Shrimp Recipes for Weeknights

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Delicious and quick shrimp recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Diana Brooks

Created by

Diana Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-31T17:16:08.131Z

This collection of shrimp recipes is designed to make your weeknights easier and more delicious. Each recipe is quick to prepare without sacrificing flavor, making shrimp the ultimate weeknight protein.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
  • Flavorful shrimp that pairs well with various ingredients
  • Healthy meal option packed with protein

Quick and Nutritious Meals

When the week gets busy, it can be challenging to prepare nutritious meals. Shrimp recipes fit perfectly into this scenario. They are not only quick to cook but also packed with protein and essential nutrients. A single serving of shrimp provides a significant amount of protein, making it a satisfying choice for busy weeknights when you want to fuel your body without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additionally, shrimp is incredibly versatile. It can be paired with a variety of ingredients, from fresh vegetables to flavorful spices, allowing you to create different dishes without getting bored. This flexibility makes shrimp an ideal ingredient for imaginative weeknight dinners.

Flavorful Combinations

The beauty of shrimp lies in its ability to absorb flavors. Whether you’re using garlic, spices, or fresh herbs, shrimp takes on the essence of the ingredients it’s cooked with. For instance, the garlic shrimp recipe highlights the bold flavor of garlic, complemented by fresh parsley, creating a dish that’s savory and aromatic.

Similarly, shrimp tacos bring a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The crunchiness of cabbage, the creaminess of avocado, and the zest of lime come together with the shrimp, making it a well-rounded meal. These shrimp recipes not only satisfy your hunger but also excite your taste buds.

Family-Friendly Options

One of the best aspects of shrimp dishes is their appeal to all ages. Kids often love the sweet, tender meat of shrimp, while adults appreciate the health benefits and culinary versatility. By incorporating shrimp into your weeknight meals, you’re likely to please the entire family.

Both the garlic shrimp and shrimp tacos can be customized to suit different palates. You can adjust the seasonings, add more veggies, or serve with sides that your family enjoys. This adaptability ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked shrimp meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started on your shrimp recipes.

Garlic Shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Shrimp Tacos

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges for serving

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Cooking Steps

Follow these steps to make your shrimp dishes.

Prepare the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic for the garlic shrimp recipe. For the tacos, coat with taco seasoning.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas in a pan. Fill them with shrimp, shredded cabbage, and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious shrimp meals!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, timing is key. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just a few minutes. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on them. As soon as the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are ready to be removed from the heat.

Another tip is to ensure your shrimp are of good quality. Fresh or properly frozen shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent, avoiding any that smell overly fishy.

Serving Suggestions

When serving garlic shrimp, consider pairing it with a light salad or over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious garlic sauce. This creates a balanced meal that’s both filling and healthy.

For the shrimp tacos, offer a variety of toppings such as salsa, cilantro, or a drizzle of yogurt sauce. This allows each family member to customize their taco, making dinner interactive and fun. Plus, it adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ What other vegetables can I add to the tacos?

You can add bell peppers, onions, or even mango for a sweet twist.

→ How do I know when the shrimp is done cooking?

Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque, usually in about 2-3 minutes per side.

→ Can I make these recipes in advance?

The shrimp is best cooked fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.

Shrimp Recipes for Weeknights

Delicious and quick shrimp recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration10 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Diana Brooks

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Garlic Shrimp

  1. 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  4. Salt and pepper to taste
  5. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Shrimp Tacos

  1. 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  3. 8 corn tortillas
  4. 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  5. 1 avocado, sliced
  6. Lime wedges for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic for the garlic shrimp recipe. For the tacos, coat with taco seasoning.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

Step 03

Warm the corn tortillas in a pan. Fill them with shrimp, shredded cabbage, and avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 220mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 25g