I Count On These 21 Shrimp Recipes To Keep Food Costs Down

Grocery bills seem higher every week, and making good meals feels harder than before. Fancy ingredients and long recipes just add more stress. Quick meals that still taste great are the real helpers now. Shrimp stays simple, cooks fast, and always brings good flavor without much cost. Count on these 21 shrimp recipes to keep food costs down.

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

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.

Packed with southern charm, this hearty combo of shrimp and creamy grits brings warmth to the table. Every bite offers a rich flavor that’s sure to make it a favorite. Shrimp and Grits is a simple way to create something comforting without breaking the budget. Perfect for meals when you need something filling and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

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.

Combine shrimp with perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s quick and budget-friendly. Creamy sauce coats every ingredient, turning it into a meal that everyone loves. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta is an easy option when you need an inexpensive yet tasty dinner. It’s luxurious enough for special moments without costing too much.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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.

Loaded with simple ingredients, this recipe keeps things cost-effective while being full of flavor. The mix of shrimp, rice, and toppings turns dinner into a fun experience. Shrimp Burrito Bowls are customizable, making them a crowd-pleaser without blowing the budget. Great for keeping meals exciting and affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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 cooking meets affordability in this easy to make shrimp dish. Crispy and tender, every bite is made with minimal effort and cost. Air Fryer Shrimp is perfect for stretched budgets while offering big taste. Ideal for something fast and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

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.

Rich flavors blend together in this creamy and comforting dish. Shrimp makes the recipe budget-friendly while offering loads of texture and taste. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is wholesome and easy enough for an affordable dinner option. Great for when you’re seeking something tasty without much splurge.
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.

Crispy shrimp covered in a flavorful sauce makes for a great low-cost snack or meal. It’s easy to put together without spending too much. Bang Bang Shrimp gives you bold flavors while still fitting into a tight food budget. Excellent for treating yourself without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

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.

A mix of shrimp and greens comes together in an affordable yet flavorful way. The creamy dressing adds richness without overspending. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing balances taste and budget effortlessly. A great choice for lighter meals that are still filling.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Affordable ingredients come together in this easy one-pot recipe made for convenience. Shrimp adds a touch of protein while staying cost-conscious. Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot simplifies dinner and keeps expenses minimal. It’s an ideal choice for busy days and frugal cooking.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

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.

Simple and quick, this recipe makes shrimp an easy budget-friendly meal. Grilling brings out the natural flavors without much work or cost. Grilled Shrimp is a great go-to for balancing flavor and affordability. Perfect when keeping food costs low is a priority.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

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.

Affordable shrimp pairs well with simple toppings for a creative yet low-cost meal. Every bite is packed with flavor without going over budget. Shrimp Tacos keep dinner fresh and fun while sticking to inexpensive cooking. A smart pick for wallet-friendly dining.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

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.

Turn shrimp into a dish that feels special without being pricey. Layers of simple ingredients are baked together in a comforting way. Sushi Bake offers big flavors without breaking the bank. A fun alternative for meals that are easy on the budget.
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 classic and cost-effective way to enjoy shrimp in a light, buttery sauce. Pasta makes it filling while keeping expenses in check. Shrimp Scampi is a simple solution for creating a meal that’s both elegant and affordable. Perfect for when you need quick, inexpensive options.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

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

Shrimp threaded on skewers keeps this recipe simple and low on cost. Bright flavors make it a great choice for easy meals. Grilled Shrimp Kebobs balance affordability with something fun for the table. Ideal for cooking without worrying about spending too much.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kebobs

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.

Mixed with fresh ingredients lets you create a colorful dish that’s easy on the wallet. The burst of flavors makes every bite enjoyable while staying budget-conscious. Mango Shrimp Salad brings variety without costing too much to make. Great for lighter, affordable meals.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

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 adds a layer of protein in this hearty noodle dish, keeping costs manageable. Bold flavors come together effortlessly for an enjoyable yet inexpensive meal. Thai Drunken Noodles is perfect when you’re looking for budget-friendly comfort food. A perfect way to stretch food expenses while still eating well.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

A cold shrimp appetizer can really work to keep food costs in check while still feeling special. Shrimp Cocktail uses shrimp sparingly but makes a big impression. Preparing it in bulk is affordable and creates a dish that looks great at any table. This versatile option is great for casual meals or more formal occasions without overspending.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Marinated shrimp can stretch protein costs while still delivering bold flavors. With Tandoori Shrimp, inexpensive seasonings transform simple shrimp into something flavorful. It’s also quick to prepare, saving both time and energy. Plus, pairing it with rice or bread keeps meals filling without adding extra costs.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

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.

Adding shrimp to budget-friendly meals can give them a special boost without spending too much. Massaman Curry is a great example, combining shrimp with affordable ingredients to create a hearty dish. Making this meal in batches helps stretch servings for larger groups or meal prep. Its balance of richness and simplicity makes it cost-effective for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

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.

Mixing shrimp with basic pantry items can easily turn into a crowd-pleaser. Shrimp Toast is a clever way to use shrimp economically and still deliver great flavor. Using simple bread and frying makes it a crispy option that looks appealing on any plate. It’s a useful recipe for making snacks or appetizers while keeping food costs affordable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Toast

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.

Incorporating affordable add-ins with shrimp can make meals that feel special without spending extra. Tom Yum Soup uses shrimp sparingly in a broth packed with flavor. It’s light yet filling enough to stretch servings further, keeping it budget-friendly for multiple portions. Serving it with rice turns it into a complete meal at a low overall cost.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

Shrimp Tempura

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

Making treats that feature shrimp doesn’t have to cost a lot if you balance the portions well. Shrimp Tempura uses a simple batter coating to create a crispy, appetizing snack. Frying shrimp quickly locks in quality without lengthening cooking time or effort. Pairing it with sauces keeps it flexible for different occasions, all while keeping expenses in check.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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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