12 Best Frozen Shrimp Recipes

Frozen shrimp have become a go-to ingredient for busy home cooks and seafood lovers alike. Affordable, versatile, and quick to cook, they can be transformed into an impressive variety of dishes that suit weeknight dinners or elegant occasions.

Whether sautéed, grilled, baked, or simmered in a rich sauce, shrimp absorbs flavors beautifully and pairs well with everything from pasta to rice, vegetables, and even tacos.

What makes frozen shrimp recipes even more appealing is their convenience—you can keep them stocked in your freezer, ready to thaw and cook in minutes.

Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or an experienced chef looking for new ideas, this list of 12 Best Frozen Shrimp Recipes will bring fresh inspiration to your kitchen. Let’s dive into deliciousness!

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

A savory and buttery classic that’s ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Thaw shrimp under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Squeeze lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot.

2. Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw

Zesty shrimp tucked into tortillas with a cooling cabbage slaw.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Corn tortillas

For Slaw:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

1. Thaw and toss shrimp with spices and salt.
2. Sauté shrimp in a pan over medium-high heat until pink and cooked through.
3. Mix slaw ingredients in a bowl.
4. Warm tortillas and fill with shrimp and slaw.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

3. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta

Rich, garlicky, and loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 8 oz fettuccine
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add shrimp.
3. Once cooked, stir in cream, Parmesan, and pasta water.
4. Add spinach and tomatoes.
5. Toss pasta into sauce and serve hot.

4. Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp

Crispy, golden shrimp with no deep frying required!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Thaw and dry shrimp.
2. Coat in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with seasoning.
3. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Serve with dipping sauce.

5. Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce

Tropical and crunchy with a sweet-spicy dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• Salt to taste

Sauce:

• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce

Instructions:

1. Thaw and dry shrimp.
2. Coat in flour, dip in egg, then coconut and panko mixture.
3. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until golden.
4. Serve with chili sauce.

6. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Perfect for grilling season—light and zesty.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. Thaw shrimp and marinate in lemon, oil, and seasonings for 30 mins.
2. Thread onto skewers.
3. Grill 2–3 mins per side over medium-high heat.
4. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.

7. Shrimp Fried Rice

A quick, one-pan meal that tastes better than takeout.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 3 cups cooked rice (cold)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed veggies
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Sauté shrimp in oil until pink, remove.
2. Scramble eggs in pan, then add rice and veggies.
3. Stir in soy sauce and return shrimp.
4. Cook until heated through, garnish with green onions.

Creamy Shrimp and Grits

Southern comfort with buttery, cheesy grits and spicy shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Cook grits in water and milk until thickened.
2. Stir in butter and cheese.
3. Sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning in butter.
4. Serve shrimp over creamy grits.

9. Shrimp Scampi Over Linguine

Elegant, garlicky shrimp with white wine and butter sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 8 oz linguine
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup white wine
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine and drain.
2. Sauté garlic in butter, add wine and lemon juice.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Toss with pasta and garnish with parsley.

10. Thai Shrimp Curry

A flavorful, coconut-based curry with bold Thai spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 cup bell peppers
• Fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Sauté curry paste, add coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar.
2. Add veggies and simmer 5 mins.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Garnish with basil and serve with rice.

11. Shrimp Caesar Salad

A light yet protein-packed twist on a classic salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 6 cups romaine lettuce
• ½ cup Caesar dressing
• ½ cup croutons
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Black pepper

Instructions:

1. Thaw and sauté shrimp with olive oil and salt.
2. Toss lettuce with dressing.
3. Top with shrimp, croutons, and cheese.
4. Serve immediately.

12. Shrimp Quesadillas

Crispy, cheesy tortillas filled with flavorful shrimp.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen shrimp
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4 flour tortillas
• ½ cup bell peppers (sliced)

Instructions:

1. Sauté shrimp with seasoning and peppers.
2. Place filling and cheese on one tortilla half.
3. Fold and toast both sides until golden.
4. Slice and serve with salsa or sour cream.

Conclusion: Bring Flavor and Simplicity to the Table

Frozen shrimp are a game-changer in the kitchen—easy to store, quick to cook, and endlessly adaptable.

These 12 best frozen shrimp recipes are proof that you can whip up restaurant-worthy meals with just a few pantry staples.

Whether you’re craving a quick taco night or a cozy bowl of shrimp pasta, there’s something here for every taste.