Shrimp is one of those ingredients that makes dinner feel like it took more effort than it did. It cooks fast, holds flavor well, and somehow never gets old. These recipes are the ones that keep showing up because they work—no overthinking, no special equipment, just solid meals. Some are bold, some are simple, all of them earn a repeat. If shrimp’s in the freezer, these are the recipes that get used.
Szechuan Shrimp
Szechuan Shrimp hits fast and hot, with just enough numbing heat to keep things interesting. The sauce comes together in minutes, and the shrimp soak it up without turning rubbery. It’s bold, quick, and doesn’t ask much from you. This one keeps making it onto the menu because it works every time.
Get the Recipe: Szechuan Shrimp
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons
Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons don’t stick around long once they hit the table. The filling is rich and savory, and the wrappers fry up crisp without fuss. You can make a bunch ahead and freeze them, which means they’re always ready to go when dinner feels like a stretch. That kind of convenience has a way of showing up often.
Get the Recipe: Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons
Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos are loud in the best way—smoky, spicy, and fast enough for a weeknight. The shrimp cook in minutes, the chorizo brings the fat and flavor, and a warm tortilla pulls it all together. No one complains when these show up again. And they do. Often.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Chorizo Tacos
Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles
Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles check a lot of boxes: chewy noodles, garlicky sauce, and shrimp that actually taste like something. It’s quick enough to make on a whim but good enough to feel like a real dinner. You don’t need a wok or a plan. That’s probably why it keeps showing up in the rotation.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Yaki Udon Noodles
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Cajun Shrimp and Grits is one of those meals that feels like comfort food but cooks like fast food. The shrimp are seared with spice, the grits are creamy, and the whole thing is done in under 30 minutes. You don’t need sides or extras—it carries the meal on its own. Once you make it, it’s hard not to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Char Kway Teow
Char Kway Teow delivers smoky stir-fried noodles and juicy shrimp in one hot pan. It’s got that street food energy without requiring much more than a skillet and some pantry staples. The shrimp stay tender, the noodles get the right kind of chew, and the whole thing disappears fast. It’s the kind of meal you end up making again without even thinking about it.
Get the Recipe: Char Kway Teow
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is about as low-lift as dinner gets—shrimp, garlic, butter, and heat. It’s fast, rich, and perfect with rice, bread, or nothing at all. The garlic sauce does the heavy lifting, and the shrimp don’t overstay their welcome in the pan. It’s too easy and too good not to keep making.
Get the Recipe: Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani gives you layered flavor without the multi-hour commitment. The rice cooks fluffy, the shrimp stay tender, and the spices do their thing without you hovering over the stove. It’s the kind of shortcut that doesn’t taste like one. Once it’s in your back pocket, you keep pulling it out.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani
Thai Noodle Soup
Thai Noodle Soup with shrimp is what you make when you’re short on time but need something that actually hits. The broth is spicy, sour, and fast, and the shrimp take no effort to cook. Drop everything in one pot and call it dinner. This one shows up often because it checks all the right boxes.
Get the Recipe: Thai Noodle Soup
Yum Woon Sen
Yum Woon Sen is light, spicy, and loaded with shrimp that soak up all the lime and fish sauce without getting lost in the mix. The noodles hold onto the dressing, and the herbs bring it all to life. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need heat or time to come together. You’ll end up making it more than you plan to.
Get the Recipe: Yum Woon Sen
Sopa de Camarones
Sopa de Camarones is shrimp soup that actually tastes like shrimp. The broth is rich, the aromatics do their job, and the whole thing comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t need to simmer for hours. That’s exactly why it keeps finding its way back to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camarones
Thai Shrimp Curry
Thai Shrimp Curry has a way of ending up in the dinner rotation without needing much of a push. Coconut milk, curry paste, and quick-cooking shrimp turn into something bold without a lot of fuss. Serve it with rice or don’t—either way, it works. And it always seems to come back around.
Get the Recipe: Thai Shrimp Curry
Camarones a la Diabla
Camarones a la Diabla isn’t subtle, and that’s the point. The spicy tomato-chile sauce comes together fast, and the shrimp hold their own without getting overcooked. Serve it with rice, tortillas, or straight from the skillet. When you want something fast with bite, this one keeps showing up.
Get the Recipe: Camarones a la Diabla