Quick & Delicious: 5 Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights

Mango Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the mango salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno (if using), lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
3. Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can also warm them in a dry skillet or over an open flame.
4. Assemble the tacos: Fill each tortilla with the spicy shrimp, shredded cabbage or lettuce, and mango salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
• You can use other types of salsa, such as pineapple salsa or black bean salsa.
• Add some avocado slices or guacamole to the tacos.
• For a creamy sauce, drizzle some sour cream or Greek yogurt over the tacos.
• Grill the shrimp for a smoky flavor.

Recipe 3: Lemon Herb Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus

This simple and elegant shrimp dinner is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The lemon herb marinade infuses the shrimp with bright and fresh flavors, while the roasted asparagus adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the asparagus: Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Roast the asparagus: Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
5. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the baking sheet with the asparagus. Roast for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
6. Serve: Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Use other vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the asparagus before roasting.
• Marinate the shrimp for longer for a more intense flavor.
• Grill the shrimp and asparagus instead of roasting.
• Serve with a side of quinoa or rice.

Recipe 4: Coconut Curry Shrimp with Rice

This fragrant and flavorful shrimp curry is surprisingly easy to make. The creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices create a rich and satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1-2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the bell pepper and curry paste: Add the red bell pepper and curry paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the curry paste is fragrant.
3. Add the coconut milk and seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
5. Serve: Serve over cooked rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice for a brighter flavor.
• For a spicier curry, add more red curry paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve with naan bread instead of rice.
• Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.

Recipe 5: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and these shrimp fajitas are no exception. Simply toss everything on a baking sheet, bake, and enjoy a delicious and customizable meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas for serving
• Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables and shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, bell peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Bake: Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender.
4. Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
5. Assemble the fajitas: Fill each tortilla with the shrimp and vegetables. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different colored bell peppers.
• Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Marinate the shrimp for longer for a more intense flavor.
• Serve with a side of rice and beans.
• Use chicken or steak instead of shrimp.

These five easy shrimp dinner recipes are just a starting point. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature shrimp dishes. The key is to keep it simple, use fresh ingredients, and have fun in the kitchen!

With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll never have to wonder what to make for dinner again. Enjoy!

Shrimp, that versatile and delicious seafood, is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It cooks incredibly fast, pairs well with countless flavors, and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. This article will guide you through five incredibly easy shrimp dinner recipes that are guaranteed to become staples in your weekly rotation. Each recipe focuses on simplicity, using readily available ingredients, and delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to impress your family (or yourself!) with these quick and delicious shrimp dinners.

Why Shrimp is Perfect for Easy Dinners

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why shrimp is such a fantastic choice for quick and easy dinners:

• Quick Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time.
• Versatility: Shrimp can be grilled, sautéed, baked, boiled, or even air-fried. It adapts to almost any cooking method.
• Flavor Absorption: Shrimp readily absorbs the flavors of sauces, marinades, and spices, making it easy to create complex-tasting dishes with minimal effort.
• Nutritional Value: Shrimp is a lean protein source, packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Readily Available: Fresh or frozen shrimp is usually available at most grocery stores.

Now, let’s get cooking! Here are five easy shrimp dinner recipes that you can whip up in no time.

Recipe 1: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

This classic shrimp scampi is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make. The rich garlic butter sauce coats the shrimp and pasta perfectly, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound linguine pasta
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the linguine according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
4. Add wine (optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Finish and serve: Stir in the parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
• You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
• Add some vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the shrimp.
• For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
• If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or simply omit it.

Recipe 2: Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

These shrimp tacos are packed with flavor and are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The spicy shrimp is balanced by the sweetness of the mango salsa, creating a delicious and refreshing combination.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn or flour tortillas
• Mango Salsa (recipe follows)
• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Lime wedges for serving

Mango Salsa Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the mango salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno (if using), lime juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
3. Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can also warm them in a dry skillet or over an open flame.
4. Assemble the tacos: Fill each tortilla with the spicy shrimp, shredded cabbage or lettuce, and mango salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Tips and Variations:

• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
• You can use other types of salsa, such as pineapple salsa or black bean salsa.
• Add some avocado slices or guacamole to the tacos.
• For a creamy sauce, drizzle some sour cream or Greek yogurt over the tacos.
• Grill the shrimp for a smoky flavor.

Recipe 3: Lemon Herb Shrimp with Roasted Asparagus

This simple and elegant shrimp dinner is perfect for a light and healthy meal. The lemon herb marinade infuses the shrimp with bright and fresh flavors, while the roasted asparagus adds a touch of sweetness and earthiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the asparagus: Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Prepare the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Roast the asparagus: Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
5. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the baking sheet with the asparagus. Roast for another 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
6. Serve: Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Use other vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.
• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the asparagus before roasting.
• Marinate the shrimp for longer for a more intense flavor.
• Grill the shrimp and asparagus instead of roasting.
• Serve with a side of quinoa or rice.

Recipe 4: Coconut Curry Shrimp with Rice

This fragrant and flavorful shrimp curry is surprisingly easy to make. The creamy coconut milk and aromatic spices create a rich and satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1-2 tablespoons red curry paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the bell pepper and curry paste: Add the red bell pepper and curry paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the curry paste is fragrant.
3. Add the coconut milk and seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
5. Serve: Serve over cooked rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice for a brighter flavor.
• For a spicier curry, add more red curry paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve with naan bread instead of rice.
• Use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.

Recipe 5: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and these shrimp fajitas are no exception. Simply toss everything on a baking sheet, bake, and enjoy a delicious and customizable meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas for serving
• Toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables and shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, bell peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Bake: Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender.
4. Warm the tortillas: Warm the tortillas according to package directions.
5. Assemble the fajitas: Fill each tortilla with the shrimp and vegetables. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different colored bell peppers.
• Add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
• Marinate the shrimp for longer for a more intense flavor.
• Serve with a side of rice and beans.
• Use chicken or steak instead of shrimp.

These five easy shrimp dinner recipes are just a starting point. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature shrimp dishes. The key is to keep it simple, use fresh ingredients, and have fun in the kitchen!

With these recipes in your arsenal, you’ll never have to wonder what to make for dinner again. Enjoy!