From ceviche and shrimp cocktail to tempura and air fryer shrimp, these 18 Easy Shrimp Recipes are simple to make and guaranteed to impress! There’s a shrimp recipe here for every occasion, most requiring minimal prep.

jumbo shrimp that is charred from grill, with fresh lime wedges

Irresistible Shrimp Recipes

There’s no denying that I love shrimp, and I like to eat it in a variety of ways. Here are 18 Easy Shrimp Recipes that we turn to again and again!

Whipping up a delicious shrimp meal doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, I think it’s one of the quickest, easiest ways to get a healthy, protein-packed meal on the table in very little time.

In this post I share quick and easy shrimp recipes like air fryer shrimp, baked shrimp mac & cheese, and MY FAVORITE margarita grilled shrimp. If you like honey walnut shrimp, then keep an eye out for that recipe, too – it’s become a favorite date night dish around here!

Raw shrimp in a white bowl

What Is Shrimp?

Shrimp is classified as seafood. Specifically, it’s a crustacean in the shellfish family known for its flexible abdomen.

Shrimp are found all over the world and range from tiny to several inches long.

Are Shrimp and Prawns The Same?

Shrimp and prawns are two terms often used interchangeably, as they look and taste so alike. Yet even though they are both decapods, shrimp and prawns are two different animals.

There are several anatomical differences between the two, including how they reproduce. But I’m mostly concerned about what they taste like and how to cook with them!

Lucky for all of us shrimp lovers, we can use shrimp and prawns interchangeably. They have similar flavor and texture, and behave the same when cooked.

For me, I 95% of the time use shrimp. It’s just those times when I’m looking for an extra special meal that I’ll seek out prawns – as prawns can have an especially large size. They have a slightly sweeter flavor, too, which is lovely. But, of course, prawns usually cost more.

Overhead view of a bowl of shrimp ceviche

Are Shrimp Healthy To Eat?

In general, yes, shrimp are very healthy to eat.

Shrimp are low in carbs and calories, and have next to zero saturated fat. They’re also packed with nutrients like copper, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

And shrimp are high in protein. Besides their flavor and texture, knowing that their protein will fill me up without feeling heavy – this is a top qualifier for me. They’re the perfect thing to cook up when I’m looking for a healthy, flavorful, and filling meal.

A hand holding a jumbo shrimp

Tips for Buying Shrimp At The Store

Wondering how to pick out the best shrimp at the grocery store? Here are a few tips:

  • Frozen is just fine! If you’re in an area that’s not by the coast, you can buy frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp. We do this ALL THE TIME. In fact, sometimes the frozen shrimp is “fresher” than the shrimp sitting out on ice (here in landlocked Minnesota, most of the shrimp sitting on ice has already been frozen anyway), as it’s frozen at peak freshness.
  • Avoid any funky smelling shrimp. When buying fresh shrimp, avoid any funky smells. If you detect any smell of ammonia, that’s a sign that bacteria is growing on the shrimp and it’s no longer fresh or good. Shrimp should smell fresh and clean, like the sea. Anything “fishy” smelling is past its prime.
  • Avoid any that feel slimy. Similarly, if the shrimp or their shells look slimy or feel soft, skip those.
  • Pay attention to your recipe needs. There are many different sizes of shrimp and you can buy them raw, cooked, peeled, tail on/off, deveined, etc. Some recipes like soups and chowders are best with smaller shrimp while others require larger shrimp, so always check your recipe before heading to the store.

The Best Easy Shrimp Recipes

I love to cook with shrimp because it’s so fast and easy, yet makes any dinner feel a bit more special. From ceviche to tempura, here are a few of my favorite easy shrimp recipes for all occasions!

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18 Easy Shrimp Recipes

From ceviche and shrimp cocktail to tempura and air fryer shrimp, these 18 Easy Shrimp Recipes are simple to make and guaranteed to impress! There's a shrimp recipe here for every occasion, most requiring minimal prep.

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