Of course! “Grab some shrimp” is the start of a great meal. Here are some fantastic, fast, and flavorful ways to turn that shrimp into dinner, categorized by cooking method.
Fast & Easy Classics (Ready in under 20 minutes)
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet
· The Method: Sauté.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, butter, olive oil, lots of garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley.
· How-To: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Sauté minced garlic in butter and oil for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Off heat, stir in a big squeeze of lemon juice and chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Easy Shrimp Scampi
· The Method: Sauté.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, butter, white wine, lemon, garlic, red pepper flakes, linguine or angel hair pasta.
· How-To: Cook pasta. In a large skillet, melt butter with garlic and red pepper flakes. Add shrimp and cook until pink. Pour in a splash of white wine and lemon juice, let it bubble for a minute. Toss with the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water. Finish with parsley.
- Simple Shrimp Tacos
· The Method: Sauté or Grill.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, taco seasoning (or chili powder, cumin), tortillas, lime, cabbage slaw, avocado, cilantro.
· How-To: Toss shrimp in taco seasoning. Cook in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like slaw, a creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime.
Light & Healthy Options
- Lemon-Herb Shrimp & Asparagus
· The Method: Roast or Sauté.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, asparagus, olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme).
· How-To: Toss asparagus in oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Add the shrimp and minced garlic to the sheet pan, toss, and roast for another 6-8 minutes until shrimp are cooked. Finish with lemon zest and juice.
- Shrimp & Veggie Skewers
· The Method: Grill or Broil.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, olive oil, lemon, Italian seasoning.
· How-To: Thread shrimp and veggies onto skewers. Brush with olive oil and season. Grill or broil for 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and veggies have a slight char. Serve with rice or quinoa.
Cozy & Comforting Dishes
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
· The Method: Sauté.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, heavy cream or half-and-half, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pasta (like fettuccine), spinach.
· How-To: Sauté shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic, then add cream and Parmesan to make a sauce. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Return shrimp to the pan, toss with cooked pasta, and season.
- Cajun Shrimp & Sausage Skillet
· The Method: Sauté.
· What to Grab: Shrimp, Andouille sausage, bell pepper, onion, Cajun seasoning, rice.
· How-To: Sauté sliced sausage until browned. Add chopped peppers and onion and cook until soft. Add shrimp and a generous amount of Cajun seasoning, cooking until shrimp are done. Serve over rice.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp
· To Thaw: Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 15-30 minutes. Don’t use hot water!
· To Devein: Use a paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein. It’s for appearance and texture.
· Don’t Overcook! Shrimp cook incredibly fast. They are done when they form a loose “C” shape and are opaque in the center. An “O” shape means they’re overcooked and will be tough.
· Pat Dry: For the best sear, always pat shrimp thoroughly dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
So, grab your shrimp and get cooking! What style are you in the mood for tonight?