29 Shrimp Recipes That Feel Right When Winter Drags On
Everyone hits that point where winter meals could use a boost, and 29 shrimp recipes deliver just that. Even when the days feel the same, a change at the table keeps things interesting. Swapping in shrimp for dinner can be a welcome shift from the usual dishes. New options often make planning the week feel less repetitive.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Lightly crisp bites drizzled with a sauce that walks the line between sweet and spicy make this Bang Bang Shrimp unforgettable. Once you serve it, there are always requests for more. I love how it takes the chill out of a long winter week without much effort. You’ll see every plate wiped clean in record time.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp
Mango Shrimp Salad

Sweetness from mango pairs with shrimp to help this Mango Shrimp Salad stand out on colder days. Bright colors and a juicy bite wake up any winter meal. I lean on this refreshing salad for moments when heavier comfort food doesn’t sound right. Even after one taste, people keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp

Golden crisp with a peppery bite, this Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp brings some spark to quiet nights. It’s the kind of treat people talk about long after dinner is done. I turn to this dish when everyone needs a pick-me-up. A fresh squeeze of lemon makes the plate even harder to resist.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Salt & Pepper Shrimp
Air Fryer Shrimp

Perfect crunch with none of the hassle means this Air Fryer Shrimp lands in regular rotation all winter. Quick cooking keeps things easy, yet the results taste restaurant-worthy. I like serving them for both snack attacks and easy dinners. Before you know it, these shrimp are gone.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp

Sweet coconut crunch on the outside makes this Coconut Shrimp a crowd favorite, especially when winter is feeling endless. The texture is a welcome change compared to other warm-weather cravings. I enjoy how everyone reaches for seconds without hesitation. Pair it with a tangy dip for bonus smiles.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Shrimp
Shrimp Tempura Roll

Crunchy outsides and tender centers make this Shrimp Tempura Roll a winter party hit. Every time guests see a platter of these, they perk up. I assemble them for nights that need a little extra energy and fun. Fresh rolls disappear as soon as the first is cut.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll
Sushi Bake

Layers of flavor in this Sushi Bake offer so much warmth and comfort. Baked until golden, this dish feels cozy enough for the frostiest evenings. I bring it out whenever takeout just won’t cut it. Everyone wants a big scoop before it cools off.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake
Thai Fried Rice

Fragrant herbs and shrimp combine in a way that makes this Thai Fried Rice truly special. The aroma alone can lift the dreariest spirits. I keep this in my go-to list for nights when there’s just a little rice left in the fridge. It never fails to spark excitement at the table.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fried Rice
Shrimp Fried Rice

Pan-fried toasty rice and shrimp come together in this Shrimp Fried Rice for a meal that beats takeout any day. Winter evenings beg for quick wins, and this one never disappoints. I find myself returning to it when dinner needs to happen fast. Plates are always cleared by the end.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy, comforting sauce surrounds each noodle in this Shrimp Alfredo. Steamy bowls invite you to settle in and shake off winter’s chill. I look forward to sharing the leftovers the next day. It’s a classic that proves shrimp can bring joy well past summer.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Scampi

Garlic and butter bring out the best in this Shrimp Scampi. The light flavor feels just rich enough for cold evenings without feeling too heavy. I serve it when friends want something restaurant-quality in a matter of minutes. It’s hard to argue with a dish that gets requested so often.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Cozy spices and silky broth help this Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot work wonders on chilly nights. The best part is how quickly it comes together with little fuss. I keep it on standby for evenings when time is in short supply. That first spoonful always brings comfort.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot
Crispy Shrimp Toast

Bubbly crisp edges and bold flavor make this Crispy Shrimp Toast a winter crowd favorite. It draws people to the kitchen, eager for a hot bite straight out of the oven. I grab this recipe when appetizers need to be extra memorable. Each crunchy triangle vanishes fast.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast
Shrimp Tacos

Light, fresh, and quick to assemble, these Shrimp Tacos are always a fun surprise for dinner. The fillings burst with vibrance, making every bite an adventure. I like bringing these out for informal gatherings. Toppings make it easy for everyone to get exactly what they want.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp Ceviche

Zingy and bright, this Shrimp Ceviche shakes up winter with a splash of flavor. Each bite is cool and lively, great when you want a break from heavier dishes. I choose it for weekends that call for something out of the ordinary. Friends always mention how refreshing it is, no matter the season.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Ceviche
Tandoori Shrimp

Vibrant color and a fragrant crust make this Tandoori Shrimp hard to forget. It brings just the right amount of heat to light up any winter table. I enjoy pulling this recipe out for adventurous eaters. Heating the oven warms both the kitchen and everyone’s mood.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp
Shrimp Etouffee

Deep flavor and hearty sauce define this Shrimp Etouffee. You get layers of comfort with a bit of Southern charm thrown in. I lean on recipes like this when a regular dinner doesn’t quite hit the spot. Each ladle into a bowl means another round of “wow” from guests.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Etouffee
Shrimp Tempura

Crisp outside and tender inside, this Shrimp Tempura feels extra special on cold nights. There’s a sense of celebration when the platter comes around. I like that each piece stands out for both texture and flavor. Even the quietest gatherings become more lively when they are served.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura
Tom Yum Soup

Aromatics fill the air as this Tom Yum Soup simmers, hinting at bold comfort. Every spoonful brings together warmth, spice, and tang. I serve it for cozy lunches on gray days. The burst of flavor wakes up every part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup
Shrimp Burrito Bowls

Lots of layers and a punch of protein are what make these Shrimp Burrito Bowls a go-to for busy nights. Toppings turn dinner into a build-your-own party. I make extra so everyone can pack leftovers for lunch. Fresh, simple, and filling—what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls
Shrimp Spring Rolls

Delicate wrappers tuck in freshness with this Shrimp Spring Rolls recipe, bringing crunch and brightness to the winter table. Biting into one is an instant pick-me-up. I like setting out a tray for guests to help themselves. Even folks who say they’re “not shrimp people” reach back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Spring Rolls
Thai Drunken Noodles

Wide noodles and tender shrimp mingle with spicy sauce in these Thai Drunken Noodles. The tang invites people to dig in for more. I pull out this recipe when dinner needs to get exciting in a hurry. Seconds aren’t just common—they’re expected.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Smoky shrimp nestle into greens in this Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. The cool, herby drizzle balances out the bold shrimp perfectly. I reach for this meal when a bit of freshness sounds better than another bowl of soup. People never stop talking about the dressing.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Shrimp Cocktail

Cool, classic, and always a hit, this Shrimp Cocktail feels just right for parties or a quiet treat at home. The sauce brings a punch, while the shrimp are perfectly chilled. I enjoy putting out a big platter for guests to enjoy as they mingle. Each bite disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail
Shrimp and Grits

Creamy grains and savory shrimp blend into pure comfort in this Shrimp and Grits. Hot bowls feel just right gripped in your hands as winter rolls by outside. I never mind making extra, since requests for seconds are a given. Every spoonful reminds you why this dish is a classic.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits
Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

Luscious coconut sauce coats shrimp in this Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry, making it perfect for warming up the coldest nights. Aromas fill the kitchen before you even sit down. I tend to make extra rice because nobody wants to miss a single drop. Dinners end in silence as everyone enjoys every bite.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry
Massaman Curry

Gentle heat and comforting potatoes join shrimp in this Massaman Curry. The creamy sauce lets you linger over dinner just a little longer. I turn to this dish when I want dinner to be both unique and relaxing. Bowls get scraped clean long before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

Light but filling, this Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice feels almost too healthy for comfort food season. Still, you get all the flavor with a gentle twist. I find it useful for days when veggies need to take priority. Bowls pile up until there’s nothing left to share.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Creamy sauce and big shrimp combine in this Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for a winter favorite that’s hard to top. One bite is all it takes before someone asks for the recipe. I always make a double batch to be safe. Even cold leftovers taste incredible the next day.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
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.
