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.
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.
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 »
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chutney-Glazed Shrimp With Lentils
Mango chutney, used here for a seriously addictive glaze, is the secret ingredient your pantry needs.
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!
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.
Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
Pro taco tip: Add some chopped apple to your pico de gallo for an unexpected bite.
Citrusy Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados
Sorry bread bowls — avocados might be our new favorite edible vessel. This Instagram-friendly lunch is ready in 15 minutes.
Roasted Shrimp Scampi
This take on a popular Italian restaurant pick gets a diet-friendly upgrade: It calls for olive oil instead of butter.
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