The Perfect Mix Of Light And Satisfying 17 Shrimp Recipes You Need

Some meals feel heavy, others feel too small. Finding the right balance makes everything better. Light meals that still fill the stomach bring comfort and joy. No stress, no rush just simple cooking with great results. The perfect mix of light and satisfying lives in these 17 shrimp recipes you need.

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.

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.

Warm spices come together with shrimp in a rich and comforting dish packed with flavor. Massaman Curry offers a perfect balance of creamy and aromatic. Pair it with rice for a complete meal. It’s a great option when you need something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

Shrimp Scampi

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

A simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender shrimp tossed in a buttery garlic sauce. Shrimp Scampi is quick to make and pairs well with pasta or crusty bread. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally for weeknights or special dinners. The flavors are bold yet light, making every bite tasty.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

Air Fryer Shrimp

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

Crispy shrimp made effortlessly with the help of an air fryer. Air Fryer Shrimp delivers a crunchy delight without too much oil or fuss. They can be served on their own or added to your favorite dishes for that perfect crunch. It’s a quick go-to option for something light yet filling.
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.

Creamy grits combined with shrimp make for a comforting and wholesome meal. Shrimp and Grits is the perfect dish to enjoy when you’re craving something that brings warmth to the table. Served together, the textures balance out wonderfully for a perfect bite. It’s a classic recipe that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

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.

Bold flavors come alive in a dish filled with shrimp, wide noodles, and a punchy sauce. Thai Drunken Noodles offers a great way to enjoy a spicy, hearty meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you need something filling but quick. The shrimp adds a fresh layer to a dish packed with vibrant notes.
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.

A healthy combination of blackened shrimp paired with a smooth dressing that complements each bite. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing combines smoky, spicy flavors with rich creaminess. Fresh greens make the dish lighter while rounding out the boldness of the shrimp.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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 paired with rice, beans, and veggies in a customizable dish you’ll love to whip up. Shrimp Burrito Bowls let you enjoy seafood with your favorite toppings. It’s a fantastic recipe when you want a flavor-packed but balanced meal. Everything combines nicely in one bowl, making it easy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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.

Creamy coconut curry paired with perfectly cooked shrimp in an instant pot. Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot gives you tender seafood in a fraction of the time. The flavors blend effortlessly, creating a balanced and comforting dish. It’s a convenient recipe you can rely on for both flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

Shrimp Tempura

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

Lightly battered shrimp fried until perfectly crispy for a crunch in every bite. Shrimp Tempura is ideal for adding texture to your meal or enjoying as a snack. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp inside. It’s easy to make and works across a variety of serving styles.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

Plump shrimp are served chilled alongside a tangy sauce for effortless enjoyment. Shrimp Cocktail is a timeless recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether served as an appetizer or snack, it adds something special to the table. The sauce complements each bite of shrimp perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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.

Shrimp tossed in a creamy, flavorful sauce and served over pasta for a comforting dish. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta brings together richness and seafood in a way that feels indulgent. The shrimp balances the creaminess of the sauce nicely. It’s great for a meal that feels special without being overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

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 bread topped with a shrimp mixture, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Shrimp Toast combines texture and flavor in bite-sized portions that are always a crowd favorite. They’re simple to prepare and deliver bold seafood flavors with each piece. This recipe works great for gatherings or even a quick treat at home.
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.

A tangy, shrimp-filled soup that’s bursting with flavors in every spoonful. Tom Yum Soup combines spice, sourness, and seafood into a bowl full of goodness. It’s warm, vibrant, and filling without being too heavy. Each ingredient comes together to offer a unique depth to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Tom Yum Soup

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.

Flavorful spices coat shrimp for a dish that’s grilled or baked to perfection. Tandoori Shrimp is an easy way to enjoy bold, aromatic flavors with minimal effort. The shrimp stays tender while absorbing all the earthy spices beautifully. Pair it with sides or eat it as a main attraction.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

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.

A deconstructed sushi dish featuring shrimp baked into a tasty layered casserole. Sushi Bake lets you enjoy sushi flavors in a warm, shareable format. It’s easy to scoop out portions and enjoy for any casual meal. Perfect for experimenting with seafood in new ways.
Get the Recipe: Sushi Bake

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.

Shrimp cooked in a flavorful coconut base for a dish rich in flavor and texture. Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is a versatile recipe that pairs well with rice or naan. The creamy base emphasizes the shrimp’s natural taste while adding layers of spice.
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.

A fun way to enjoy shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. Shrimp Tacos are light and easy to make, delivering flavors packed into every bite. Customize them with whatever you have on hand and enjoy how fresh they taste. Each taco easily balances the shrimp’s tenderness with added crunch and sauces.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

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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