Want to add some variety to your dinner routine while keeping it healthy? Look no further than our collection of healthy shrimp recipes! From zesty stir-fries to spicy soups, these recipes are packed with protein, flavor, and all the good-for-you nutrients your body needs. Plus, with shrimp being quick and easy to cook, they're perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Grab your apron and get ready to tantalize your taste buds with some delicious and healthy shrimp recipes! Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a way to add more protein and nutrients to your diet, shrimp is a fantastic ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences.
From grilling to sautéing, broiling to stir-frying, there's no shortage of mouth-watering options to choose from. So, let's dive in and discover some fabulous ways to cook up a storm with this amazing crustacean!
To read my best tips and tricks for cooking shrimp, along with spice rubs and marinades, be sure to read the tips below the recipes.
Jump to:
- Best Shrimp Recipes for Dinner
- Roasted & Baked Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes
- Skillet Shrimp Recipes
- Shrimp Noodle and Pasta Recipes
- Shrimp Tacos and More
- Shrimp Soup & Salad Recipes
- Shrimp Pizza, Foil Packets and More
- Tips for cooking healthy shrimp recipes:
- How long should I cook shrimp?
- Cooking Methods:
- How to season shrimp
Best Shrimp Recipes for Dinner
Grilled Shrimp Recipes
Roasted & Baked Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes
Skillet Shrimp Recipes
Shrimp Noodle and Pasta Recipes
Shrimp Tacos and More
Shrimp Soup & Salad Recipes
Shrimp Pizza, Foil Packets and More
Tips for cooking healthy shrimp recipes:
- Choose fresh or frozen shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used to create healthy meals. Fresh shrimp should be used within two days of purchase, and frozen shrimp should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
- Avoid processed shrimp: Processed shrimp, such as breaded or battered shrimp, can be high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and calories. Choose fresh or frozen shrimp instead and avoid processed options.
- Season with herbs and spices: Adding herbs and spices to your shrimp dishes can add flavor without adding salt or unhealthy fats. Try seasoning with garlic, ginger, basil, or lemon juice.
How long should I cook shrimp?
- One of the keys to cooking shrimp is to not overcook it. If you've ever had a rubbery shrimp, you know what I mean! That is the direct result of overcooking.
- When blanching the shrimp in salted water, large shrimp cook in about 1 minute. I typically use this method when incorporating the shrimp into a pasta salad. Once cooked, strain the shrimp and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop it from cooking further.
- When cooking in a skillet or on the grill, cook the shrimp over medium-high heat to achieve a nice seared texture. One to 2 minutes per side usually does the trick.
Cooking Methods:
GRILLING: Grilled shrimp is a healthy and flavorful way to cook shrimp. Marinate the shrimp in your favorite marinade, skewer the shrimp, and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked. Or rub the shrimp with a spice mixture before cooking.
BAKING: Baking shrimp is a healthy and easy way to cook shrimp. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, brush with oil, season with herbs and spices, and bake for 6-8 minutes at 400°F until cooked through.
BROILING: Broiling shrimp is a quick and easy way to cook shrimp. Place the shrimp on a broiler pan, brush with oil, season with herbs and spices, and broil for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked.
SAUTÉING: Sauteed shrimp is a healthy and delicious way to cook shrimp. Heat oil in a skillet, add the shrimp, season with herbs and spices, and saute for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
STIR-FRYING: Stir-fried shrimp is a healthy and flavorful way to cook shrimp. Heat oil in a wok or skillet, add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Add vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and onions for added nutrition.
How to season shrimp
When it comes to seasoning shrimp, spices, herbs and marinades are your best friends. They do a fantastic job of adding depth and complexity to the flavor of shrimp.
Herbs & Spices
Some popular spices and herbs to use with shrimp include paprika, cumin, garlic, ginger, thyme, rosemary, and basil, to name a few. You can use these spices and herbs to create dry rubs or marinades that infuse your shrimp with flavor and juiciness.
Marinades
Marinades are also a great way to add flavor and moisture to shrimp. A basic marinade consists of an acid, such as citrus juice or vinegar, oil, and spices or herbs. The acid helps to break down the proteins in the shrimp, making it tender and juicy, while the oil and spices add flavor.
For a quick marinade, mix together some olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your favorite spices and herbs, then toss in your shrimp and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Marinating shrimp in acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can help to tenderize the protein and infuse it with flavor. However, it's important not to marinate shrimp for too long in acidic marinades, as the acid can actually begin to "cook" the shrimp and make it tough and rubbery.
A good rule of thumb is to marinate shrimp in acidic marinades for no longer than 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the shrimp. Larger shrimp can handle a longer marinade time than smaller ones. If you want to marinate shrimp for longer than an hour, it's best to use a non-acidic marinade that won't break down the proteins in the shrimp.
It's also essential to keep the shrimp refrigerated while it's marinating, as leaving it out at room temperature can increase the risk of foodborne illness. After the shrimp is done marinating, discard the marinade and cook the shrimp immediately, either by grilling, sautéing, or any other cooking method you prefer.
This post was first published on February 25, 2019. Updated on April 5, 2023.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Receitas
OMG I luv shrimp!!! Tnks for sharing
Jane
Love, love