Frozen shrimp is a handy ingredient to keep in your freezer. It’s quick to prepare and can be used in many tasty dishes.
You can turn frozen shrimp into delicious meals with just a few simple steps.
Frozen shrimp recipes offer a range of flavors and cooking methods to suit different tastes. You’ll find options for grilling, boiling, and sautéing shrimp. These recipes can help you make everything from spicy curries to light salads.
With frozen shrimp on hand, you’re always ready to whip up a satisfying meal.
1. Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing your frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add minced garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.
Toss in the thawed shrimp and cook for a few minutes until pink.
Pour in some white wine to deglaze the pan. Add lemon juice for a zesty kick. Let the sauce simmer briefly to blend the flavors.
Serve your shrimp scampi over pasta or with crusty bread. This meal comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
2. Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. It’s ready in about 10-15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
To make it, thaw your frozen shrimp and pat them dry.
Heat butter and olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Toss in the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and curl up slightly.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes. Serve your garlic butter shrimp over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
3. Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen cooked shrimp. To prepare them, thaw the shrimp in cool water for about 30 minutes.
While the shrimp thaws, get your taco shells and toppings ready. Warm up corn or flour tortillas for the best taste.
Season the thawed shrimp with taco seasoning and heat them in a pan or air fryer. This only takes a few minutes since they’re pre-cooked.
Fill your warmed tortillas with the seasoned shrimp. Add your favorite toppings like salsa, lime juice, or shredded lettuce.
You can have delicious shrimp tacos on the table in about 30 minutes.
4. Shrimp Alfredo
Shrimp Alfredo is a tasty and simple dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing the shrimp under cool water.
Cook fettuccine or linguine pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, sauté the shrimp in butter until pink.
Remove the shrimp and set aside. In the same pan, make a creamy Alfredo sauce with butter, garlic, and heavy cream. Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Combine the cooked pasta, sauce, and shrimp. Toss everything together and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
5. Lemon Herb Shrimp
Lemon herb shrimp is a tasty and easy dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing the shrimp in cold water.
Then, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme in a bowl.
Add the thawed shrimp to the mixture and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
You can cook the shrimp in different ways. Grill them on skewers for a smoky flavor, or bake them in foil packets for a juicy result.
For grilling, thread the shrimp onto skewers. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. If baking, wrap the shrimp and marinade in foil packets. Bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes.
6. Shrimp Fried Rice
Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty meal you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing and cooking the shrimp.
In a large pan, fry eggs and set them aside. Then sauté vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn.
Add cooked rice, shrimp, and eggs back to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor.
Stir everything together until it’s hot and well-mixed. Top with chopped green onions for extra freshness.
This dish is versatile – you can add other veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use leftover rice too.
7. Coconut Shrimp Curry
Coconut shrimp curry is a tasty and quick meal you can make with frozen shrimp. It combines juicy shrimp with a rich, spiced coconut sauce.
To make this dish, start by thawing your frozen shrimp. Then, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil. Add curry spices and let them bloom in the pan.
Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the sauce thickens. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and curl up.
Serve your coconut shrimp curry over rice for a filling dinner. You can have this flavorful meal ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
8. Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Cajun shrimp pasta is a tasty dish that combines spicy shrimp with creamy sauce and pasta. You can make it easily using frozen shrimp.
Start by thawing and patting dry your frozen shrimp. Toss them in Cajun seasoning for flavor. Cook your pasta of choice until al dente.
In a pan, cook the seasoned shrimp until pink. Remove them and make a cream sauce in the same pan. Add garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, then add the shrimp back in. Stir everything together and serve hot. This zesty meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
9. Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that’s perfect for using frozen shrimp. You can make this comforting meal in about 30 minutes.
Start by cooking your grits according to package instructions. Add butter and cheese for extra creaminess.
While the grits cook, thaw your frozen shrimp. Season them with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, and cumin for a flavor boost.
Cook the shrimp in a skillet with butter and garlic. They only need a few minutes until pink and cooked through.
Serve the shrimp over the warm grits. You can add extras like cherry tomatoes or chopped bacon for more flavor and texture.
10. Miso Butter Shrimp
Miso butter shrimp is a tasty dish that combines Japanese and Western flavors. You can make it quickly with frozen shrimp.
To prepare, thaw and pat dry your shrimp. Mix softened butter with white miso paste and a splash of lemon juice.
Heat a pan and cook the shrimp until pink. Add minced garlic for extra flavor. Stir in the miso butter mixture until the shrimp are well coated.
Garnish with sliced scallions and serve over rice or pasta. This recipe takes about 15 minutes and uses just a few ingredients.
11. Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grilled shrimp skewers are a tasty and easy way to cook frozen shrimp. Start by thawing the shrimp completely. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Thread the shrimp onto soaked wooden skewers. Brush with a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
For best results, use large or jumbo shrimp. They’re easier to skewer and less likely to overcook. Serve your grilled shrimp skewers as an appetizer or main dish with your favorite sides.
12. Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Thaw your shrimp under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
You can use cooked or raw frozen shrimp. If using raw, boil them for 2-4 minutes until pink. Then chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the shrimp with fresh lime and lemon juice. Add diced red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes for crunch and flavor. Cilantro gives a bright taste, but you can use parsley if you prefer.
Let the mixture marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The citrus juices will infuse the shrimp with tangy flavor. Serve your ceviche chilled as an appetizer or light meal.
13. Spicy Sriracha Shrimp
Spicy Sriracha shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish you can make in under 20 minutes. Start with frozen shrimp and thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water.
Peel and devein the shrimp before cooking. Stir-fry them in a pan with garlic, honey, and sriracha sauce. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to make the dish as mild or spicy as you like.
This versatile recipe works well as a main dish or appetizer. Serve the shrimp over rice or with vegetables for a complete meal. The sweet and spicy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
14. Honey Garlic Shrimp
You can make tasty honey garlic shrimp in just 10 minutes. This quick meal uses frozen shrimp that you thaw before cooking.
Mix honey, garlic, and soy sauce to create a flavorful glaze. Cook the shrimp in a hot pan until pink. Then add the sauce and let it thicken.
The result is tender shrimp coated in a sticky, sweet-savory glaze. Garnish with green onions for extra freshness and color.
This recipe works best with large or jumbo shrimp, about 16-20 per pound. Look for peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.
Serve honey garlic shrimp over rice or with vegetables for a fast weeknight dinner.
15. Shrimp Pad Thai
Shrimp Pad Thai is a quick and tasty dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Thaw the shrimp before cooking for best results.
Start by soaking rice noodles in hot water. While they soak, mix fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and a bit of sriracha for the sauce.
Heat oil in a pan and cook the shrimp until pink. Remove them and set aside. Stir-fry beaten eggs, then add veggies like bean sprouts and green onions.
Add the noodles and sauce to the pan. Toss everything together with the cooked shrimp. Serve hot with crushed peanuts and extra lime wedges on top.
16. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Risotto
Lemon garlic shrimp risotto is a tasty dish that combines creamy rice with zesty seafood. You can make it using frozen shrimp for convenience.
Start by thawing and patting the shrimp dry. Cook the rice slowly, adding warm broth a little at a time while stirring. This creates the signature creamy texture.
Add lemon juice, zest, and garlic for bright flavors. Mix in butter and Parmesan cheese at the end for richness. Cook the shrimp separately in garlic butter.
Serve the shrimp on top of the risotto. The combination of creamy rice and juicy shrimp makes for a satisfying meal.
Health Benefits Of Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp packs a nutritional punch while being low in calories. It’s a great source of lean protein and other important nutrients to support your health.
Nutritional Value
Frozen shrimp contains key vitamins and minerals. A 3-ounce serving provides:
- Vitamin B12: 21% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Selenium: 48% DV
- Phosphorus: 12% DV
- Choline: 7% DV
- Copper: 14% DV
- Iodine: 23% DV
Shrimp also has small amounts of zinc, magnesium, and iron. These nutrients support your immune system, thyroid function, and bone health.
Low Calorie And High Protein
Frozen shrimp is great for weight management. A 3-ounce serving has:
- Only 84 calories
- 20 grams of protein
- Less than 1 gram of fat
The high protein content helps you feel full. This can aid in weight loss or maintenance.
Shrimp is also very low in carbs, making it good for low-carb diets.
Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats may lower heart disease risk. They also support brain function and reduce inflammation in your body.
Cooking Techniques For Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp can be a quick and tasty meal option. Proper cooking methods ensure the best flavor and texture. Here are key techniques to get great results with frozen shrimp.
Thawing Methods
The first step is thawing your frozen shrimp safely. Put them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to break up clumps.
For faster thawing, place shrimp in a colander under cold running water. Don’t use hot water or the microwave. These can start cooking the shrimp unevenly.
Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking. For last-minute meals, you can cook shrimp directly from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Sautéing Tips
Sautéing gives shrimp a nice golden color and flavor. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add thawed shrimp in a single layer.
Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra flavor.
For a quick meal, toss sautéed shrimp with pasta or use in tacos.
Grilling Considerations
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to shrimp.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread thawed shrimp onto skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates.
Brush with oil and season before grilling.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
Don’t leave the grill unattended, as shrimp cook fast.
Try marinating shrimp before grilling for extra flavor.
A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs works well.