17 Best Recipes to Make with Frozen Shrimp (From Freezer to Table!)
Transform a bag of frozen shrimp into these delicious recipes!
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I’ve been on a bit of a shrimp kick lately – and for good reason. Shrimp are my weeknight secret weapon: quick to thaw, easy to prep, and super versatile. I usually keep a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer for easy and delicious meals. Whether I’m craving something spicy, crispy, saucy, or light and fresh, shrimp are the answer. These are the recipes I find myself coming back to again and again – and once you try them, I think you’ll see why. For more of my favorite seafood recipes check out my roundup of 10 leftover lobster recipes to make this summer.
Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp
I typically buy frozen shrimp because even the “fresh” shrimp you see at most grocery stores has usually been previously frozen and thawed. Unless you live in a coastal area and are buying shrimp straight off the boat, flash-frozen shrimp are often the fresher option. They’re frozen at peak quality, which helps preserve their texture and flavor while minimizing any damage.
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp
I love keeping a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer for easy last minute appetizers or dinners. If you have the foresight, I recommend moving the bag of shrimp to the refrigerator overnight.
For same day use, submerge the bag of shrimp in lukewarm water, changing the water every 10 minutes or so until the shrimp have thawed, about 30 to 40 minutes.
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Shrimp Recipes to Inspire Your Dinner
Best Pan-Sautéed Frozen Shrimp Recipes
These pan-sautéed shrimp recipes turn thawed frozen shrimp into fast, flavorful dinners with minimal prep and maximum payoff.
The star of this recipe is the garlicky, buttery white wine sauce that is ladled over the sautéed shrimp and cheesy risotto. It’s one of my favorites to make when entertaining for a crowd because it’s easy to scale up.
Sautéed Shrimp with Creamed Shishitos and Corn
Sautéed shrimp are paired with a creamy mixture of thinly sliced shishito peppers, corn and shallots for an extremely flavorful pairing that works well over rice or piled on toast.
Crispy Rice with Spicy Shrimp Salad
This is my most viral recipe! Based on the famous spicy tuna with crispy rice, this version is made with sautéed shrimp and panko breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Chimichurri Shrimp with Coconut Rice
If you’re craving something bold and bright, this chimichurri shrimp with coconut rice recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Spicy Calabrian Chili Shrimp with White Beans
Transform a few humble ingredients into a flavorful dinner. Sautéed shrimp are served in a spicy Calabrian chili, white wine and garlic sauce with creamy cannellini beans.
Spicy Shrimp Bowl with Crispy Rice and Kale
This recipe is heavy in my weeknight rotation! It’s the perfect dinner to make with leftover rice from takeout or last night’s dinner. While it’s sushi-inspired, the kale base keeps it on the lighter side.
Shrimp Fajita Bowl with Quinoa
Chili and cayenne-spiced shrimp are served over a combination of black beans, quinoa, and finely shredded cabbage. It’s topped with sautéed peppers and onions and finished with a light cilantro lime vinaigrette for a delicious burrito bowl.
Juicy shrimp sautéed in a tangy tomato-chili marinade are perfect served on their own, tucked into tortillas, or layered over a bowl.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Bacon Braised Collard Greens
The classic combination of Cajun-spiced shrimp, cheesy grits, and bacon-braised collard greens brings bold Southern flavors to your table.
Inspired by the famous shrimp trucks on Oahu’s North Shore, this shell-on Hawaiian garlic butter shrimp is messy, buttery, and packed with garlicky, lemony flavor – just don’t forget the napkins!
Classic shrimp scampi gets a summer upgrade with the addition of sweet and juicy tomatoes and herbs.
Crispy & Fried Shrimp Recipes
From golden, crunchy coatings to bold seasonings, these crispy and fried shrimp recipes turn frozen shrimp into crowd-pleasing meals featuring some takeout favorites made at home.
Crispy shrimp, pan-fried in oil with a light cornstarch coating (instead of the traditional deep-fry), are tossed in a sweet sauce of Kewpie mayonnaise, honey, and condensed milk, served with candied walnuts and broccoli.
This restaurant-inspired bang bang shrimp recipe, reminiscent of popcorn shrimp, is tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made with Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and mayo, just like the popular dish from Bonefish Grill.
Shrimp is blended to a paste with seasonings and spread over bread before they are deep fried for a Chinese takeout and dim sum classic. This makes an ideal appetizer for dinner parties or larger gatherings.
A spicy “Nashville-style” cayenne and brown sugar seasoning is brushed over battered and fried crispy shrimp for a fiery appetizer or entrée. The batter is made with rice flour and cornstarch, making it naturally gluten free and extra crunchy.
Grilled Frozen Shrimp Dinner Ideas
These grilled shrimp recipes are ideal for warm-weather meals, featuring simple marinades and bold flavors for the perfect excuse to fire up the grill.
Grilled Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos
These grilled shrimp tacos are the perfect quick summer dinner, featuring a zesty tequila lime marinade that infuses bold flavor in just 30 minutes.
Poached & Fresh Shrimp Ideas
Light, fresh, and versatile, these poached shrimp recipes highlight delicate flavors and simple techniques.
Coconut Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
Poached shrimp are tossed in a coconut sauce and served over crispy tostadas with fried shallots and lime zest.
Spicy Calabrian Chili Shrimp Cocktail
Bring a little luxury to your table with this easy, tender shrimp cocktail paired with a punchy, homemade sauce.
A Note on Shrimp Sizing
The terms “jumbo” and “extra jumbo” and “colossal” (they used to refer to shrimp size) actually aren’t standardized terms within the industry. Rather than looking at the key word, look at the number of shrimp per pound. For example 16/20 count shrimp means there will be between 16 and 20 shrimp per pound.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook frozen shrimp without thawing it first?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be cooked without thawing for certain methods like boiling or grilling, but most recipes, especially pan-sautéed or fried shrimp, work best when the shrimp is fully thawed for even cooking and the best texture.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen shrimp?
If you have the foresight, I recommend moving the bag of shrimp to the refrigerator overnight.
For same day use, submerge the bag of shrimp in lukewarm water, changing the water every 10 minutes or so until the shrimp have thawed, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Should I buy raw or cooked frozen shrimp?
I typically buy frozen shrimp because even the “fresh” shrimp you see at most grocery stores has usually been previously frozen and thawed. Unless you live in a coastal area and are buying shrimp straight off the boat, flash-frozen shrimp are often the fresher option. They’re frozen at peak quality, which helps preserve their texture and flavor while minimizing any damage.
Do I need to remove the shells before cooking frozen shrimp?
This depends on the recipe. Shell-on shrimp add more flavor and moisture when cooked, while peeled shrimp are more convenient for quick meals. Many frozen shrimp are sold peeled and deveined for ease.
How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is done cooking when it turns opaque, pink, and curls into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will curl tightly and become tough, so it’s best to remove them from heat as soon as they’re just cooked through.
Is frozen shrimp as good as fresh shrimp?
Yes! Frozen shrimp is often just as good, if not better, than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter. Most shrimp is frozen shortly after being caught, making frozen shrimp a reliable, high-quality option.
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