10 Simple Dinners Using a Bag of Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp transforms into amazing weeknight dinners faster than you’d expect. These protein-packed crustaceans cook quickly and pair beautifully with bold flavors from around the world.
From spicy skillet dishes to comforting soups, these recipes prove that keeping frozen shrimp on hand means delicious meals are always within reach.
01. Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Juicy shrimp marinated in garlic and herbs, then grilled to perfection. These colorful kabobs make weeknight grilling simple and delicious.
Ingredients: 2 pounds large frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 6 garlic cloves (minced), ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 red bell pepper (cut into chunks), 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into chunks), salt and black pepper to taste.
How To Make Grilled Garlic Shrimp Skewers
1. Thaw shrimp completely under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Thread shrimp alternately with bell pepper chunks onto metal skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
2. Whisk together minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add skewered shrimp and peppers, turning to coat all sides evenly with the aromatic marinade.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn bright pink and peppers develop slight char marks.
02. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine
Rich, restaurant-style pasta with tender shrimp in a luxurious garlic butter cream sauce. This impressive dish comes together in just one pan.
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine pasta, 1½ pounds large frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 6 garlic cloves (minced), 4 tablespoons butter, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine
1. Cook linguine in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining, as the starchy liquid helps bind the creamy sauce perfectly.
2. Meanwhile, pat thawed shrimp completely dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming, then add shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until bright pink and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the delicate garlic.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add drained pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, tossing everything together with pasta water as needed for silky consistency.
03. Spicy Sambal Shrimp Stir-Fry
Fiery Indonesian-inspired shrimp with bold sambal oelek heat. This lightning-fast stir-fry delivers serious spice and incredible flavor in minutes.
Ingredients: 2 pounds medium frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 3 tablespoons sambal oelek, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 3 green onions (sliced), 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, cooked jasmine rice for serving.
How To Make Spicy Sambal Shrimp Stir-Fry
1. Pat thawed shrimp completely dry with paper towels to prevent oil splattering. Whisk together sambal oelek, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. Add shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
3. Stir-fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright pink and curl slightly. Pour in the spicy sambal sauce and toss quickly to coat, cooking for another minute until the sauce glazes the shrimp beautifully.
4. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions for fresh contrast. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice to balance the intense heat and absorb the flavorful sauce.
04. Singapore Curry Shrimp Rice Noodles
Aromatic one-skillet noodles with curry spices and tender shrimp. This international favorite combines sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors beautifully.
Ingredients: 8 ounces rice vermicelli noodles, 1½ pounds medium frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 2 tablespoons curry powder, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 red bell pepper (julienned), 3 green onions (sliced), 2 eggs (beaten).
How To Make Singapore Curry Shrimp Rice Noodles
1. Soak rice vermicelli in hot water for 8-10 minutes until softened but still slightly firm. Drain thoroughly and set aside, as properly drained noodles prevent the final dish from becoming soggy.
2. Heat oil in a large wok over high heat until smoking. Add beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just set, then push to one side of the wok to make room for other ingredients.
3. Add shrimp to the empty side of wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes until pink. Sprinkle curry powder over everything and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant and evenly distributed.
4. Add drained noodles, julienned bell pepper, and soy sauce. Toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated with golden curry color.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions for fresh crunch and color contrast. Serve immediately while the noodles are hot and the flavors are at their peak.
05. Chipotle Shrimp Burritos
Smoky chipotle shrimp wrapped with beans and rice in warm tortillas. The creamy chipotle sauce makes these burritos absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds medium frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (minced), ½ cup sour cream, 4 large flour tortillas, 1 can refried beans, 2 cups cooked Spanish rice, 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
How To Make Chipotle Shrimp Burritos
1. Mix minced chipotle peppers with sour cream in a small bowl to create the signature smoky sauce. This creamy mixture adds incredible depth and just the right amount of heat to each bite.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thawed shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until bright pink and cooked through, then remove from heat.
3. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable. Spread a layer of warm refried beans down the center of each tortilla, followed by Spanish rice and cooked shrimp.
4. Drizzle chipotle cream sauce over the filling and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold the bottom edge up, fold in the sides, then roll tightly to create perfectly wrapped burritos.
06. Slow Cooker Cajun Jambalaya
Classic Louisiana comfort food with shrimp, chicken, and smoky andouille sausage. This set-it-and-forget-it version delivers authentic Cajun flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 1 pound boneless chicken thighs (diced), 8 ounces andouille sausage (sliced), 1½ cups long-grain white rice, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 green bell pepper (diced), 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
How To Make Slow Cooker Cajun Jambalaya
1. Add diced chicken thighs, sliced andouille sausage, diced bell pepper, and Cajun seasoning to your slow cooker. These ingredients need the longest cooking time to develop deep, complex flavors.
2. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and uncooked rice. Stir everything together well, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 2½ hours until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the flavorful liquid. The slow cooking process allows all the spices to meld beautifully.
4. Add thawed shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This prevents the delicate seafood from becoming tough and rubbery while still infusing the dish with sweet shrimp flavor.
5. Let jambalaya rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow any remaining liquid to be absorbed and the flavors to settle perfectly together.
07. Chili-Lime Shrimp Fajitas
Zesty marinated shrimp with colorful peppers and onions. These restaurant-quality fajitas bring bold Mexican flavors to your dinner table affordably.
Ingredients: 2 pounds large frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 3 tablespoons lime juice, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced), 1 large onion (sliced), 8 flour tortillas, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Chili-Lime Shrimp Fajitas
1. Combine lime juice, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add thawed shrimp and toss to coat evenly, allowing the citrusy marinade to penetrate for maximum flavor impact.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until charred and pink.
3. Remove shrimp to a plate and add remaining oil to the same skillet. Add sliced peppers and onions, cooking for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
4. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss with vegetables for 1 minute to reheat and combine flavors. Warm tortillas and serve immediately with your favorite fajita toppings for a complete meal.
08. Simple Shrimp and Dill Soup
Light, comforting soup with tender shrimp in savory broth. Fresh dill and green onions add brightness to this satisfying bowl of warmth.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds medium frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 6 cups seafood or chicken broth, 2 cups beef broth, 3 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped), 4 green onions (sliced), 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and white pepper to taste.
How To Make Simple Shrimp and Dill Soup
1. Combine seafood broth and beef broth in a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. The combination of broths creates a rich, complex base for the delicate shrimp.
2. Add thawed shrimp to the simmering broth and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright pink and curl slightly. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough quickly.
3. Stir in butter, fresh dill, and sliced green onions. The butter adds richness while the herbs provide fresh, aromatic flavors that complement the sweet shrimp perfectly.
4. Season with salt, white pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Serve immediately in warm bowls, optionally with cooked rice or egg noodles for a heartier meal.
09. Sautéed Shrimp with Fresh Spinach
Quick, healthy skillet dinner with protein-packed shrimp and nutrient-rich spinach. This simple combination proves that minimal ingredients can create maximum flavor and satisfaction.
Ingredients: 1½ pounds large frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 8 ounces fresh baby spinach, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 3 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, red pepper flakes to taste, salt and black pepper.
How To Make Sautéed Shrimp with Fresh Spinach
1. Pat thawed shrimp completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for cooking.
2. Add seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
3. Add remaining olive oil and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add white wine and let it bubble for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol.
4. Add fresh spinach in handfuls, stirring as it wilts down dramatically. Return cooked shrimp to the skillet with lemon juice and red pepper flakes, tossing everything together for 1 minute until heated through.
10. Spanish Garlic Shrimp (Gambas al Ajillo)
Classic Spanish tapas with shrimp swimming in garlicky olive oil. This elegant dish with smoky paprika and sherry creates an authentic taste of Spain.
Ingredients: 2 pounds large frozen shrimp (thawed and peeled), 8 garlic cloves (thinly sliced), ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons dry sherry, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), coarse sea salt.
How To Make Spanish Garlic Shrimp
1. Pat shrimp completely dry and season with coarse sea salt. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or cazuela over medium heat until warm but not smoking, as gentle heat prevents the garlic from burning.
2. Add sliced garlic to the warm oil and cook slowly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. The key is patience here for perfectly infused garlic oil.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and add seasoned shrimp along with smoked paprika and red pepper flakes. The oil should sizzle energetically as the shrimp hit the hot surface.
4. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until pink and curled. Add dry sherry and let it bubble briefly to concentrate the flavors.
5. Remove from heat immediately and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve directly from the skillet with crusty bread for soaking up the incredible garlicky oil.
Final Thoughts
These frozen shrimp recipes prove that delicious dinners don’t require extensive planning or expensive ingredients. From Spanish tapas to Cajun comfort food, variety keeps weeknight meals exciting.
Keep a bag of frozen shrimp handy, and you’ll always have the foundation for a satisfying meal that feels special enough for company.
