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Shrimply Irresistible: 14 Mouthwatering Shrimp Recipes You Need to Try Tonight!


If you’re a seafood lover, you already know shrimp is the ultimate MVP of quick and delicious meals. Whether tossed into a succulent pasta, bathed in garlicky butter, or grilled to perfection, shrimp is the versatile protein that can do it all. But with so many ways to cook it, how do you choose? We’ve rounded up the absolute best shrimp recipes that are guaranteed to impress—whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to improve your seafood game with these must-try dishes!

But before you start tossing shrimp into your pan, let’s talk about what you’re really buying. Because not all shrimp are created equal, and choosing the right ones makes all the difference in taste, texture, and even your health.

How to Buy Shrimp: Fresh vs. Frozen & What to Avoid

shrimp.
Yana Vasileva via Shutterstock.

Frozen shrimp is readily available, and fresh is accessible for some. Here are the details.

Fresh Shrimp: Where to Find the Best Quality

fresh shrimp.
Bigc Studio via Shutterstock.

If you live near the coast, you’re in luck—fresh shrimp is often available at seafood markets, grocery stores with strong seafood departments, and even direct from fishing docks. Look for shrimp that:

  • Smells like the ocean (not ammonia or “fishy”)
  • Has a firm texture and glossy, moist shells
  • Is displayed on ice and has clear eyes (if the heads are still on)

Hold On There A Minute…

really? what? shock.
Roman Samborskyi via Shutterstock.

However, here’s the reality: Most “fresh” shrimp at supermarkets was previously frozen and thawed for display. If you’re not cooking shrimp the same day you buy it, opt for frozen instead.

Frozen Shrimp: A Smarter Choice Than You Think

frozen shrimp.
OTABR via Shutterstock.

Surprisingly, frozen shrimp is often fresher than what’s sitting in the seafood case. That’s because shrimp is typically flash-frozen right after being caught, locking in flavor and texture. When buying frozen shrimp:

  • Choose wild-caught shrimp from sustainable sources when possible
  • Opt for shrimp labeled “IQF” (Individually Quick Frozen) for best quality
  • Avoid excessive ice crystals inside the bag—this can be a sign of freezer burn

What Chemicals to Avoid in Shrimp

this. yes. smile. think. OK.
Kues via Shutterstock.

Many shrimp—especially imported ones—are treated with chemicals to preserve color and texture. Watch out for these additives:

  • Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP): Used to retain moisture, but can make shrimp taste mushy
  • Sodium Bisulfite: A preservative that can cause allergic reactions in some people
  • 4-Hexylresorcinol: Added to prevent black spots on shrimp shells but may have hormonal effects

For the cleanest, best-tasting shrimp, look for brands that are chemical-free or labeled “dry-packed” (which means no added preservatives).

Now that you know how to pick the best shrimp, let’s get cooking! These incredible recipes will have you falling in love with shrimp all over again. 

Shrimp & Broccoli with Noodles

aqua bowl of low FODMAP shrimp and broccoli with noodles; chopsticks on top of edge of bowl
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

This recipe for Shrimp and Broccoli with Noodles comes together as a quick weeknight dinner. Combining shrimp, red bell peppers, broccoli, broad rice noodles and oyster sauce, you can get dinner on the table in about 20 minutes. The pretty, textured sesame garnish shown in the images is gomasio. Get the recipe for Shrimp & Broccoli with Noodles.

Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Low FODMAP Shrimp & Corn Chowder in white bowl; crackers and spoon alongside
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Chowders don’t not have to be simmered for hours! This Shrimp & Corn Chowder focuses on late summer, early fall vegetables like tomatoes, corn, potatoes, zucchini, and fresh basil. It comes together quickly and is both satisfying, yet light. Get the recipe for Shrimp & Corn Chowder.

Chicken & Shrimp Congee

shrimp and chicken congee with greens in a white bowl on a blue plate
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

If the term congee is unfamiliar to you, don’t let it scare you off. It is simply a loose rice porridge, usually savory. It is sort of soupy, very soothing, and easy to make. Congees are found in many Asian cuisines, and they are quintessential comfort food. One technique that you might find unusual is that we chop the dry rice into smaller pieces. This releases starch and helps create the classic congee texture. Get the recipe for Chicken & Shrimp Congee.

Gluten-Free Capellini & Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Low FODMAP Capellini and Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Fra Diavolo means “brother devil” but what you need to know is that this gluten-free Capellini & Shrimp Fra Diavolo is a quick and easy, yet elegant pasta and shrimp dish that features tomatoes and hot red peppers. Get the recipe for Gluten-Free Capellini & Shrimp Fra Diavolo.

Shrimp Tacos

closeup image Low FOMAP Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema on wooden board; wedges of lime alongside
 Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

Our Shrimp Tacos are packed with garlic and chile flavors, but are easy on the FODMAPs, so that you can enjoy your Mexican inspired food without an IBS flare-up. The shrimp get a quick marination in our very own garlic-free Low FODMAP Chipotle Chiles in Adobo. The garlic flavor comes from Garlic-Infused Oil, made with vegetable oil. This is an easy and fun dinner that can be made in less than 30 minutes, with the ingredients on hand. Get the recipe for Low FODMAP Shrimp Tacos.

Hot & Sour Shrimp Lo Mein

Low FODMAP Hot and Sour Shrimp Lo Mein closeup on white oval platter
Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

This dish of Hot and Sour Shrimp Lo Mein highlights hot, spicy flavors along with sour. Made with Chinese rice wine, fresh ginger, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, chicken stock and cornstarch. You might have to source the wide rice noodles ahead of time, so make sure to read the whole ingredient list before starting to make sure you have everything you need. Get the recipe for Hot & Sour Shrimp Lo Mein.

New England Shrimp Boil

shrimp boil on white plate on top of newspaper on the deck
New England Shrimp Boil. Photo Credit: Dédé Wilson from FODMAP Everyday®.

You start off by blooming spices in hot Garlic-Infused Oil, then adding beer instead of water for the shrimp boiling liquid. The entire process takes mere minutes and only 3 steps. A simple bowl of melted butter with a little hot sauce is served alongside for dipping the peeled shrimp, after they are drained. And the fun? Lay out newspaper on your table and invite lucky eaters to discard the shells right onto the paper. At cleanup time, just roll up the newspaper. And don’t forget loads of paper towels. Licking your fingers won’t be good enough! Get the recipe for New England Shrimp Boil.

Boom Boom Shrimp

Boom-Boom-Shrimp-Recipe.
The Foodess.

In this amazing Boom Boom Shrimp recipe, juicy shrimp is lightly fried until crispy, then coated in the most delicious sweet and spicy sauce. Not only is it exploding with flavor, but it’s also a quick, easy recipe that you can whip up in no time. Get the recipe.

sweet and spicy mango shrimp 

Sweet-and-spicy-mango-shrimp.
Image GINA MATSOUKAS.

This sweet and spicy mango shrimp dish is ready in just 20 minutes and has a nice kick of spice that is balanced out by the sweet mango. I seldom cook with shrimp. Doesn’t mean I don’t love those little guys because I totally do. Especially when they can be used solely as a vehicle for consuming copious amounts of spicy cocktail sauce. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Korma

Shrimp-Korma.
The Foodess.

This easy, authentic Indian Shrimp Korma (also known as Prawn Korma) recipe is a delicious Indian shrimp curry with tomato, yogurt, creamnuts and warming spices. Get the recipe.

Creamy Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto

shrimp-risotto.
Emmeline Kemperyd.

This creamy Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto is loaded with shrimp & asparagus and amazing flavor from lemon, basil and parmesan. A quick & easy dinner that’s done in 40 minutes – and fancy enough for any dinner party. Follow my no-stir risotto method, and succeed in making the creamiest risotto every time! Get the recipe.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

garlic-butter-shrimp-pasta.
Emmeline Kemperyd.

This 15-minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is an irresistible combination of tender shrimp, al dente pasta, and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Follow this simple recipe to create an effortless meal that blends the best of seafood and pasta into a delicious dish the whole family will love. Get the recipe.

Shrimp Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce

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Image Elaine Benoit.

These shrimp enchiladas will capture your heart. They’re wonderfully succulent, bursting with flavor, and incredibly fulfilling! Topped with a creamy sour cream sauce, they become utterly irresistible. Every time I serve them, there’s a chorus of requests for the recipe. Get the recipe.

Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Mascarpone

creamy-shrimp-risotto.
Scarlati Family Kitchen.

This Creamy Shrimp Risotto with Mascarpone gives you a restaurant-style dinner at home. Mascarpone adds extra richness to the risotto, while succulent shrimp make it a meal. Perfect for a date night in! Get the recipe.

A Month’s Worth Of Easy Lean Weekday Lunches

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Photo credit: Shannon Emery.

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Making your own lunch allows you to control the quality of ingredients, portion control, and monitor your macros, fat, protein, or whatever you might be focusing on. Let us help you with take-along lunches so that you can fuel yourself throughout the day. There are vegan and vegetarian options, ones you can heat up, and others that you eat on-the-go. We even have a meal-prep bowl that is completely made with 4 convenience ingredients! Here’s to your health!

READ: A Month’s Worth Of Easy Lean Weekday Lunches
Rotisserie Chicken: A Versatile Ingredient For 20 Quick And Easy Meals

Rotisserie chicken.
Image credit New Africa via Shutterstock.

Rotisserie chicken is not just a convenient grab-and-go option; it’s a culinary asset waiting to boost your meals to new heights. Whether you’re pressed for time on a busy weeknight, or seeking inspiration for creative dishes, the humble rotisserie chicken can be the magic ingredient that transforms your time in the kitchen. Here are 20 tantalizing recipes showcasing the versatility of rotisserie chicken. From pot pies to several chicken salads (simple and fancy), to lasagna, enchiladas, twice-baked stuffed potatoes and more. Click here for recipes.

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Author

  • Dede Wilson Headshot Circle

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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