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Shrimp is one of the fastest proteins you can put on the dinner table. It cooks in just a few minutes, it takes on whatever flavor you give it, and most kids like it once they try it.
A bag of frozen shrimp is my backup plan on busy nights. Thaw it under cold water and dinner is closer than you think. Tacos, pasta, fried rice and sheet pan meals all work.
Here are 15 easy shrimp dinners from some of our favorite food bloggers. Each one is simple enough for a weeknight and kid friendly enough for the whole table.
The Best Easy Shrimp Dinners
This article is all about the best easy shrimp dinners.
1. Easy Shrimp Tacos
What it is: Shrimp cooked in a skillet with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder, then tucked into flour or corn tortillas with your favorite toppings.
The whole thing is ready in about 30 minutes and the spice mix is mild enough for kids. Set out sour cream, salsa, lettuce and tomatoes and let everyone build their own. Tip: If your shrimp are frozen, run them under cool water until thawed, then peel them and pull off the tails.
2. Honey Garlic Shrimp
What it is: Shrimp marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil and black pepper, then cooked in a wok with garlic and ginger and glazed with a simple honey and soy sauce.
Sweet and savory is a combo most kids love, and this one takes about 25 minutes. Serve it over rice with a steamed veggie and dinner is done. Tip: Thaw frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for about 3 minutes, then pat them dry before marinating.
3. Garlic Shrimp Mac and Cheese
What it is: Creamy elbow macaroni made with milk, cheddar and mozzarella, mixed with garlicky shrimp and finished with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb topping under the broiler.
Mac and cheese is a safe bet with kids, and the shrimp makes it a full dinner. It is all made in one pot and feeds 6 to 8 people. Tip: Only partly cook the shrimp at the start and set it aside, since it finishes cooking when it goes back into the sauce.
4. Shrimp Fried Rice
What it is: Jasmine rice stir fried with shrimp, scrambled eggs, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, garlic and ginger in a soy, oyster sauce and sriracha mix.
This is better than takeout and a great way to use up rice from earlier in the week. The eggs and veggies make it a complete meal in one pan. Tip: Use leftover cooked jasmine rice so the grains stay separate and get crisp.
5. Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
What it is: Shrimp tossed in a fajita seasoning, lime, soy sauce and garlic marinade, baked with sliced bell peppers and red onion, then topped with melted cheddar.
Everything cooks on one sheet pan in about 30 minutes, so cleanup is easy. Put out tortillas, cilantro and lime wedges and let the kids fill their own. Tip: Let the shrimp marinate for 10 minutes while you slice the peppers and onions.
6. Garlic Butter Shrimp Boil
What it is: Small potatoes, corn on the cob, kielbasa sausage and shrimp boiled in a seasoned pot and served with plenty of garlic butter for dipping.
A shrimp boil is fun to eat with your hands, which makes it a hit with kids. Spread it out on the table and let everyone dig in. Tip: Cut the potatoes in halves or quarters so the insides can soak up the flavor.
7. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir Fry
What it is: Shrimp and broccoli florets cooked in a skillet and tossed in a savory sauce of soy sauce, chicken broth, oyster sauce, honey, cornstarch and sesame oil.
It comes together in about 30 minutes and the sauce makes broccoli an easy sell. Serve it over rice or noodles. Tip: Cook the broccoli first and set it aside, then cook the shrimp in a single layer for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
8. Sheet Pan Pineapple Hawaiian Shrimp
What it is: Red bell pepper and fresh pineapple broiled on a sheet pan, then cooked with shrimp in a sauce of soy sauce, lemon or lime juice, honey and chili garlic sauce, served over rice.
This one is ready in about 15 minutes, and the sweet pineapple wins over picky eaters. It is a fast pick for busy weeknights. Tip: Use much less chili garlic sauce if your family is sensitive to heat.
9. Shrimp Quesadillas
What it is: Shrimp cooked with onion, red bell pepper, garlic, chili powder and lime juice, then folded into flour tortillas with plenty of shredded cheese.
Quesadillas are easy to cut into wedges for small hands. You can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella or a Mexican blend, whatever your kids like. Tip: Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry on paper towels before cooking.
10. Lemon Shrimp Orzo
What it is: Seared shrimp with orzo cooked in chicken broth, then stirred with baby spinach, lemon juice, feta and fresh parsley, all in one skillet.
It takes about 25 minutes and feeds six, so there may be leftovers for lunch. The orzo feels like pasta to kids and sneaks in some spinach. Tip: Cook the shrimp first, move it to a plate and cover it to keep warm, then make the orzo in the same skillet.
11. Shrimp Scampi Pasta
What it is: Angel hair pasta and shrimp in a garlic, white wine and lemon sauce with Roma tomatoes, butter, fresh basil and Parmesan.
This tastes like a restaurant meal but takes about 30 minutes at home. Kids usually love the thin noodles. Tip: Save half a cup of pasta water before you drain the noodles to help loosen the sauce.
12. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta
What it is: Penne pasta with shrimp, sliced andouille sausage, onion, celery and green bell pepper in a creamy Cajun sauce made with cream cheese.
This is a hearty one pan dinner that serves six. You can use your favorite Cajun seasoning and go lighter on it for kids. Tip: Pat the shrimp dry and season it before cooking, and brown the sausage in batches if your pan is crowded.
13. Shrimp and Veggie Lo Mein
What it is: Linguine noodles tossed with shrimp, bok choy, red bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms and snap peas in a pineapple juice, soy sauce and oyster sauce mix.
Noodles are an easy way to get kids to eat their veggies, and this is ready in under 30 minutes. It is a fun swap for takeout night. Tip: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water and toss them with sesame oil so they do not stick.
14. Air Fryer Shrimp
What it is: Jumbo shrimp brushed with olive oil and coated in smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, thyme, salt and pepper, then cooked in the air fryer.
These are juicy and quick, and you can serve them with a dipping sauce, on pasta or salad, or in tacos. It makes a great base for a lot of different dinners. Tip: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes and cook the shrimp in a single layer.
15. Hot Honey Shrimp Bowls
What it is: Crispy breaded shrimp served over coconut rice with broccoli and drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey.
Crispy shrimp and rice bowls feel like a treat, and each person can add as much hot honey as they like. It is a good one for teens and grown ups. Tip: Use frozen breaded shrimp and frozen broccoli florets to save time.
Tips for Easy Shrimp Dinners
- Buy frozen. A bag of frozen raw shrimp keeps for months and thaws in minutes under cold running water.
- Pat it dry. Dry shrimp sear better and hold on to seasoning.
- Watch the clock. Shrimp is done as soon as it turns pink and opaque, usually after just a few minutes.
- Tame the heat. Go easy on chili flakes, sriracha or hot sauce and pass extra at the table for the grown ups.
- Pull the tails. Taking the tails off before cooking makes every bite easier for little hands.
Pin this post so you have these easy shrimp dinners ready the next time you need a fast family meal.