10+ Healthy Shrimp Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Meals
Shrimp is a versatile seafood that you can enjoy in many healthy and delicious ways. Incorporating shrimp into your meals can boost your protein intake while keeping your dishes light and flavorful.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, there are plenty of recipes to suit your needs.
From vibrant stir-fries to savory salads, these healthy shrimp recipes are designed to please your taste buds while maintaining good nutrition. You’ll find options that are easy to prepare and full of fresh ingredients, allowing you to enjoy shrimp without the guilt.
1) Egg-White Shrimp Fried Rice
Egg-white shrimp fried rice is a healthier twist on a classic dish. This recipe uses egg whites instead of whole eggs to keep calories lower while still being tasty. The combination of shrimp, carrots, and snow peas gives you a colorful and nutritious meal.
Start by sautéing your vegetables in a bit of cooking spray. Then, add shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Finally, stir in cooked rice and egg whites, mixing everything so it’s well combined and heated through.
This dish is simple and fast, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, snow peas, etc.)
- 1 cup egg whites
- Cooking spray
- Soy sauce to taste
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Spray with cooking spray.
- Sauté mixed vegetables until tender.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in cooked rice and mix well.
- Add egg whites and stir gently until cooked.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
2) Honey Garlic Shrimp
Honey garlic shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make at home. It pairs well with brown rice and fresh vegetables. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have a healthy meal ready for your family.
The sauce is a mix of sweet honey and flavorful garlic, creating a delicious glaze. You can easily adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
Cooking shrimp is simple, and they cook quickly. Be sure not to overcook them for the best texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pour the honey mixture over the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with green onions if desired.
3) Easy Cajun Shrimp
Easy Cajun shrimp is a quick and tasty dish you can make in a flash. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The spicy Cajun seasoning brings out great flavors in the shrimp.
You only need a few ingredients, making it simple and fun to prepare. Serve it over rice or in tacos, depending on your mood.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.
- Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
4) Shrimp-Kabobs
Shrimp-kabobs are a fun and healthy dish to prepare. They are quick to make and full of flavor. You can use fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions alongside the shrimp for added nutrition and taste.
A simple marinade with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors. Skewering shrimp and veggies makes them easy to grill. You can enjoy them as a meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and veggies to the marinade. Toss to coat.
- Thread shrimp and veggies onto skewers.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
5) Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Creole is a delicious and healthy dish from Louisiana. It’s full of flavor and ideal for a quick weeknight meal. You can make it in one pot, which saves time on cleanup.
The recipe includes shrimp, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and celery. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it over rice for a hearty option.
This dish is packed with nutrients. Shrimp provides lean protein, while the vegetables add vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooked rice for serving
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
- Add onions, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and shrimp. Cook until shrimp are pink, around 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice.
6) Shrimp Gumbo
Shrimp gumbo is a flavorful dish that combines shrimp, spices, and a savory broth. It’s a comforting meal that can warm you up on a chilly day. You can also make it healthier by using leaner meats and fresh veggies.
This recipe often includes ingredients like andouille sausage and okra. You’ll enjoy the blend of textures and flavors. Serve it over rice for a complete meal that is both filling and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 cups chopped onions
- 1 1/2 cups chopped green peppers
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- Spices (Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper to taste)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir to make a roux. Cook until brown.
- Add onions, green peppers, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
- Add the broth and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked rice.
7) Pan Fried Shrimp
Pan-fried shrimp is a quick and tasty meal option. You can enjoy it as a main dish or add it to salads and pasta. This recipe uses simple ingredients to bring out the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Start by heating butter in a pan over medium heat. Add your shrimp, seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
You can pair the shrimp with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a healthy side. This dish is ready in less than 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the butter and let it melt.
- Add the shrimp to the pan.
- Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Serve warm.
8) Healthy Tuscan Shrimp
Healthy Tuscan shrimp is a delicious dish that’s both nutritious and easy to make. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. This meal is great for a quick weeknight dinner.
The shrimp is cooked in a creamy sauce while remaining low in calories. Pair it with some veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve hot.
9) Garlic Shrimp with Lemon
Garlic shrimp with lemon is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of garlic and lemon gives shrimp a bright taste that is hard to resist.
To start, you’ll need fresh shrimp, minced garlic, and lemon juice. You can whip this up in just a few minutes. The shrimp cooks quickly in a hot skillet, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
Serve this dish over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. You will enjoy the burst of flavors packed in each bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
10) Greek Shrimp Bowls
Greek shrimp bowls are a tasty and healthy choice for dinner. You can prepare them in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Start with shrimp marinated in lemon juice and garlic. You can mix in fresh vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Serve everything over a base of rice or quinoa. Top it with feta cheese and a dollop of tzatziki for extra flavor.
You’ll enjoy the mix of flavors and textures in each bite. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients to keep you energized!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, until pink.
- In a bowl, layer rice or quinoa, cooked shrimp, and veggies.
- Top with feta cheese and tzatziki.