Are you looking for quick and delicious meals that won’t take up your entire evening? If you’re someone who loves the taste of shrimp but is often short on time during busy weeknights, you’ve come to the right place. I put this post together because I know how hectic life can get, and finding healthy meals that are also simple to make can be a challenge.
In this blog post, I’m sharing 9 small shrimp recipes that are perfect for a fast and satisfying dinner. From tantalizing shrimp tacos to vibrant shrimp stir-fries, these dishes are not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor and nutrients. If you’re wanting to impress your family or simply enjoy a fresh meal after a long day, these recipes will hit the spot.
You’ll discover quick shrimp dishes that can transform your weeknight dinners. Each recipe is designed to be straightforward and approachable, making them ideal for anyone, even those who might not be so confident in the kitchen. Whether you’re prepping a quick shrimp appetizer or a hearty shrimp and quinoa bowl, you’ll find something here that suits your taste.
So grab your apron and get ready to explore these delightful small shrimp recipes. Let’s dive into the world of easy shrimp meals that are sure to become your new favorites.
Key Takeaways
– Discover 9 easy small shrimp recipes that are perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
– Each recipe is designed to be quick, taking 30 minutes or less to prepare.
– Enjoy healthy options like shrimp tacos with mango salsa and shrimp avocado salad.
– Serve these dishes as quick meals or impressive appetizers at gatherings.
– Get inspired to make shrimp a regular part of your meal rotation with these tasty ideas.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Want a quick, tasty dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Garlic Butter Shrimp turns a simple skillet into a flavor hub fast. Small shrimp sauté in a rich, buttery sauce with garlic and bright parsley. The kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma that makes you reach for a plate. You’ll finish this meal with a satisfying bite and little mess to clean up.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until melted.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the small shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Stir in chopped parsley and toss to combine.
Serve immediately!
FAQs:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just make sure to thaw them beforehand.
What should I serve with this? Rice or a fresh salad complements it perfectly!
Garlic Butter Shrimp
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Bring bright flavors to the table with shrimp tacos crowned by a juicy mango salsa. The shrimp cook fast, while the salsa adds sweet heat from mango, red onion, and jalapeño. Small shrimp keep the tacos light and quick, so you can enjoy a sunny, restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. It’s easy to tailor with toppings you love and still stay fast on weeknights.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
8 small corn tortillas
1 ripe mango, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1 jalapeño, minced
1 lime, juiced
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice. Mix well and set aside for the salsa.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
Assemble the tacos by placing shrimp on tortillas and topping with mango salsa.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen mango? Absolutely, just thaw it before using.
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
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A colorful, fast stir-fry that makes the most of small shrimp and crisp veggies. This dish stays bright and balanced while you mix and match what you have on hand. It’s a flexible lunch or dinner that you can swing in under half an hour. Add noodles or switch in your favorite greens for extra variety.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
Instructions:
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Add the shrimp and soy sauce, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Serve hot, over rice or noodles.
FAQs:
What vegetables work best? Broccoli and bell peppers are great but feel free to add what you love!
Shrimp Stir-Fry with Veggies
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A light, fresh bowl that keeps dinner bright and satisfying. Tender shrimp mingle with creamy avocado, crunchy greens, and a citrus kiss. It’s a simple plate that feels special enough for a weeknight treat. The lemony dressing ties everything together in a tangy, clean finish.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 ripe avocados, diced
4 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a skillet, cook the shrimp with salt and pepper for 3-5 minutes until pink.
In a large bowl, combine greens, diced avocados, and cooked shrimp.
Whisk together olive oil and lime juice for dressing, then drizzle over the salad.
Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
FAQs:
Can I use canned shrimp? Fresh or frozen shrimp is preferred for better texture.
Fact: small shrimp cook in under 4 minutes, keeping them tender and protein-packed. Pair them with avocado and lime, and you’ve got a bright, weeknight-friendly salad that feels indulgent without the effort. Quick, tasty, and nourishing—perfect for busy evenings.
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
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5. Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Comfort meets speed in this creamy shrimp pasta. Tiny shrimp take on a lux creamy sauce with garlic and parmesan. It feels indulgent but stays quick enough for a busy night. Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber or toss in spinach for a green pop. You’ll have a dinner that tastes like a restaurant dish in minutes.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz pasta (linguine or fettuccine)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat garlic in butter or olive oil until fragrant.
Add shrimp, cooking until they turn pink.
Pour in cream, simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add parmesan and stir until melted.
Toss in cooked pasta and mix thoroughly.
Serve hot, garnished with more parmesan if desired.
FAQs:
What kind of pasta works best? Fettuccine or linguine work great!
Creamy Shrimp Pasta
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Turn up the flavor with these bold shrimp skewers. A quick marinade coats each bite in a smoky, spicy mix, and the grill seals in juiciness. They shine as an appetizer or part of a light dinner, especially with a cool dip on the side. Adjust the heat to match your taste and enjoy a tasty outdoor-inspired meal indoors.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
4 skewers
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt, then toss in shrimp until well coated.
Thread shrimp onto skewers.
Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Grill skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are opaque.
Serve hot with a yogurt or avocado dipping sauce.
FAQs:
Can I bake these instead? Yes, bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.
Spicy Shrimp Skewers
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Healthy meets hearty in a bowl that’s easy to make and easy to customize. Quinoa gives texture and protein, while shrimp adds fast, bright flavor. Add your favorite greens and veggies to tailor the mix. It works well for meal prep and stays vibrant when you reheat it later.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup mixed greens (spinach, kale)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 avocado, sliced
Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing
Instructions:
Rinse quinoa and cook it in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
In a skillet, sauté shrimp until they turn pink, about 3-5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, shrimp, mixed greens, and diced bell pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, tossing to combine.
Top with sliced avocado and serve.
FAQs:
Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa? Yes, just adjust cooking times as needed.
Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl
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8. Baked Lemon Shrimp
This lemony bake puts bright flavors in the spotlight. Shrimp meet garlic, lemon, and olive oil for a simple, clean dish that cooks in a single pan. It pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green side. A light, satisfying option for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
Juice of 2 lemons
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a baking dish, combine shrimp, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
FAQs:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, store in the fridge for a day and reheat.
Small shrimp recipes can turn weeknights around in minutes. A lemon-garlic bake like this keeps cleanup light and flavor bright, so you can get dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing taste. Pro tip: prep ingredients ahead for an even quicker bake.
Baked Lemon Shrimp
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Fresh, light, and fun to eat, these spring rolls bring a crisp bite to your table. Shrimp tucked in rice paper with shredded lettuce and crunchy vegetables feel vibrant and healthy. A tangy dipping sauce makes every bite pop. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or an impressive starter for dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 rice paper wrappers
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1 cucumber, julienned
1 carrot, julienned
Peanut or hoisin sauce for dipping
Instructions:
Boil shrimp for 3 minutes until pink, then cool.
Prepare a shallow dish of warm water. Dip rice paper wrappers until soft.
Lay on a flat surface, placing lettuce, cucumber, carrot, and shrimp inside.
Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
Serve fresh with your choice of dipping sauce.
FAQs:
Keep rolls covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
Experiment with other fillings like avocado or herbs.
Fun fact: small shrimp recipes like these Shrimp Spring Rolls cook in 2-3 minutes, so weeknights become faster. Fresh lettuce, cucumber, and a tangy dip make every bite vibrant and healthy. Roll, dip, and claim ‘weeknight win’ with this simple shrimp recipe.
Shrimp Spring Rolls
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Conclusion
These small shrimp recipes are your ticket to quick, delicious weeknight meals that are as healthy as they are satisfying. With vibrant flavors and simple preparations, you’ll never run out of ideas for dinner again! Explore the versatility of shrimp in your cooking to keep mealtime exciting and enjoyable.
Try them all and see which ones become your family’s favorites!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best quick and easy small shrimp recipes for weeknights?
This article features 9 small shrimp recipes designed for weeknights. Look for quick shrimp dishes, easy shrimp meals, and simple shrimp recipes you can finish in about 15-20 minutes.
For speed, choose one-pan or sheet-pan options and pair with common staples like rice, pasta, or greens.
To save time, prep ingredients in advance and keep a few pantry staples on hand.
How can I keep these small shrimp recipes healthy while staying quick?
You can keep healthy shrimp recipes by using minimal oil, choosing lighter sauces, and avoiding heavy creams. Bright flavors like lemon, garlic, and herbs add punch without extra calories.
Pair shrimp with plenty of vegetables and a serving of whole grains like brown rice or quinoa to boost fiber. Choose quick cooking methods like sautéing or steaming over frying to keep weeknights healthy while you stay on time.
What are some shrimp appetizer ideas that can lead into a quick shrimp meal?
Try fast shrimp appetizer ideas that set the tone for a simple, satisfying meal: garlic butter shrimp crostini, chili-lime shrimp skewers, or cucumber rounds topped with shrimp. These starters come together in under 15 minutes and showcase small shrimp at their best, often leaving enough time to whisk up a quick side dish or finish the main course.
What ingredients pair best with small shrimp for simple shrimp recipes?
Classic, crowd-pleasing pairings include garlic, lemon, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for a quick skillet sauce, plus tomatoes or capers for brightness. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil elevate any dish, while pantry staples like pasta, rice, or quinoa help you turn shrimp into a complete easy shrimp meals in minutes. Keep these on hand for fast weeknight options.
How should I prep and store small shrimp to speed up weeknight dinners?
Thaw frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight or in a quick cold-water bath, then pat dry to prevent soggy sauces. A brief marinade (10-15 minutes) with olive oil, lemon, and herbs adds flavor without extra time. Keep peeled or deveined shrimp ready in a container in the fridge, and pre-chop veggies so you can assemble a quick shrimp dishes in a flash. For long-term planning, portion and freeze shrimp in meal-size bags.
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