Chicken recipes may get all the hype when it comes to easy and healthy dinner ideas, but how about looking below sea level for a change? Or at least to the (frozen) seafood aisle to stock up on shellfish for these scrumptious shrimp recipes that'll take your weeknight family meals up a notch. Not only are shrimp high in protein and low in calories, but they cook so fast! (30-minute meals, anyone?) Plus, they're the perfect canvas for so many easy and flavorful dinner recipes. Take it from Ree Drummond herself, who admits her crew will eat shrimp "especially if it’s served with a steak," she says. (The best combo!)
There are tons of dishes included in this list that even picky eaters will love, like hearty shrimp pasta recipes. You won't want to skip over some of the cozy Italian dinner ideas like creamy shrimp Florentine or tomato and shrimp risotto. Plus, a lot of these dishes will work as an easy appetizer to serve at your next gathering. Ree's shrimp and veggie quesadillas and bacon-shrimp skewers are total crowd-pleasers. After all, who doesn't love shrimp when it's wrapped in bacon? So many of these dishes will become go-to comfort food recipes! You shrimp-ly can't go wrong with these best shrimp recipes!
1
Shrimp Étouffée
Savor the rich flavors of the bayou with this delectable Cajun stew. Plump shrimp smothered in a flavorful, roux-based sauce make for a taste of Louisiana that's as comforting as it is delicious.
Get the Shrimp Étouffée recipe.
2
Shrimp co*cktail
Indulge in the ultimate shrimp co*cktail delight with Ree's take on the classic appetizer, featuring succulent shrimp perfectly seasoned and served with a zesty homemade co*cktail sauce. It's a flavorful and elegant appetizer that steals the spotlight at any gathering.
Get Ree's Shrimp co*cktail recipe.
3
Shrimp Scampi
In just 15 minutes, you can have a big pot of shrimp scampi on the table. And really, what's better than angel hair pasta drenched in butter, lemon, wine, and garlic?
Get Ree's Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Coconut Shrimp
Close your eyes, take a bite of crispy coconut-encrusted shrimp dipped in sweet chili sauce, and find yourself transported to a tropical paradise. This recipe makes a great, crowd-pleasing appetizer, but once you sample the shrimp, you'll want to eat them all as your main course.
Get the Coconut Shrimp recipe.
5
Garlic Shrimp
Garlic-butter and shrimp go together like, well, garlic-butter and bread. And this Spanish tapa has them both! (For maximum enjoyment, serve the shrimp with toasted bread drizzled with the leftover garlic sauce!) Plus, it comes together in less than 20 minutes.
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
6
Coconut Curry Shrimp
For another twist on the beloved coconut-shrimp combo, try this dish that has shrimp sautéed in a rich curry sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice.
Get Ree's Coconut Curry Shrimp recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Shrimp Po'Boy
You don't have to travel all the way to New Orleans to fulfill that po'boy craving thanks to this shrimp recipe. Loaded with crunchy fried shrimp atop a spicy mayo-coated French baguette, this coastal Cajun creation gives landlocked sandwiches like cheeseburgers and hoagies a run for their money.
Get the Shrimp Po'Boy recipe.
8
Surf and Turf
Most of these shrimp recipes are all about the surf, but we're here to remind you that it pairs perfectly with a bit of turf. This heavenly pairing of land and sea features a flawlessly seared filet mignon coupled with plump shrimp immersed in a velvety, lemon-infused sauce.
Get the Surf and Turf recipe.
9
Shrimp and Grits
This creamy bowl of shrimp and grits has a Cajun kick to it. Trust us: Everyone will want seconds! But that's okay because you can whip up another batch in just 20 minutes.
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Shrimp Dip
The classic briny party appetizer gets an upgrade in this recipe that calls for fresh shrimp instead of canned and lots of bright, fresh herbs. Crackers are the perfect vehicle to scoop up all the shrimp goodness, but we won't blame you if you go in on it with a spoon.
Get the Shrimp Dip recipe.
SHOP SERVING DISHES
11
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Flavored with simple seasonings like lemon juice, garlic, crushed red pepper, and parsley, you'll definitely come back for seconds of these shrimp skewers.
Get the Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe.
12
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
Make a homemade pesto sauce and then use it as a delicious marinade for fresh shrimp and tender asparagus. Serve it over pasta for an easy dinner.
Get Ree's Shrimp Pesto Pasta recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Bacon-Shrimp Skewers
We'll always say "yes" to anything wrapped in bacon, especially these sweet and savory shrimp skewers.
Get Ree's Bacon-Shrimp Skewers recipe.
14
Mediterranean Orzo with Shrimp
Whip up this flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. You can even turn it into a bold pasta salad for a barbecue.
Get Ree's Mediterranean Orzo with Shrimp recipe.
15
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
Coat your shrimp in enchilada sauce and make these delicious tacos, perfect for a summertime meal.
Get Ree's Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles
Jalapeño pepper slices and red chili flakes bring a little spice to this easy shrimp stir-fry dinner.
Get Ree's Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry recipe.
17
Grilled Shrimp Panzanella
The best kind of salad is one where the bed of lettuce is replaced with crusty Italian bread! This hearty panzanella is topped with plump grilled shrimp.
Get Ree's Grilled Shrimp Panzanella recipe.
18
Spicy Cashew Shrimp
Add this spicy shrimp stir-fry to your rotation of easy dinner ideas. Your crew will love it!
Get Ree's Spicy Cashew Shrimp recipe.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
There's nothing like a bowl of cheesy grits for a much-needed pick-me-up after a long day. Ree's version features juicy shrimp coated in a lemon-garlic sauce.
Get Ree's Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe.
20
Ginger Shrimp Salad
Delicious, charred shrimp are tossed in a homemade ginger dressing in this vibrant salad.
Get Ree's Ginger Shrimp Salad recipe.
