Restaurant-Worthy Meals Made Simple 17 Shrimp Recipes You’ll Love

Shrimp dishes should not feel like a test of patience, and with 17 ideas ready to roll, they won’t. These restaurant-level meals are so easy that they almost cook themselves if you blink twice. Great for weeknights, weekend plans, or when someone important asks if you “actually know how to cook.”

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.

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.

Creamy grits paired with shrimp make for a comforting meal that feels restaurant-worthy every time. The bold flavors of shrimp stand out in this Southern favorite. You get a perfect mix of richness and texture with Shrimp and Grits. Great for dinner when you want something hearty yet easy to put together.
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.

Cooking shrimp in an air fryer creates a crisp and juicy combination that’s effortless and mess-free. The simplicity of Air Fryer Shrimp makes them ideal for quick meals or snacks. Each bite is light yet full of flavor, proving you don’t need a complicated recipe. It’s a reliable option for busy days or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer 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.

Sweet and savory mix together beautifully in Massaman Curry, with shrimp adding a hint of seafood richness to the dish. It’s perfect when you’re craving something comforting but with a twist. The unique blend of flavors feels bold yet approachable, making it stand out. Serve it with rice or on its own for something truly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Massaman 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.

There’s something fun about throwing shrimp into a taco shell, and Shrimp Tacos do not disappoint. Light, fresh flavors meet just the right amount of kick to keep things exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making something quick, this recipe works every time. The combination of crispy shrimp and soft tacos is hard to beat.
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.

Butter, shrimp, and pasta come together beautifully in Shrimp Scampi, delivering restaurant-quality vibes with minimal effort. The dish’s simple combination lets the shrimp shine without overwhelming richness. Perfect for quiet dinners or when you want something quick but still impressive. It’s one to keep handy for last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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.

The bold flavors of shrimp pair so well with the creamy touch of this salad dressing. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing feels fresh but hearty at the same time, balancing out every bite perfectly. Great for lunch or lighter dinners without feeling underwhelmed. You’ll enjoy how easy it is to make a salad into something fun.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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 depth to Thai Drunken Noodles, blending seamlessly into the bold flavors of this stir-fry dish. The chewy noodles mix with just enough heat to make it comforting without being too heavy. It’s a go-to recipe for anyone who loves shrimp but wants to try something different. Perfect when you need a quick dinner option loaded with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

This dish takes sushi to a whole new level, combining warm flavors with shrimp for an unexpected twist. Sushi Bake is perfect for parties or potlucks when you need a shareable meal. Layers of shrimp, rice, and creamy sauce create an easy-to-serve treat that still feels special. You’ll love the way this recipe puts a fresh spin on classic sushi.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Save time without sacrificing flavor by trying Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot, which makes dinner effortless. Shrimp soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, giving the dish a robust taste. It’s perfect for nights when you want something that feels homemade but doesn’t take hours to cook.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

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, golden bread topped with shrimp takes you straight to restaurant vibes. Shrimp Toast feels special without turning into an all-day cooking project. Easy to serve as an appetizer or snack, this recipe is versatile and crowd-friendly. Whether hosting guests or treating yourself, you’ll appreciate its simplicity and flavor.
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.

Shrimp makes burrito bowls even more exciting, adding a layer of richness without overwhelming the whole dish. Shrimp Burrito Bowls are perfect for meal prep or quick family dinners. The combination of shrimp with salad components keeps it light but filling. It’s a great way to mix up your routine without overthinking dinner.
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.

This recipe combines the creamy goodness of curry with shrimp, making it feel bold and flavorful without being heavy. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is perfect for anyone who loves shrimp and wants a little adventure in their dinner routine. It’s a recipe you’ll turn to when you want quick comfort without losing freshness. Great with rice or on its own.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

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.

Bold spices give Tandoori Shrimp its signature flavor, while the texture of the shrimp stays tender and juicy. It’s a dish you’ll love for its grilled essence without a lot of heavy effort. This recipe feels like a mix of hearty and light, which pairs beautifully for quick meals. Ideal for recreating restaurant vibes at home with minimal hassle.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori 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.

Creamy pasta and shrimp come together in Marry Me Shrimp Pasta, offering an indulgent yet easy dinner option. Perfect for romantic nights or when you just want to treat yourself to something special. The shrimp brings balance to the rich sauce and keeps it from feeling too heavy. Great for sharing or making ahead without stress.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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.

Clean, bright flavors and chilled shrimp make Shrimp Cocktail a staple for appetizers or light gatherings. It’s simple in concept but feels elegant when served to friends. Shrimp is showcased beautifully in this dish, highlighting its freshness and texture. Perfect for entertaining guests or keeping things easy on weeknights.
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.

Crispy shrimp with a light crunch is always a crowd-pleaser, and Shrimp Tempura delivers just that. It’s a straightforward dish that works as an appetizer or snack without feeling routine. Shrimp stays juicy while the coating adds a nice texture to every bite. Ideal for making something special without overcomplicating your cooking time.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

The mix of shrimp with bold flavors makes Tom Yum Soup a favorite for something warm and energizing. It’s light but full of character, with shrimp adding richness to the broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you want something a little unique for dinner. Easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying solo or with family.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

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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