Frozen shrimp is a handy ingredient to have in your freezer. It’s quick to prepare and can be used in many tasty dishes.

From stir-fries to pasta, there are lots of ways to turn frozen shrimp into a great meal.

These 15 frozen shrimp recipes will give you new ideas for dinner. You’ll find easy weeknight meals and fancier options for guests.

With these recipes, you can make the most of this versatile seafood without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty frozen shrimp recipe. You can make it in about 10 minutes.

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Then toss in your frozen shrimp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

This simple dish pairs well with pasta or rice for an easy weeknight meal.

2. Coconut Shrimp Curry

Coconut shrimp curry is a tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. It’s quick and easy, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare.

To start, thaw your frozen shrimp. Place them in a bowl of cool water for 15 minutes or run cool water over them in a colander for 5 minutes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp for 30 seconds on each side, then set aside.

Add coconut milk, curry spices, and other ingredients like onions or tomatoes to the pan. Let the sauce simmer and thicken.

Return the shrimp to the pan and cook until heated through. Serve your coconut shrimp curry over rice for a filling meal.

3. Lemon Herb Shrimp Skewers

Lemon herb shrimp skewers are a tasty and easy meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Thaw the shrimp first, then marinate them in a mix of lemon juice, herbs, and garlic.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers, making sure to pierce each one twice so they stay put. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use.

Grill the skewers over high heat for about 3-5 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque.

You can serve these skewers as an appetizer or main dish. They go well with sides like potato salad or coleslaw.

The bright lemon and herb flavors make this a perfect summer meal.

4. Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

Shrimp Alfredo pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by cooking your pasta until it’s tender.

While it cooks, prepare the shrimp and sauce.

Heat some oil in a pan and cook the thawed shrimp until they turn pink. Set them aside.

In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Pour in heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.

Mix in grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan and warm them in the sauce.

Toss the sauce and shrimp with your cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your shrimp Alfredo pasta is now ready to enjoy!

5. Spicy Shrimp Tacos

Spicy shrimp tacos are a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and patting the shrimp dry.

Season them with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for a spicy kick. Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes until pink.

Warm your tortillas and fill them with the cooked shrimp. Top with a simple slaw made from shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro.

Add a drizzle of creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and lime juice for extra flavor.

Serve your spicy shrimp tacos right away for the best taste.

6. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp is a quick and tasty meal you can make in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without much fuss.

To prepare this dish, start by thawing your frozen shrimp. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water.

Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce to create a sweet and savory glaze.

Cook the thawed shrimp in a hot skillet, then add the glaze and let it bubble and coat the shrimp.

Serve your honey garlic shrimp over rice with some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

This recipe is easily adaptable – try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

7. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Cajun shrimp and grits is a tasty Southern dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by cooking your grits until creamy and cheesy.

For the shrimp, melt butter in a skillet and add minced garlic. Toss in your thawed shrimp and cook until pink.

Season with Cajun spices, lemon juice, and parsley for extra flavor. You can also add bell peppers and onions to the pan for more texture.

Serve the spicy shrimp over the warm grits. Top with a drizzle of garlic butter sauce for a rich finish.

This quick meal takes about 30 minutes to make.

8. Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and cooking the shrimp in a skillet with oil.

Set the shrimp aside and sauté onions, peas, and carrots in the same pan. Add garlic for extra flavor.

Push the veggies to one side and scramble eggs in the empty space.

Mix in cooked rice, soy sauce, and seasonings. Stir everything together, including the cooked shrimp.

Fry until the rice is slightly browned and heated through.

This quick meal combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one satisfying dish.

You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces.

9. Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry

Asian shrimp stir-fry is a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen shrimp. It takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.

You’ll need shrimp, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. Common veggies include bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

For the sauce, try a mix of soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Add garlic, green onions, and ginger for extra flavor. These aromatics are key in many Chinese dishes.

Cook the shrimp and veggies in a hot pan or wok. Stir often to prevent burning.

Add the sauce near the end of cooking.

Serve your stir-fry over rice for a complete meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy Asian flavors at home.

10. Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

To make it, start by thawing your frozen shrimp. Then, cook them in a mix of butter and olive oil with lots of garlic.

Add white wine, lemon juice, and zest for extra flavor.

The sauce is creamy and garlicky, ideal for serving over pasta or with crusty bread. You can adjust the garlic to your liking.

This dish is low in carbs and fat, but full of fresh taste. It works well as a main course or appetizer.

Try it for an easy, restaurant-quality meal at home.

11. Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a tasty appetizer you can make at home. It features crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.

To make the sauce, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

For the shrimp, coat them in cornstarch and fry until crispy. If you prefer a healthier option, try baking them with a panko coating instead.

Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp immediately for the best texture. They’re perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

12. Shrimp Quesadillas

Shrimp quesadillas are a tasty and easy meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and seasoning your shrimp with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.

Cook the shrimp in a skillet until pink. In the same pan, sauté diced bell peppers and onions until soft. Combine the shrimp and vegetables in a bowl.

Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese on one half, add the shrimp mixture, and top with more cheese.

Fold the tortilla and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Cut your quesadilla into wedges and serve hot. You can add toppings like sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.

13. Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer you can easily make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing your frozen shrimp in cool water for 15-20 minutes.

Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best presentation. Aim for 16-20 count per pound or larger if available.

Boil the thawed shrimp in seasoned water until they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. This usually takes just a few minutes.

Immediately plunge the cooked shrimp into ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep them tender and juicy.

Serve your shrimp chilled with a zesty cocktail sauce for dipping.

You can make a simple sauce by mixing ketchup, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

14. Mediterranean Shrimp Orzo

Mediterranean shrimp orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

To make it, toast orzo in a skillet with butter and olive oil. Add onion, garlic, and spices like oregano and red pepper flakes.

Pour in chicken broth and simmer until the orzo is tender.

Top with seasoned shrimp and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink.

For extra Mediterranean flair, add diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and kalamata olives.

This dish combines the best flavors of the Mediterranean with juicy shrimp and tender orzo pasta.

It’s a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat.

15. Baked Parmesan Shrimp

Baked Parmesan shrimp is a tasty and easy dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing the shrimp and patting them dry.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Coat the shrimp in this mixture. Spread the coated shrimp in a baking dish.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.

This dish pairs well with pasta or a fresh salad. You can add herbs like parsley for extra flavor.

It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp packs a powerful nutritional punch. It offers lots of protein while staying low in calories. This makes it a great choice for many diets.

High Protein Content

Shrimp is an excellent source of protein. A 3-ounce serving provides about 20 grams of protein. That’s nearly half the daily protein needs for most adults.

Protein helps build and repair tissues in your body. It’s key for strong muscles, bones, and skin.

Shrimp protein contains all nine essential amino acids. Your body can’t make these on its own, so you need to get them from food.

Low Calorie Option

Shrimp is very low in calories. A 3-ounce serving has only about 85 calories.

This makes it a smart choice if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. You can eat a filling portion without going overboard on calories.

Shrimp is also very low in fat. It has less than 1 gram of fat per serving. This includes healthy omega-3 fats that are good for your heart.

Despite being low in calories, shrimp still gives you important nutrients. These include selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.

Cooking Techniques for Frozen Shrimp

Frozen shrimp can be transformed into tasty dishes with the right techniques. Learn how to thaw and cook shrimp properly for the best results.

Thawing Methods

You can thaw frozen shrimp in a few ways. The easiest method is to move them from the freezer to the fridge. Let them sit for 12-24 hours.

For faster thawing, put the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag. Place the bag in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Change the water every 5 minutes to keep it cold.

Never use hot water or leave shrimp out at room temperature. This can lead to uneven thawing and bacterial growth.

Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking.

Best Cooking Practices

Cook thawed shrimp quickly to keep them tender. Sautéing is a popular method.

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

Grilling gives shrimp a smoky flavor. Thread them on skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Boiling works well for cold dishes. Bring water to a boil, add shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float.

For baked shrimp, spread them on a baking sheet. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes.

Don’t overcook shrimp. They’re done when they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.