What Helped Me Survive Dinner After A Long Day Outside—21 Shrimp Meals

There’s nothing quite like coming home tired and being greeted by an empty fridge and no motivation. Thankfully, these 21 shrimp meals didn’t require deep thinking or a full energy bar to pull off. They’re the kind of dishes that understand you’re already over the day. Dinner gets done, and no one ends up eating cereal in defeat.

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.

Air Fryer Shrimp

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

Some days, it’s about quick and easy wins for dinner. Air Fryer Shrimp is the go-to when you’re exhausted but still want something solid. The texture comes out just right, and it’s ready to eat before you know it. You’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shrimp

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.

After a long day, skewers feel like less work but still deliver big results. Grilled Shrimp Kabobs hit that sweet spot of fun and easy meals. Each bite makes you feel like you’re having a backyard cookout without the hassle. Perfect for when you want maximum output with minimum effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs

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.

Salad doesn’t have to be boring, especially after a tiring day. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing changes the whole game. It’s packed with good stuff, yet it feels effortless to eat and enjoy. Works great when you need a meal that feels light but still fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

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.

Some meals just wake you up with bold flavor. Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of thing you crave when you want something quick but not dull. The kick it brings is just the right level to keep it interesting. It’s that reliable shrimp dish you’ll turn to over and over.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang 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.

When you want handheld food without sacrificing a solid dinner, this one’s a winner. Shrimp Tacos are just pure, laid-back practicality combined with a fun dinner vibe. Easy to make, even easier to grab and eat. Perfect for when you want shrimp but don’t want to sit still too long.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

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.

Sometimes grilled just hits differently after a long day. Grilled Shrimp gets that ideal balance of quick prep and big payoff. You’ll like how it pairs well with just about anything on your plate. Plus, it makes you feel like you put effort in without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp Tempura

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

Crispy meals are just comforting, especially when you’re wiped out from being outside all day. Shrimp Tempura gives you that crunch and shrimp combo that’s hard to beat. It’s not pretentious or complicated, just something straightforward to enjoy. Perfect for chilling out with good food at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura

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.

Home feels even better with warm dishes that feel familiar. Shrimp and Grits brings that relaxed vibe to your meal without much fuss. Somehow, it always feels perfect, no matter how your day went. It’s a dish that fills you up while keeping you grounded.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits

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.

All snacks should be this satisfying when dinner feels like too much work. Shrimp Toast is quick, simple, and exactly what you need when energy is low. It’s kind of like finger-food crossed with actual dinner, so it works for any mood. Easy wins like this make dinner stress-free.
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.

Bowls make any meal more convenient without missing out on goodness. Shrimp Burrito Bowls keep things easy but packed with enough to keep your hunger in check. They’re flexible and work whether you’re eating on the couch or at the table. This one’s a no-brainer for a quick dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Burrito Bowls

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.

Something tropical always feels refreshing, even if it’s just a salad. Mango Shrimp Salad pops up as a fun way to balance light eating with some shrimp action. It’s one of those meals that feels like you’re treating yourself without putting in much effort. Good for when you need quick but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

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.

When you’re in the mood for something different without making a mess, give this a shot. Sushi Bake is perfect for breaking the usual dinner routine while sticking to shrimp. It’s easier than actual rolls and still hits all the same notes. Great way to mix things up after a long day.
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.

Pasta always sounds like a good idea when dinner feels like a chore. Shrimp Scampi keeps it simple and fills you up without a ton of stress in the kitchen. It’s easy but still feels like you’re eating something solid and worthwhile. Perfect when all you need is shrimp and carbs in harmony.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

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.

Some dinners just feel like little adventures without trying hard. Massaman Curry gives you one of those meals that’s low-key but memorable. It’s a great pick for when you want a break from basic dinner options. Kind of a nice change when shrimp’s involved, too.
Get the Recipe: Massaman Curry

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.

Noodles bring a homey vibe without too much effort every time. Thai Drunken Noodles are such a good choice for making dinner less of a hassle. Pair them with shrimp to bump up the mix without needing extra planning. Fast and easy while still hitting the spot.
Get the Recipe: Thai Drunken Noodles

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.

After long days, nothing hits quite like a steaming bowl of Tom Yum Soup. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and comforting in every spoonful. Packed with shrimp and warming spices, it feels like a treat for your body and soul. This soup is a go-to for when you want something fulfilling but not heavy.
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.

Grilled to perfection and packed with spice, Tandoori Shrimp makes any meal feel complete. Its smoky, bold edge comes through every time. You’ll feel like you’ve put in extra effort without spending too much time. It’s always a solid choice for a punchy, no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Shrimp

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.

When you’re short on time but want something classic, Shrimp Cocktail never disappoints. It’s simple, cool, and just the right combo of refreshing and rich. You don’t even need much to pull this one off. Perfect as a quick appetizer or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cocktail

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 and creamy, Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry is comfort food at its finest. It’s the perfect mix of warm flavors with just enough kick to make it interesting. This dish feels luxurious while also being incredibly easy to turn to after a long day. It’s one of those meals that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

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.

If you’re looking for something light yet fulfilling, Shrimp Tempura Roll always delivers. Every bite gives you that beautiful crunch and balance. It’s an easy win for those nights when you want something fun but don’t want to cook forever. Perfect for sushi night at home without feeling fancy.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Tempura Roll

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.

When you have minimal time but want maximum comfort, Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot comes through. It brings that slow-cooked depth in a fraction of the time. The blend of textures and spices feels just right after a long day out. It’s an easy one-pot option for stress-free mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Coconut Curry Instant Pot

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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