15+ Frozen Shrimp Recipes

Frozen shrimp is a versatile ingredient that can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With a few simple additions from your pantry and fresh ingredients, you can prepare a wide range of delicious meals quickly and efficiently.

Whether you prefer creamy pastas, spicy stir-fries, or flavorful grilled dishes, frozen shrimp can elevate your cooking without much effort. Discover 15 easy and tasty recipes that will make frozen shrimp a staple in your kitchen.

1) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that’s both quick and delicious. You start by cooking pasta in lightly salted water according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, adding a bit of olive oil.

After the butter melts and starts to foam, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic until it turns golden on the edges, which should take about a minute. Then, add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it turns pink. Pour in some white wine to deglaze the pan, letting it reduce by half. This will take another 1-2 minutes.

Once the wine has reduced, drain your pasta and toss it in the saucepan to coat it in the flavorful sauce. Finish the dish by adding a squeeze of lemon juice, some chopped parsley, and a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor. Enjoy your shrimp scampi with a slice of crusty bread.

2) Shrimp Tacos

Shrimp tacos are a quick and tasty meal that you can make in just minutes. Start by seasoning the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Cook the shrimp in a hot pan until they turn pink.

Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet to make them more pliable.

To assemble, place a few shrimp on each tortilla. Top with slaw made from cabbage, cilantro, and a bit of sauce.

Drizzle some extra sauce over the top for added flavor. Enjoy these shrimp tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or fresh lime juice.

3) Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is an easy and tasty dish you can make in just minutes. Start by heating oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add your shrimp. Cook them for 1-2 minutes.

Next, flip the shrimp and add minced garlic. For a bit of spice, you can also add red pepper flakes. Continue to cook until the garlic is fragrant. This usually takes another minute or so.

To finish, add chicken broth or white wine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Stir constantly to coat the shrimp in the sauce. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are ready to serve. Enjoy with pasta or over rice for a complete meal.

Garlic butter shrimp can also be made in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet. Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the shrimp and bake for 8 minutes or until the shrimp are pink.

This dish is simple, quick, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick appetizer for gatherings.

4) Shrimp Fried Rice

Shrimp fried rice is a quick and tasty dish that brings together shrimp, vegetables, and rice.

Start by preheating a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a mix of vegetable oil and sesame oil.

Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes until they are no longer pink. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.

Add chopped white onions, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Cook the vegetables until they are soft.

For extra flavor, add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in cooked rice and mix everything well.

Add a splash of soy sauce and some pepper to taste. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and stir everything together.

Serve hot and enjoy a delicious meal that can be made in no time.

5) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s perfect for any meal, whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The combination of creamy grits and savory shrimp makes it a favorite for many.

Start with the grits. Bring a mix of chicken broth, milk, butter, salt, and pepper to a boil in a large saucepan. Slowly stir in the grits, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the grits are thickened, stir in cheese until it melts.

Next, cook the shrimp. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and then remove with a slotted spoon. Leave the bacon grease in the pan and add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about a minute.

Add lemon juice, parsley, and garlic to the shrimp, and sauté for an additional 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the mixture.

Serve the grits in a bowl and top with the shrimp mixture. Garnish with the crispy bacon bits. Enjoy your homemade Southern shrimp and grits!

6) Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail is a classic dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any event. It combines tender shrimp with a tangy sauce for a refreshing appetizer.

To start, choose between fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold running water.

Begin by preparing the poaching water. Fill a large pot with water and add lemon slices and bay leaves. Bring it all to a boil.

Once boiling, add the shrimp. Let them cook just until they turn pink, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Remove the shrimp from the water using a slotted spoon and plunge them into an ice bath. This ensures they stop cooking and stay perfectly tender.

For the sauce, mix ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of hot sauce if you like a kick. Adjust the horseradish to your taste.

Serve the chilled shrimp on a platter and provide lemon wedges and the cocktail sauce. You can also hang shrimp on the rims of small glasses filled with the sauce.

Shrimp cocktail is quick, elegant, and always a hit at gatherings. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish!

7) Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer known for its crispy coating and flavorful sauce.

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. You can buy them pre-prepped to save time.

Next, coat the shrimp in cornstarch. This will help them become crispy when fried.

Heat oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep-fryer or large saucepan.

Fry the shrimp in batches for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown.

Place the cooked shrimp on paper towels to drain excess oil.

For the sauce, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a bit of Sriracha for a spicy kick.

Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until they are well-coated.

Serve Bang Bang Shrimp over lettuce or with your favorite dipping sauce.

This dish is both easy to prepare and a great crowd-pleaser.

8) Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp Alfredo is a comforting dish that’s both creamy and delicious. With tender shrimp and rich Alfredo sauce, it satisfies seafood and pasta lovers alike.

Start by sautéing shrimp in butter for a couple of minutes until they turn pink. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic for extra flavor.

Next, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer on low until the shrimp is cooked through and the sauce thickens.

Serve the shrimp and sauce over cooked fettuccine or your favorite pasta. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese on top.

For added texture and taste, consider incorporating vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. If the sauce turns out too thick, thin it with a bit of pasta water or chicken broth.

Shrimp Alfredo is a versatile recipe that you can easily adjust to suit your taste. Enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner treat.

9) Shrimp Po’Boy

A Shrimp Po’Boy is a classic sandwich from New Orleans that’s packed with flavor. It’s made with crispy fried shrimp, fresh toppings, and a tangy remoulade sauce.

Using frozen shrimp makes it convenient and quick. First, thaw your shrimp according to the package directions.

For the coating, dip the shrimp in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce. Then, dredge them in seasoned flour.

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot. Fry the shrimp in batches until they turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

For the sandwich, use a French roll. Spread a generous amount of remoulade sauce on both sides of the roll.

Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles. Place the fried shrimp on top. Close the sandwich and press lightly to secure everything in place.

Enjoy this delicious Shrimp Po’Boy with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

10) Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet coconut and savory shrimp makes it a standout dish. You will need some basic ingredients, including shrimp, flour, coconut flakes, and eggs.

Start by rinsing the shrimp in cold water and patting them dry. Set up three bowls: one for flour mixed with salt, one for beaten eggs, and one for a mixture of coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs.

Dip each shrimp into the flour first, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat them with the coconut mixture. Make sure the coconut sticks to the shrimp by pressing gently.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly coat the foil with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the shrimp on the sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.

Bake the shrimp for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Coconut shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides like rice or a fresh salad. It’s perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.

11) Teriyaki Shrimp Skewers

Teriyaki shrimp skewers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy shrimp. You start by marinating the shrimp in a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

Prepare the marinade and let the shrimp soak for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp, giving them a rich taste.

Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, and then grill them over medium-high heat. The shrimp cook quickly, usually in about 3 minutes per side, until they are opaque and slightly charred.

To make them even more delicious, you can brush the cooked shrimp with additional teriyaki sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch.

These skewers are perfect for a backyard BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

12) Shrimp Stir Fry

Shrimp stir fry is a quick and delicious dish you can make with frozen shrimp and vegetables. First, thaw the frozen vegetables in a microwave for about 3 minutes. This makes them tender and ready to cook.

In a large skillet or wok, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and let it cook until it turns pink. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the vegetables to the skillet. Stir them frequently and let them cook until they are tender-crisp, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Season the dish with minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. These flavors blend well with shrimp and bring out the best taste in the dish.

For an extra touch, you can add green onions and sesame oil. Let everything cook together for another minute or two. Your shrimp stir fry is now ready to serve!

13) Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a light and refreshing dish that you can easily make with frozen shrimp. Start by thawing your shrimp and cutting them into small pieces.

Mix the shrimp with lime, lemon, and a bit of orange juice. This citrus mix “cooks” the shrimp as it marines in the refrigerator.

While the shrimp marinates, prepare your vegetables. Dice red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados. Chop some serrano chiles for a bit of heat if you like it spicy.

After the shrimp marinates for about 30 minutes, mix in the vegetables. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.

For a bit of extra flavor, add some chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well mixed and let it rest in the fridge for another 30 minutes.

Serve your shrimp ceviche chilled, either on its own or with some tortilla chips. It’s a great appetizer or a light main course.

14) Shrimp Pad Thai

Shrimp Pad Thai is a tasty and easy dish you can make with frozen shrimp. Start by heating some oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook them for about 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink. Move the shrimp to one side of the pan. Crack an egg into the skillet and scramble it until fully cooked.

Next, add cooked rice noodles to the pan. Pour in your sauce, which can be a mix of tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the noodles and shrimp are well-coated with the sauce.

To add some crunch and extra flavor, you can also include bean sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook these vegetables for about 2 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Once everything is mixed, your Shrimp Pad Thai is ready to serve. This dish is great for a quick weeknight dinner and brings a taste of Thai cuisine to your table.

15) Shrimp Gumbo

Shrimp gumbo is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Start by cooking rice according to the package instructions and set aside.

Heat a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat with some vegetable oil. Add sliced sausage to the pot and cook until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.

To the same pot, add chopped celery, green pepper, and onion. Cook the vegetables until tender, which usually takes about five to six minutes. Stir in garlic, broth, and spices like salt, pepper, and cayenne. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

After simmering for 30 minutes, add shrimp, hot sauce, and filé powder. Cook until the shrimp turn pink, which takes about three to five minutes. Remove the bay leaves from the pot.

Serve your shrimp gumbo over the prepared rice. If you like, you can add chopped green onions on top. Some people also enjoy a sprinkle of Gumbo Filé for extra flavor. Your shrimp gumbo is now ready to be enjoyed!

Selecting The Best Frozen Shrimp

Choosing the right frozen shrimp can greatly impact your recipes. It’s important to know the different types available and how to check for quality.

Types of Frozen Shrimp

When shopping for shrimp, you will find several types. Raw shrimp are sold in their natural state and often need to be deveined. These are ideal for recipes where you want control over the cooking process.

Cooked shrimp are pre-cooked and usually only need to be reheated. They save time and work well in salads and cold dishes.

Shrimp also come in various forms: peeled and deveined or shell-on. Peeled and deveined shrimp are convenient but shell-on shrimp often retain more flavor. Choose based on your recipe and prep time.

Finally, look at the size. Shrimp are labeled by count per pound, such as 16/20 (16 to 20 shrimp per pound). Smaller counts mean larger shrimp. Match the size to your dish requirements for the best results.

How to Identify Quality Shrimp

Appearance is a key indicator of shrimp quality. High-quality shrimp should look translucent and slightly shiny. Avoid shrimp that look dull, have black spots, or are grainy.

Smell is another important factor. Fresh shrimp should have a clean, salty scent. Strong or odd smells can indicate spoilage even if the shrimp is frozen.

Packaging matters too. Ensure the bag is sealed tightly with no signs of frost or ice crystals. Excess ice can mean the shrimp has thawed and refrozen, which affects texture.

Lastly, go for shrimp labeled with minimal additives and preservatives. “Individually Quick Frozen” (IQF) shrimp retain better texture and taste. Avoid shrimp treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) to maintain quality and flavor.

Thawing And Preparing Frozen Shrimp

Before cooking frozen shrimp, it’s important to thaw and prepare them properly to ensure quality and safety. The steps below guide you through safe thawing methods and common preparation techniques.

Safe Thawing Methods

To thaw frozen shrimp, start by removing the unopened bag from the freezer. Place it in a large bowl of cold water. Avoid using hot water, as this can partially cook the shrimp and affect its texture. Use a plate or a heavy object to keep the bag submerged.

Wait about 45 minutes for the shrimp to thaw fully. Once thawed, drain and pat them dry with a paper towel. If you need a quicker method, you can place the shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them for 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even thawing.

Common Preparation Techniques

Once thawed, you can prepare shrimp using different methods. Pan-searing involves heating a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly crispy.

Boiling is another easy method. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add seasoning like salt, pepper, and lemon wedges, and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes. For a milder taste, you can use the shrimp in baking. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange shrimp on a baking sheet, and bake for 5-7 minutes.

These techniques ensure your shrimp is tasty and ready for various recipes.

Health Benefits Of Frozen Shrimp

Frozen shrimp offer many health benefits, making them a great addition to your diet.

They are low in calories and high in protein. A 3-ounce serving has about 84 calories and 18 grams of protein. This makes them a good choice if you are trying to maintain or lose weight.

Nutrient	Amount per 3 oz (85g)
Calories	84
Protein	18g
Fat	0.9g
Carbohydrates	0.2g

Frozen shrimp are rich in several important vitamins and minerals. They provide Vitamin B12, which helps keep your blood and nerve cells healthy. They also contain iron, which is essential for making red blood cells.

You’ll also find impressive levels of selenium in shrimp. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage. Additionally, shrimp contain Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for heart health.