Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Look no further! Shrimp meal prep is a game-changer for busy weeknights, and we’ve got 20 delicious recipes to get you started. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a shrimp recipe on this list that’s sure to please.
From classic combinations like garlic butter and quinoa, to international twists like coconut curry and Mediterranean flair, these shrimp meal prep recipes are perfect for meal planning and prep. Plus, many of them can be customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences. So go ahead, get ready to dive into the world of flavorful shrimp dishes that will keep you satisfied all week long!
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
A flavorful and nutritious one-pot dish that combines succulent shrimp, nutty quinoa, and a medley of roasted vegetables, all tied together with a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Toss in bell peppers and zucchini; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve quinoa topped with shrimp mixture, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Bowls
Elevate your lunch game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines succulent shrimp, spicy Cajun seasoning, and fluffy rice. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a busy day or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
4. Add the spice mixture to the shrimp and toss to coat.
5. Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
6. Serve the shrimp over cooked rice in bowls. Garnish with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Sriracha Shrimp with Broccoli and Brown Rice
Elevate your shrimp game with this sweet and spicy recipe, perfectly balanced by the crunch of broccoli and nutty brown rice. This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked brown rice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat; set aside.
4. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. In a separate pan, add remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side or until pink and cooked through.
6. Serve shrimp on top of brown rice, with broccoli florets on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus Foil Packets
Brighten up your dinner routine with these flavorful and healthy foil packets featuring succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 foil packets (depending on size)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
3. Place 2-3 shrimp and 3-4 asparagus spears in the center of each foil packet.
4. Drizzle the garlic-lemon mixture over the ingredients, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the foil packets into tight little packages.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Coconut Curry Shrimp with Jasmine Rice
Experience the flavors of the exotic with this creamy and aromatic dish that combines succulent shrimp, fragrant jasmine rice, and a rich coconut curry sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1/2 cup curry paste
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup jasmine rice
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Remove shrimp from skillet; set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in coconut milk, curry paste, fish sauce (if using), and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
5. Serve cooked shrimp over jasmine rice, spooning some of the curry sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Lime Dressing
A refreshing and light salad perfect for warm weather, combining succulent shrimp, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
2. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic (if using). Whisk until well combined.
3. Cook shrimp according to package instructions or grill until pink and opaque. Let cool.
4. Combine cooked shrimp, diced avocado, and lime dressing in a large bowl.
5. Toss gently to combine.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Snap Peas
This Asian-inspired dish is a flavorful and nutritious meal that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Succulent shrimp, crunchy bell peppers, and tender snap peas are coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce for a taste sensation.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan.
3. Add the bell peppers and garlic to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until tender.
4. Add the snap peas and teriyaki sauce to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir-fry for 30 seconds to combine with the vegetables and sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Shrimp and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious meal with this recipe! This Shrimp and Black Bean Burrito Bowl is a twist on traditional burritos, served without the tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Cook the shrimp according to package instructions or until pink and fully cooked.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder; cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the black beans and cooked shrimp; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the mixture over rice or roasted vegetables, topped with your desired options.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Introduction
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and healthy recipe, featuring succulent garlic parmesan shrimp served on a bed of zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Leave any juices in the pan.
5. In a separate pot of boiling water, cook zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.
6. Add Parmesan cheese to the garlic-infused skillet and stir until melted and bubbly.
7. Combine cooked shrimp and zucchini noodles with the garlic-Parmesan mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time
20-25 minutes
Shrimp and Mango Salsa Lettuce Wraps
A refreshing twist on traditional wraps, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with sweet and tangy mango salsa, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)
– Optional: avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Arrange lettuce leaves on a flat surface.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the shrimp-mango mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
4. Fold or roll the lettuce wraps to enclose the filling.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with optional avocado slices, queso fresco, or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on cooking method for shrimp)
Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Cauliflower Rice
This recipe combines the bright flavors of cilantro and lime with succulent shrimp, all wrapped up in a nutritious cauliflower “rice” dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 head cauliflower
– Optional: 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse cauliflower and remove leaves and stem. Cut into florets.
3. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
6. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve with cauliflower “rice” and a pat of butter if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Grits Meal Prep Jars
A classic Southern dish gets a meal prep makeover! This recipe yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a busy week ahead.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups stone-ground grits
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the grits according to package instructions using 4 cups of water. Stir in butter until melted.
2. In a separate pan, cook the shrimp over medium-high heat with a pinch of salt and pepper until pink and cooked through.
3. Divide the cooked grits into 6-8 meal prep jars. Add a spoonful of cooked shrimp on top of each jar.
4. Sprinkle grated cheese over the shrimp.
5. Refrigerate or freeze for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (cooking grits and shrimp separately)
Mediterranean Shrimp with Couscous and Olives
Experience the bold flavors of the Mediterranean in this quick and easy shrimp dish, perfectly paired with fluffy couscous and salty olives.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup uncooked couscous
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook couscous according to package instructions using water or chicken broth.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve shrimp on top of couscous, garnished with sliced olives and chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
This classic Louisiana dish combines the flavors of shrimp, sausage, and rice with a hint of spice. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage (such as Andouille), sliced
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add rice and stir to coat with oil and spices.
6. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
8. Stir in shrimp; cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Bang Bang Shrimp with Steamed Vegetables
This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a flavorful Bang Bang sauce, served alongside a medley of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup Bang Bang sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer basket over boiling water.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and fully cooked (about 2-3 minutes per side).
4. Remove shrimp from skillet; set aside.
5. Add Bang Bang sauce to skillet; stir to combine with any remaining juices.
6. Steam vegetables in prepared basket until tender (about 4-5 minutes).
7. Serve shrimp with steamed vegetables and spoon some Bang Bang sauce over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Shrimp and Corn Chowder in Mason Jars
Shrimp and Corn Chowder in Mason Jars: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Recipe
This recipe makes 4-6 servings, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination of succulent shrimp, sweet corn, and creamy broth is a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 Mason jars with lids
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
4. In a separate pot, combine corn kernels, chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Divide the soup mixture among the Mason jars. Top with cooked shrimp and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including prep time)
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines succulent shrimp, crunchy cabbage slaw, and a tangy lime crema.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Cabbage Slaw (recipe below)
– Lime Crema (recipe below)
Cabbage Slaw:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Lime Crema:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos with grilled shrimp, cabbage slaw, and lime crema.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A delicious twist on traditional stuffed sweet potatoes, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with wilted spinach for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. While sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in spinach leaves; wilt into the mixture.
5. Once sweet potatoes are done, slice them open and top with the shrimp and spinach mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (sweet potatoes) + 10-15 minutes (shrimp and spinach)
Shrimp and Pesto Pasta Salad
This refreshing pasta salad combines succulent shrimp with the rich flavors of pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto
– 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat pesto over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and fully cooked.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shrimp mixture, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Shrimp and Egg Fried Rice
Transform leftover rice into a flavorful and savory dish with this simple recipe that combines succulent shrimp and eggs with aromatic vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Push the cooked shrimp to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the other side and scramble them until cooked through.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the mixed vegetables, cooked rice, and soy sauce to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Combine the shrimp back into the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Looking for quick and delicious meal prep ideas to spice up your weeknights? This article offers 20 flavorful shrimp recipes that are perfect for busy days. From garlic butter to Mediterranean, these meals are packed with flavor and can be easily prepared in advance. Try making Garlic Butter Shrimp with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables or Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Rice Bowls. With a variety of options to suit every taste, you’ll never run out of ideas for a satisfying meal.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
