular main at any gathering. Shrimp Tacos come together fast for busy weeknights and bring color to every table. No one skips salsa or sides when these are on the menu. Extra shells get built before the first round is done.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp Scampi

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

Pasta lovers pause for rich bowls with a buttery finish and bold flavor. Shrimp Scampi feels just right for sharing with friends on patio nights or indoors. Bowls always look scraped clean at the end. People ask for seconds, whether things are casual or fancy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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.

Steamy broths help break up busy schedules and get people talking. Tom Yum Soup sounds simple, but always feels like a delicious treat. Bowls fill up twice before half the table is finished. New guests ask if it’s really homemade.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

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.

Crowd-pleasing noodles keep everyone happy at casual dinners and cookouts. Thai Drunken Noodles never stick around long once the first pan is ready. Big fans go for spicy extras. It’s often the last dish to run out.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

Lively plates work for packed lunches or cookout buffets that need something fresh. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing wins points for both crunch and cream on every fork. Most people ask for seconds before grabbing dessert. Bright colors get noticed right away.
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 plates deliver perfect bites at casual hangouts or family meals. Shrimp Tempura Roll brings crunch and flavor with every slice. Plates disappear without any leftovers. Even new fans go back for one more roll.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

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.

Creamy pasta dishes collect compliments all week, from cookouts or a simple night in. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta pulls guests in with a rich aroma and bold color. Bowls are rarely left with extras. Cookout crowds say it is always worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice with peas, eggs, and diced vegetables being stirred with a wooden spatula.
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Lighter swaps fit busy weekdays without losing good flavor. Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice brings all the right crunch for solo or group meals. Bowls always go empty by dinner’s end. Kids sometimes ask if there’s more waiting in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

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.

Easy pans work for any party or night you want something without fuss. Sushi Bake makes sharing simple and feeding a crowd a breeze. Plates line up quickly, and trays run out before anything gets cold. Most people want to know how to get the recipe at home.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Bright bowls grab attention at outside hangouts or laid-back dinners. Shrimp Ceviche draws people in with a fresh aroma and cool flavor. Seconds come easily since there’s no waiting for heat. It’s gone before anyone has to clear the plates.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche

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.

Crispy sides win over new fans at weeknight meals and sleepy cookouts. Shrimp Toast piles up warm and always gets picked off the plate first. Kids ask for more if there’s a second batch hiding somewhere. These are always remembered after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Full bowls match groups looking for big flavor fast at family nights or group cookouts. Shrimp Burrito Bowls pack in plenty for everyone and always look colorful on the table. Extras get boxed for lunches quickly. Even picky eaters enjoy building their own version.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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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