Looking for an easy dinner that isn’t chicken? I’ve got 20 shrimp recipes for dinner that might make you forget about chicken entirely. These protein-packed meals come together fast, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need something different — and delicious — on the table.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Shrimp isn’t just tasty — it’s a nutritional powerhouse! When comparing a 3-ounce serving of beef (which we alpha gals can no longer eat), chicken (yawn), and shrimp, the numbers made me do a double-take. It turns out that the serving of shrimp packs more protein per calorie than the other two options, with fewer calories to boot. Sorry chicken, but I think I’ve found my new favorite!
In This Article
Decoding Shrimp Sizes
Selecting the right size shrimp for your recipes starts with understanding how they’re measured. Shrimp are categorized by their count per pound, which — you guessed it — indicates how many shrimp are in a pound.
The larger the shrimp, the smaller the count per pound. For example, jumbo shrimp are typically 21-25 pieces per pound, while smaller varieties, like salad shrimp, can have over 70 pieces per pound. These size distinctions help you choose the best shrimp for your recipes, from hearty main courses to delicate appetizers.
Which Shrimp is Best — Fresh or Frozen?
The frozen vs. fresh shrimp debate has a clear winner, and it might surprise you. Unless you live near the coast, frozen shrimp beats fresh most of the time — especially for me here in Kansas City. Most shrimp are flash-frozen right after catching, which locks in their flavor and texture. This quick-freeze process keeps them in prime condition until you’re ready to cook.
Meanwhile, the fresh shrimp lounging on ice at the seafood counter hide a secret — they were likely frozen first, then thawed for display. The problem? No one knows exactly when they were thawed or how long they’ve been sitting there.
Regardless of whether you choose — fresh or frozen shrimp — opting for wild-caught varieties can enhance your dish’s flavor. Wild shrimp, harvested from their natural habitats, often offer a cleaner, more robust taste compared to farm-raised counterparts. Additionally, wild-caught shrimp are less likely to contain chemicals and antibiotics commonly used in shrimp farming, making them a healthier choice.
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
Perfect shrimp starts with proper thawing — it makes all the difference in texture and flavor. Here are two foolproof methods I use:
Refrigerator Thawing
If you’ve got time to plan ahead, the overnight method is the best way to thaw frozen shrimp. This gradual thawing process ensures that the shrimp retain their delicate texture while minimizing the risk of bacterial growth.
- Preparation: Remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging and place them in a leak-proof container or a sealed plastic bag to prevent any leaks.
- Refrigeration: Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. Allow the shrimp to thaw slowly over 12 to 24 hours.
- Usage: Once thawed, use the shrimp within 48 hours for optimal freshness.
Cold Water Thawing
In a time crunch? The quick method for thawing frozen shrimp has you covered. This approach is perfect when you’re short on time and need your shrimp ready to cook in under an hour.
- Preparation: Remove the frozen shrimp from their packaging and place them in a sealed plastic bag to prevent water from seeping in.
- Submersion: Fill a large bowl with cold water. Submerge the bag of shrimp in the water, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Thawing: Let the shrimp sit in the cold water for 20 to 30 minutes, or until fully thawed. For faster thawing, you can change the water every 10 minutes to maintain a cold temperature.
- Drying: Once thawed, remove the shrimp from the bag and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Important Tips for Thawing Frozen Shrimp
Properly thawing shrimp is key to maintaining their texture, flavor, and safety. Here are some must-know tips to ensure your shrimp is as fresh and delicious as possible.
- Avoid Hot Water: Never use warm or hot water to thaw shrimp, as it can cause uneven thawing and partially cook the shrimp, affecting their texture.
- Do Not Thaw at Room Temperature: Leaving shrimp out at room temperature can promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
- Immediate Use: After thawing, cook the shrimp promptly to ensure safety and maintain quality.
Following these methods gives you perfectly thawed shrimp every time. No rubbery texture, no food safety worries.
Storing Shrimp Leftovers
Leftover shrimp is a rare thing in my house. But when it happens, a few simple storage rules keep them fresh and safe to eat. Store your cooked shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps other fridge odors from crashing the party. The clock starts ticking after cooking though, so get those leftovers in the fridge within two hours.
Even properly stored shrimp only stay fresh for three to four days in the fridge. Before eating your leftovers, give them a quick safety check — any funky smells, strange colors, or slimy texture mean it’s time for the trash can. One last tip: if your shrimp were frozen before cooking, don’t pop them back in the freezer. The double freeze turns their texture to rubber.
NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.
Shrimp Recipes for Dinner
Shrimp dinner ideas are a lifesaver on busy nights. Quick, versatile, and packed with protein, these recipes offer endless ways to turn your shrimp into something spectacular. From pasta to tacos, there’s something here for every craving.
1
Italian Shrimp and Asparagus Farfalle
2
Lemon Butter Shrimp Skewers
3
Garlicky Shrimp with Leeks
4
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
5
Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry
6
Shrimp Fajitas
7
Lemon-Scented Shrimp
8
Hot Honey Shrimp Tacos
9
Mexican Shrimp Bowl
10
Mediterranean Fish Soup
11
Easy Thai Shrimp Curry
12
Shrimp Scampi with Asparagus and Tomato
13
Shrimp Poke Bowl
14
Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos
15
Shrimp Coconut Curry
16
Chipotle Shrimp and Asparagus Soft Tacos
17
Shrimp Scampi without Wine
18
