Precooked shrimp can be a busy cook’s best friend. These tasty morsels are ready to eat and can be used in many quick and easy recipes.

With precooked shrimp on hand, you can whip up delicious meals in no time.

You can use precooked shrimp in salads, soups, pasta dishes, tacos, and more. The options are almost endless.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, precooked shrimp can be the star of your meal. Let’s explore some simple and yummy ways to use this convenient seafood.

1. Shrimp Scampi Pasta

Shrimp scampi pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can make with precooked shrimp. Start by heating olive oil and butter in a pan.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Toss in your precooked shrimp to warm them up. Pour in some white wine and lemon juice, letting the sauce reduce slightly.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Cook your pasta separately. Angel hair works great and cooks fast.

Mix the pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for extra flavor and color.

This dish comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

2. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty way to use precooked shrimp. You can whip up this dish in under 15 minutes.

Start by melting butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Toss in your precooked shrimp and heat through.

For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Serve your garlic butter shrimp over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

3. Cajun Shrimp Tacos

Cajun shrimp tacos are a tasty way to use precooked shrimp. Start by warming your tortillas.

Mix Cajun seasoning with olive oil and coat the shrimp. Heat them in a skillet for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Fill the tortillas with the spicy shrimp. Top with sliced avocado, lime coleslaw, or corn for extra flavor.

These tacos come together in about 15 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual get-together with friends.

You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

4. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

You can make a tasty shrimp and avocado salad in just 10 minutes. This quick meal is perfect for hot summer days.

Start with pre-cooked shrimp. Add diced avocado, chopped lettuce, and tomatoes. For extra flavor, include crumbled bacon and hard-boiled eggs.

Mix up a simple dressing with lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Pour it over your salad and toss gently.

This dish is light yet filling. The creamy avocado pairs well with the tender shrimp.

It’s an easy way to use up leftover cooked shrimp.

5. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Shrimp stir-fry is a quick and easy meal you can make in just 15 minutes. You’ll love how the tender shrimp pairs with crisp vegetables in a flavorful sauce.

Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and your choice of veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or water chestnuts.

Toss in your precooked shrimp and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of brown sugar.

Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly.

Serve your stir-fry hot over rice for a satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.

6. Creamy Shrimp Alfredo

Creamy shrimp Alfredo is a quick and tasty way to use precooked shrimp. You can have this restaurant-quality dish on your table in about 15 minutes.

Start by heating some olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.

Pour in a jar of Alfredo sauce and warm it through.

Add your precooked shrimp to the sauce and let them heat up.

While that’s happening, cook some fettuccine pasta according to the package directions.

Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

7. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

You can easily turn precooked shrimp into a tasty grilled dish. Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and thyme in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Then toss them in the herb mixture to coat evenly.

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high.

Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re heated through and have nice grill marks.

Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

This quick recipe brings new life to precooked shrimp. The lemon and herbs add fresh flavor, while grilling gives a nice smoky touch.

8. Shrimp Louie Salad

Shrimp Louie Salad is a tasty way to use precooked shrimp. This classic dish has roots in West Coast cuisine.

Start with a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce. Top it with cold cooked shrimp, sliced avocado, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs.

The dressing is key. Mix mayonnaise, chili sauce, and lemon juice for a tangy flavor. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving.

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. This makes it easy to assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Shrimp Louie is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It’s cool, refreshing, and satisfying on warm days.

9. Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty way to use precooked shrimp. Start with cold leftover rice for best results.

Heat oil in a large pan and add beaten eggs, scrambling them quickly.

Remove the eggs and set aside.

Stir-fry mixed vegetables like peas and carrots in the same pan. Add the cold rice and precooked shrimp, stirring to heat through.

Mix in the scrambled eggs and season with soy sauce and sesame oil.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for extra flavor. This dish comes together in minutes and makes a satisfying meal.

10. Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a tasty dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. You can easily make this popular appetizer at home.

To prepare, dip shrimp in cornstarch and fry until golden. For a healthier option, try baking panko-coated shrimp instead.

The signature sauce combines mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat. Toss the crispy shrimp in this sauce just before serving.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the shrimp’s crunchiness.

Serve it as an appetizer or add it to salads and tacos for a flavorful twist.

11. Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that’s easy to make with precooked shrimp. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal.

Start by cooking instant grits according to the package directions. While they’re simmering, sauté some garlic and onions in butter.

Add your precooked shrimp to the pan and heat through. Stir in lemon juice and parsley for extra flavor.

Spoon the creamy grits into bowls and top with the shrimp mixture.

For added richness, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.

This comforting dish combines tender shrimp with creamy, savory grits for a satisfying meal.

It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need something quick and tasty.

12. Honey Garlic Shrimp

You can make tasty honey garlic shrimp in just 15 minutes.

Mix soy teriyaki sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl.

Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add thawed precooked shrimp and pour the sauce over them.

Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. The sauce will thicken and coat the shrimp.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like. Serve your honey garlic shrimp over rice or noodles for a quick meal.

13. Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing dish you can make with precooked shrimp. It’s perfect for hot days and easy to prepare.

Start by chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with fresh lime and lemon juice in a bowl.

Add diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to the shrimp. For extra flavor, include some minced garlic and jalapeño.

Let the mixture sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together.

Serve your ceviche chilled with tortilla chips or on tostadas.

It’s a tasty appetizer or light meal that’s sure to impress.

14. Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a tasty way to use precooked shrimp. You can make this dish quickly and easily.

Start by dipping the shrimp in beaten egg. Then coat them in a mix of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs.

Bake the coated shrimp in the oven until golden brown. This takes about 10 minutes at 400°F.

Serve your coconut shrimp with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

It’s great as an appetizer or main dish with rice and veggies.

15. Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

A shrimp po’ boy is a tasty sandwich from New Orleans. You can make it easily with precooked shrimp.

Start by toasting a French bread roll. Spread remoulade sauce on both sides. This sauce is made with mayo, mustard, and spices.

Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles to the roll. Then pile on your precooked shrimp.

For extra flavor, you can quickly warm the shrimp in Cajun seasoning. This step is optional but adds a nice kick.

Your shrimp po’ boy is now ready to eat.

It’s a quick meal that brings New Orleans flavor to your kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits of Precooked Shrimp

Precooked shrimp packs a nutritional punch in a small package. This seafood option offers key health benefits without many downsides.

High Protein Content

Precooked shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving provides about 18 grams of protein.

This amount meets nearly 40% of the daily protein needs for most adults.

Protein helps build and repair tissues in your body. It also supports immune function and hormone production.

Shrimp protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body can’t make on its own. This makes it a complete protein source.

Adding precooked shrimp to meals can help you feel full longer. The protein content aids in appetite control and weight management.

Low Calorie

Precooked shrimp is low in calories but high in nutrients. A 3-ounce serving contains only about 85 calories.

This makes shrimp a great choice for weight loss or maintenance diets. You can eat a satisfying amount without consuming excess calories.

Shrimp is nearly carb-free, with less than 1 gram per serving. It’s also very low in fat, with most types containing less than 1 gram per serving.

The low calorie count doesn’t mean shrimp lacks nutrients. It provides important vitamins and minerals like:

• Selenium
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Iodine

These nutrients support thyroid function, brain health, and a strong immune system.

Tips for Choosing Precooked Shrimp

Picking the right precooked shrimp can make a big difference in your meals. Here are some key things to look for when buying precooked shrimp.

Selecting the Right Size

Shrimp sizes are usually listed as a count per pound. Smaller numbers mean bigger shrimp.

For salads and pasta dishes, medium shrimp (41-50 per pound) work well. Larger shrimp (21-30 per pound) are good for grilling or as a main dish. Jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound) make great appetizers.

Think about how you’ll use the shrimp. Bite-sized pieces are best for cold dishes. Bigger shrimp stand out more in hot meals.

Match the shrimp size to your recipe. This helps with even cooking and a nice look on the plate.

Checking for Freshness

Look at the color of precooked shrimp. They should be pink with red tails.

Avoid any that look dull or have black spots.

Smell the shrimp. Fresh ones have a light, salty scent.

Don’t buy if they smell like ammonia or have a strong fishy odor.

Check the package for ice crystals. Too many can mean the shrimp have been thawed and refrozen.

This hurts the texture.

Feel the shrimp if you can. They should be firm, not mushy.

Soft spots are a sign of age or poor handling.

Look at the “best by” date. Buy the freshest you can find.

Use precooked shrimp within a day or two of buying.