Easy Shrimp Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family
Shrimp is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It's packed with protein, cooks quickly, and is incredibly versatile. This post will provide you with three delicious and easy shrimp dinner recipes perfect for the whole family, even picky eaters! We'll focus on simplicity and flavor, minimizing prep time and maximizing deliciousness.
Recipe 1: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
This classic is a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly easy to make. The rich garlic butter sauce coats the perfectly cooked shrimp and linguine, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook linguine according to package directions.
- Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds), being careful not to burn it.
- Add shrimp and wine: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. If using, add white wine (or broth) and let it simmer for a minute, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Combine and serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to combine and serve immediately.
Recipe 2: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
This recipe minimizes cleanup with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Everything cooks on one pan!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
- Tortillas, your favorite toppings (salsa, sour cream, guacamole)
Instructions:
- Prep the ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss shrimp, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
- Roast: Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Recipe 3: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A healthy and quick option packed with nutrients. This stir-fry is ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Stir-fry vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender-crisp.
- Add shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and broccoli and stir-fry for another minute, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve over cooked rice.
These easy shrimp dinner recipes are perfect for busy weeknights. They are all adaptable to your family's preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy! Remember to adjust seasoning to your liking! Happy cooking!
