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28 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Eat All the Shrimp

From salads and tacos to pasta (yes, really!), these are some of the healthiest ways to incorporate shrimp into your weeknight rotation.

By Zee Krstic and Gabriella Vigoreaux

Jul 29, 2021

Mike Garten

Some home cooks may get nervous about adding fresh shrimp into their weeknight routine — but good cooks know that shrimp recipes are actually among the easiest to perfect, and that this lean protein is a cost-effective solution for a busy family. There must be a thousand different ways to dress up a plate of shrimp, and since fresh shrimp is fired up in a matter of minutes, it's a great option for those who need to put dinner on the table in a flash. At its core, shrimp is low in calories and high in essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and minerals like iron. It's almost too easy to make healthy dinners under 500 calories when pairing fresh shrimp with piles of crunchy vegetables and plenty of whole grains, all drizzled in a homemade sauce to boot.

Frozen shrimp can be even more time-effective for those in a rush, and you can keep sodium counts low if you shop for natural, non-processed varieties. While you can certainly buy peeled and deveined shrimp from your local grocery store, frozen varieties that are left in their shells may actually be even more flavorful when it comes time for cooking. You'll need some time to defrost them (run them under cold water first!), but prepping and cleaning a whole plate of shrimp can be done in less than 10 minutes.

If you're hunting for a lighter lunch (perfect for healthy deskside takeout!) or for a wholesome dinner for the whole family, this collection of our healthiest shrimp recipes are full of good options to satisfy everyone. Whether you choose to bake, sautée, stir-fry, or grill them, shrimps will soon be the MVP of your weeknight dinner routine. Check out even more healthy seafood recipes once you've mastered these dishes.

Mike Garten

Charred Shrimp, Leek, and Asparagus Skewers

At 370 calories each, these skewers give you plenty of room to enjoy a favorite side dish or salad. Or simply grab two: The spring veg and succulent shrimp are truly twice as nice on the second time around.

Get the recipe for Charred Shrimp, Leek, and Asparagus Skewers »

Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Red Curry Shrimp and Cilantro Rice

You'll only need 4 minutes to perfectly sear your shrimp, which rests atop bok choy and fluffy rice.

Get the recipe for Red Curry Shrimp and Cilantro Rice »

Mike Garten

Roasted Feta Shrimp and Polenta

It may look fancy, but this shrimp and polenta recipe with oregano, garlic, red peppers, capers and white wine is easy enough to make on a weeknight.

Get the recipe for Roasted Feta Shrimp and Polenta »

Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Shrimp Packets With Kale Couscous

Forget the pots and pans — all you need to serve this protein-rich dinner is a few sheets of tinfoil. Grill up these fresh veggies and plump shrimp to perfection in just 25 minutes.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Packets With Kale Couscous »

Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Shrimp Boil With Sausage and Spinach

This 20-minute dinner keeps saturated fats and sodium to a minimum by swapping in turkey kielbasa for fuller-fat sausage. Served with a bed of spinach, corn, and potatoes, this seasoned shrimp is too good to resist.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Boil With Sausage and Spinach »

Thai Style Shrimp with Coconut Noodles - Good Luck Foods

Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Thai-Style Shrimp and Coconut Noodles

Baby bok-choy basically melts into this steaming hot broth, full of coconut milk, seafood stock, and fresh ginger notes. It's a perfect guilt-free alternative to takeout.

Get the recipe for Thai-Style Shrimp and Coconut Noodles »

Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Roasted Cumin Shrimp and Asparagus

Simply beautiful and light, cumin and cayenne pepper add a punch of flavor to an otherwise scaled-back shrimp dinner.

Get the recipe for Roasted Cumin Shrimp and Asparagus »

Charred Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This salad is basically a tropical vacation in a bowl. We can't get over the luscious chunks of fresh avocado, the bite of crunchy watercress, or the half-moon cucumbers.

Get the recipe for Charred Shrimp and Avocado Salad »

Mike Garten

Shrimp Boil Foil Packs

Hack your way through a classic shrimp boil by heading outside and using the grill instead. Six ingredients is all you need for this handy meal-in-a-pouch.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Boil Foil Packs »

Full Shrimp Rolls

The fresh carrot salad here pulls all the best elements of a classic banh mi into play: gochujang, scallions, mayo, and radishes, too. Make this even healthier by choosing whole wheat buns.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Rolls »

Danielle Occhiogrosso Daly

Mini Shrimp Rolls

Take a classic summertime favorite on the go with these highly portable shrimp rolls. We used mini potato rolls here, but you could even slice Hawaiian rolls or other dinner rolls in a jiffy.

Get the recipe for Mini Shrimp Rolls »

christmas appetizers shrimp and curry potsickers

Mike Garten

Shrimp Curry Potstickers

These better-for-you dumplings sneak in a full serving of vegetables thanks to grated zucchini. While they can also be steamed, pan-frying them with a side of 0ur Thai-inspired dipping sauce is sure to please any party.

Get the recipe for Shrimp Curry Potstickers »

Danielle Occhiogrosso

Red Curry Shrimp and Noodles

Coconut milk and curry paste are a match made in spicy noodle heaven. Feel free to power through your whole bowl's worth — this meal skimps on calories at just 460 per serving.

Get the recipe for Red Curry Shrimp and Noodles »

Mike Garten

Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi

Scampi is already a perfect, but a heavy dose of green never hurt anyone. Add fresh zucchini and garlic for a new take on this all-time favorite.

Get the recipe for Shrimp and Zucchini Scampi »

Emily Kate Roemer

Chutney-Glazed Shrimp With Lentils

Mango chutney, used here for a seriously addictive glaze, is the secret ingredient your pantry needs.

Get the recipe for Chutney-Glazed Shrimp With Lentils »

Mike Garten

Vietnamese Shrimp and Vegetable Rolls

The crunch of julienned carrots and Granny smith apples will definitely turn heads in this updated classic. The best part? These beauties are super fun to make!

Get the recipe for Vietnamese Shrimp and Vegetable Rolls »

Christopher Testani

Saucy Creole Shrimp

Can't book a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? This is the next best thing: Creole seasoning and Louisiana hot sauce will transport your taste buds on a first-class experience.

Get the recipe for Saucy Creole Shrimp »

Mike Garten

Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Pro taco tip: Add some chopped apple to your pico de gallo for an unexpected bite.

Get the recipe for Chipotle Shrimp Tacos »

Mike Garten

Citrusy Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados

Sorry bread bowls — avocados might be our new favorite edible vessel. This Instagram-friendly lunch is ready in 15 minutes.

Get the recipe for Citrusy Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados »

Kate Mathis

Roasted Shrimp Scampi

This take on a popular Italian restaurant pick gets a diet-friendly upgrade: It calls for olive oil instead of butter.

Get the recipe for Roasted Shrimp Scampi »

Con Poulos

Caramelized Chile Shrimp

A stir-fry of easy-prep ingredients is perfect for a night when you need to eat, fast. Bonus: Save the leftovers for delicious lunch.

Get the recipe for Caramelized Chile Shrimp »

Con Poulos

Italian Spiced Shrimp

This shrimp and rice dish combines oregano, basil and red pepper flakes to channel its Italian roots.

Get the recipe for Italian Spiced Shrimp »

James Baigrie

Fettucine With Lemony Shrimp

This triple-tested pasta dinner serves six, so invite some friends over for a bite to eat. It pairs excellently with a glass of white.

Get the recipe for Fettucine With Lemony Shrimp »

Kate Mathis

Shrimp and Spicy Tomatoes

Ready in 30 minutes, this recipe features Israeli couscous, green beans, carrots, tomatoes and crushed red pepper for a little heat.

Get the recipe for Shrimp and Spicy Tomatoes »

Courtesy of The Lemon Bowl

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice

This "rice" is made from actually tiny bits of cauliflower, which means you could eat two servings and still feel fabulous!

Get the recipe from The Lemon Bowl »

Courtesy of Damn Delicious

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp

All you need is garlic and cheese. We love serving these bite-sized treats to friends and guests (don't forget the toothpicks!).

Get the recipe from Damn Delicious »

Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp in Coconut Milk.

If you can't take a vacation to South America, at least your taste buds can.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest »

Courtesy of Foodness Gracious

Grilled Caesar Salad With Shrimp

Give grilled chicken the night off. Grilling a whole head of romaine lettuce alongside this shrimp makes prep work that much easier.

Get the recipe from Foodness Gracious »

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Zee Krstic Health Editor Zee Krstic is the health editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends, and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle.