As a passionate home chef and shrimp enthusiast, I take great pride in my collection of shrimp dinner recipes. Perfecting these dishes has been a labor of love, involving countless hours of experimentation, trial and error, and a relentless pursuit of flavor perfection.
From zesty shrimp tacos to indulgent garlic shrimp scampi, each recipe in my repertoire holds a special place in my culinary journey. These dishes have not only graced my family’s dinner table but have also earned me accolades in local cooking competitions, where my shrimp creations have consistently wowed judges and fellow food lovers alike.
With a keen eye for fresh, high-quality ingredients and a deep appreciation for diverse cultural influences, I’ve meticulously crafted these 25 healthy shrimp dinner recipes to showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved seafood.
1. Garlic Shrimp Zoodles
(Zucchini Noodles) A light, vibrant dish that transforms traditional pasta into a low-carb marvel. Fresh zucchini noodles provide a crisp base for succulent garlic-infused shrimp, creating a delicate balance of textures and flavors. The zoodles offer a fresh, slightly grassy undertone that complements the rich, buttery shrimp.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium zucchini
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Process:
- Wash zucchini thoroughly and use a spiralizer to create long, noodle-like strands
- Pat zucchini noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Season shrimp with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and slightly curled
- Remove shrimp and quickly toss zucchini noodles in the same pan for 1-2 minutes
- Return shrimp to the pan, gently mix with zoodles
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley
- Serve immediately while warm
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a light white wine
- Garnish with lemon wedges
- Optional: sprinkle with parmesan cheese
2. Shrimp Avocado Salad
A refreshing, protein-packed salad that celebrates the creamy richness of avocado with the delicate sweetness of perfectly cooked shrimp. This dish balances cool, smooth textures with bright, zesty flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked and chilled shrimp
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Process:
- If using raw shrimp, boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink
- Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to ice water to stop cooking
- Dice avocados into half-inch cubes
- Halve cherry tomatoes
- Finely dice red onion
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, and onion
- Whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl
- Pour dressing over salad and gently toss
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled
- Can be eaten alone or on a bed of mixed greens
- Pair with crisp white wine or sparkling water
3. Shrimp Fajitas
A sizzling culinary journey that brings the vibrant street food experience of Mexico to your kitchen. This dish celebrates the bold interplay of spices, tender shrimp, and colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 mixed bell peppers (red and green)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 tablespoons homemade fajita seasoning
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Fresh lime wedges
- Cauliflower tortillas or lettuce wraps
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Detailed Steps:
- Create fajita seasoning by mixing smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne
- Slice bell peppers into thin, uniform strips
- Cut onion into half-moon shapes
- Marinate shrimp in seasoning for 15 minutes
- Heat cast-iron skillet until smoking hot
- Sear vegetables quickly to maintain crispness
- Add shrimp, cooking 2-3 minutes until pink
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas or lettuce wraps
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Flavor Profile:
- Smoky and spicy with bright citrus undertones
- Crisp vegetable texture contrasts tender shrimp
4. Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb twist on traditional fried rice, transforming cauliflower into a nutrient-dense base that captures the essence of Asian-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, cleaned
- 1 large cauliflower head
- 3 eggs
- 2 green onions
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons tamari sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Frozen peas and carrots
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Detailed Steps:
- Rice cauliflower using food processor
- Dry cauliflower rice on paper towels
- Whisk eggs and create thin omelet, then slice
- Sauté garlic and ginger in hot wok
- Add shrimp, cook until translucent
- Incorporate cauliflower rice
- Add vegetables and tamari sauce
- Fold in egg strips
- Finish with sesame oil drizzle
5. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Pineapple Salsa
A tropical-inspired dish that balances smoky grilled proteins with bright, tangy fruit salsa.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds large shrimp
- 1 fresh pineapple
- 1 red onion
- 1 jalapeño
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Wooden skewers
- Marinade spices
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Grilling Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Cooking Instructions:
- Create citrus-herb marinade for shrimp
- Soak wooden skewers in water
- Thread marinated shrimp carefully
- Dice pineapple and create fresh salsa
- Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side
- Garnish with pineapple salsa
- Serve immediately with lime wedges
6. Shrimp Stir Fry
A dynamic culinary creation that captures the essence of quick, vibrant Asian-inspired cooking. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (snow peas, carrots, broccoli)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Avocado oil for cooking
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Prep all ingredients before cooking
- Chop vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces
- Create sauce by mixing coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil
- Heat wok or large skillet to high temperature
- Quick-sear shrimp until just pink (2-3 minutes)
- Remove shrimp and set aside
- Stir-fry vegetables starting with harder vegetables
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds
- Return shrimp to pan
- Pour sauce over entire mixture
- Toss quickly to combine
- Garnish with sliced green onions
7. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
A fresh, vibrant interpretation of classic street food, combining crisp textures with bold, layered flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, cleaned
- 4 small butter lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas
- 1 small red cabbage
- 2 limes
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- Spice blend (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder)
- Avocado oil
- Salt and pepper
Cabbage Slaw:
- Thinly slice cabbage
- Mix with lime juice
- Add chopped cilantro
- Season with salt
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Detailed Steps:
- Create spice blend for shrimp
- Coat shrimp thoroughly in spice mixture
- Heat skillet to medium-high
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side
- Prepare cabbage slaw while shrimp cooks
- Warm lettuce leaves or tortillas
- Layer shrimp on base
- Top with cabbage slaw
- Garnish with extra cilantro
- Serve with lime wedges
8. Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs
A rustic, Mediterranean-inspired dish that transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, aromatic meal. The foil pack method ensures tender shrimp and crisp broccoli, infused with herb-laden olive oil and bright citrus notes.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large broccoli crowns
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Trim broccoli into bite-sized florets
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, herbs
- Create four large square foil packets
- Distribute shrimp and broccoli evenly across packets
- Drizzle herbed oil mixture over each packet
- Seal packets tightly, creating steam pockets
- Bake for 15-18 minutes
- Open packets carefully to release aromatic steam
- Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges
9. Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa
A bold culinary creation that marries the earthy richness of quinoa with the fiery spirit of Cajun-spiced shrimp. This dish celebrates the complexity of Southern-inspired seasoning while maintaining a clean, modern approach to protein-packed meals.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp
- 1 cup white quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Cajun seasoning blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Thoroughly rinse quinoa under cold water
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth using absorption method
- Prepare homemade Cajun spice mixture
- Generously coat shrimp with spice blend
- Heat olive oil in large skillet
- Quickly sear shrimp until pink and slightly curled
- Fluff cooked quinoa with fork
- Mix quinoa with finely diced red peppers
- Arrange seared shrimp atop quinoa bed
- Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges
10. Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
A light, refreshing dish that transforms traditional heavy tacos into a crisp, protein-packed meal. These wraps offer a clean eating experience with layers of texture and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 butter lettuce head
- 1 cucumber
- 1 carrot
- Fresh mint leaves
- Fresh basil leaves
- Rice wine vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Ginger, minced
- Garlic, minced
- Chili flakes
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
- Carefully separate lettuce leaves
- Julienne cucumber and carrot
- Create marinade with vinegar, sesame oil, ginger
- Quick-sear shrimp in hot skillet
- Chop shrimp into smaller pieces
- Layer lettuce leaves with shredded vegetables
- Add seared shrimp
- Garnish with fresh herbs
- Drizzle with remaining marinade
- Roll into compact wraps
11. Shrimp Ceviche
A coastal-inspired dish celebrating raw seafood preparation with bright, zesty ingredients that “cook” the shrimp through citrus marination.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds fresh wild-caught shrimp
- 6 fresh limes
- 1 red onion
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- Fresh cilantro
- 1 habanero pepper
- Sea salt
- White pepper
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Dice shrimp into uniform small cubes
- Squeeze limes completely
- Submerge shrimp in lime juice
- Finely dice onion, tomatoes, cucumber
- Remove seeds from habanero
- Mix vegetables with marinating shrimp
- Add chopped cilantro
- Season with sea salt and white pepper
- Refrigerate in glass bowl
- Stir occasionally during marination
- Serve chilled with tortilla chips
12. Shrimp Pad Thai
A street-food inspired dish capturing the complex balance of sweet, sour, and umami flavors characteristic of traditional Thai cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp
- Rice noodles
- 3 eggs
- Green onions
- Bean sprouts
- Crushed peanuts
- Tamarind paste
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar
- Garlic chives
- Vegetable oil
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Soak rice noodles in warm water
- Create pad thai sauce
- Whisk eggs separately
- Make thin egg crepe, slice into strips
- Stir-fry shrimp quickly
- Remove shrimp, set aside
- Quickly stir-fry noodles
- Add prepared sauce
- Incorporate shrimp and egg strips
- Garnish with crushed peanuts
- Top with fresh bean sprouts
- Serve immediately
13. Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
A light, elegant reimagining of classic shrimp scampi that replaces traditional pasta with fresh zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp
- 4 medium zucchini
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup white wine
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Spiralize zucchini into thin noodles
- Pat zucchini noodles dry with paper towels
- Mince garlic finely
- Zest one lemon
- Heat olive oil and butter in large skillet
- Sauté garlic until fragrant
- Add shrimp, cook until pink
- Deglaze pan with white wine
- Remove shrimp, set aside
- Quickly toss zucchini noodles in pan
- Return shrimp to skillet
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest
14. Shrimp Burger Lettuce Wraps
A innovative protein-packed alternative to traditional beef burgers, featuring delicate shrimp formed into tender patties.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds fresh shrimp
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions
- Ginger, minced
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Sriracha mayo
- Lime
- Sesame oil
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
- Pulse shrimp in food processor
- Chop cilantro and green onions
- Mix shrimp with breadcrumbs
- Add beaten eggs
- Incorporate minced ginger
- Form into small patties
- Chill patties for 15 minutes
- Heat skillet with sesame oil
- Cook patties 3-4 minutes each side
- Separate lettuce leaves
- Create wraps with shrimp patties
- Drizzle with sriracha mayo
- Squeeze fresh lime
15. Grilled Shrimp with Mango Salsa
A tropical-inspired dish celebrating the harmony between smoky grilled seafood and bright fruit salsa.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp
- 2 ripe mangoes
- 1 red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño pepper
- Lime juice
- Wooden skewers
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Chili powder
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Soak wooden skewers in water
- Dice mangoes into small cubes
- Finely chop red onion
- Mince jalapeño
- Create marinade with olive oil
- Season shrimp with spices
- Thread shrimp onto skewers
- Mix mango salsa ingredients
- Preheat grill to medium-high
- Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side
- Top with fresh mango salsa
- Garnish with cilantro
- Serve immediately with lime wedges
16. Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
A vibrant, quick-cooking dish that celebrates spring vegetables and delicate seafood in a harmonious blend.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp
- 2 bunches fresh asparagus
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- Tamari sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Avocado oil
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Trim asparagus ends
- Cut asparagus into diagonal pieces
- Peel and devein shrimp
- Mince garlic and ginger
- Create quick sauce with tamari and vinegar
- Heat wok to high temperature
- Quickly stir-fry asparagus
- Remove asparagus, set aside
- Sear shrimp in hot wok
- Return asparagus to pan
- Add sauce and toss quickly
- Garnish with sliced green onions
17. Shrimp Cucumber Salad
A refreshing, light preparation featuring crisp vegetables and delicate seafood.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds cooked shrimp
- 2 English cucumbers
- Red radishes
- Fresh dill
- Rice wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Shallots
- Fresh herbs
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Slice cucumbers thin
- Julienne radishes
- Chop fresh dill
- Create vinaigrette with vinegar
- Mince shallots finely
- Mix dressing ingredients
- Layer cucumber and radishes
- Top with cooked shrimp
- Drizzle with vinaigrette
- Garnish with fresh herbs
- Chill before serving
18. Shrimp Primavera
A light, vegetable-forward pasta alternative celebrating seasonal produce.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp
- Zucchini noodles
- Cherry tomatoes
- Broccolini
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- White wine
- Lemon zest
- Parmesan cheese
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Spiralize zucchini into noodles
- Halve cherry tomatoes
- Chop broccolini
- Create garlic-infused olive oil
- Quickly sear shrimp
- Remove shrimp, set aside
- Sauté vegetables briefly
- Deglaze pan with white wine
- Add zucchini noodles
- Return shrimp to pan
- Garnish with fresh basil
- Top with lemon zest
19. Shrimp Stuffed Avocado Boats
An elegant, no-cook preparation featuring creamy avocado and delicate seafood.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds cooked shrimp
- 4 ripe avocados
- Red bell pepper
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Sea salt
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Detailed Steps:
- Halve avocados
- Remove pit carefully
- Chop cooked shrimp
- Dice red bell pepper
- Slice green onions
- Create lime-based dressing
- Mix shrimp with vegetables
- Season with chili powder
- Fill avocado halves
- Drizzle with dressing
- Garnish with cilantro
- Serve immediately
20. Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
A vibrant grilling preparation that combines seafood with colorful vegetable medley.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Red onion
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Wooden skewers
Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Soak wooden skewers in water
- Cut vegetables into uniform pieces
- Create herb-infused marinade
- Marinate shrimp for 15 minutes
- Alternate shrimp and vegetables on skewers
- Preheat grill to medium-high
- Brush skewers with olive oil
- Grill 3-4 minutes per side
- Rotate for even cooking
- Drizzle with lemon juice
- Garnish with fresh herbs
21. Shrimp Cauliflower Rice Bowls
A low-carb meal featuring riced cauliflower as a nutritious base.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp
- 1 large cauliflower
- Coconut aminos
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Mixed vegetables
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Rice cauliflower using food processor
- Mince garlic and ginger
- Create stir-fry sauce
- Scramble eggs separately
- Sauté cauliflower rice
- Cook shrimp quickly
- Add mixed vegetables
- Incorporate eggs
- Drizzle with sauce
- Garnish with green onions
22. Spicy Shrimp Shakshuka
A Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish with bold spices.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp
- Canned tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Eggs
- Harissa paste
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Fresh cilantro
- Feta cheese
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Dice bell peppers and onions
- Create spice blend
- Sauté vegetables
- Add canned tomatoes
- Incorporate harissa paste
- Add shrimp to sauce
- Create wells in sauce
- Crack eggs into wells
- Cover and cook
- Sprinkle with feta
- Garnish with cilantro
23. Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa
A protein-packed dish celebrating bright citrus flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds medium shrimp
- Quinoa
- Vegetable broth
- Lemon
- Fresh garlic
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- White wine
- Red pepper flakes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth
- Zest and juice lemons
- Mince garlic
- Create lemon-garlic marinade
- Sear shrimp quickly
- Deglaze pan with white wine
- Mix shrimp with quinoa
- Add fresh herbs
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Garnish with parsley
24. Shrimp and Spinach Protein Bowls
A nutrient-dense meal combining lean protein with leafy greens.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp
- Fresh spinach
- Quinoa
- Roasted almonds
- Avocado
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Dijon mustard
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Cook quinoa
- Sear shrimp quickly
- Massage spinach with lemon
- Create light vinaigrette
- Layer quinoa in bowls
- Add fresh spinach
- Top with shrimp
- Slice avocado
- Sprinkle roasted almonds
- Drizzle with dressing
25. Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
A fresh, light preparation celebrating Vietnamese-inspired cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds cooked shrimp
- Rice paper wrappers
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Fresh mint
- Basil leaves
- Rice noodles
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Honey
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions;
- Cook rice noodles
- Julienne vegetables
- Create peanut dipping sauce
- Soak rice paper briefly
- Layer ingredients carefully
- Roll tightly
- Slice rolls diagonally
- Arrange on platter
- Serve with peanut sauce
- Garnish with herbs
Conclusion
These 25 healthy shrimp dinner recipes are a testament to my passion for creating flavorful, nutritious meals that celebrate the culinary magic of shrimp.
From vibrant salads to comforting skillet dishes.
Each recipe offers a unique and delightful dining experience that will leave you craving for more.