Hey there, shrimp lovers! Ever found yourself staring at a container of leftover cooked shrimp in your fridge, wondering what the heck to do with it? Trust me, I’ve been there too! As someone who frequently cooks way too much shrimp (oops!), I’ve learned tons of creative ways to transform those tasty leftovers into completely new meals.
Why You Should Save Those Leftover Shrimp
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s be real – shrimp ain’t cheap! So throwing away leftover shrimp is like tossing money in the trash. Plus, cooked shrimp can stay good in your fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly That’s plenty of time to turn them into something amazing!
Quick Storage Tips
- Keep leftover shrimp in an airtight container
- Store in fridge at 40°F or below
- Use within 3-4 days
- Don’t freeze already cooked shrimp (gets rubbery!)
Awesome Ways to Repurpose Leftover Shrimp
1. Quick & Easy Dishes (Under 15 Minutes)
- Shrimp Salad Sandwich
- Mix with mayo, dill, parsley
- Add diced cucumbers & black pepper
- Serve on croissants or bread
- Stuffed Avocados
- Halve avocados
- Mix shrimp with lime juice & cilantro
- Add hot sauce to taste
- Stuff mixture into avocado halves
2. Hot & Comforting Meals
-
Shrimp Scampi
- Sauté garlic in butter
- Add white wine & broth
- Toss with pasta
- Ready in 15 mins!
-
Shrimp Fried Rice
- Perfect for using leftover rice too!
- Add veggies of your choice
- Season with soy sauce
- Great for meal prep
3. Cold Dishes & Party Apps
-
Classic Shrimp Cocktail
- Arrange on platter
- Serve with cocktail sauce
- Easy peasy party pleaser!
-
Zesty Lime Shrimp Salad
- Mix with avocado
- Add cherry tomatoes
- Dress with lime juice
- Perfect summer lunch!
My Fave Comfort Food Transformations
4. Creamy & Cozy Options
-
Shrimp Chowder
- Perfect for cold days
- Add potatoes & corn
- Make it creamy with heavy cream
- Pro tip: Don’t freeze (potatoes get weird)
-
Coconut Shrimp Curry
- Super flavorful
- Use coconut milk
- Add your fave curry paste
- Serve over rice
5. Party-Perfect Dips
-
Shrimp Scampi Dip
- Creamy & cheesy
- Great with crackers
- Keto-friendly option
- Always disappears first at parties!
-
Louisiana Style Shrimp Dip
- Spicy & creamy
- Add Cajun seasoning
- Perfect gameday snack
- Serve with tortilla chips
Quick & Easy Stir-Fry Ideas
- Basic Garlic Shrimp
- Sweet & Sour Style
- Spicy Cajun Version
- Asian-Inspired with Veggies
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t overcook when reheating – shrimp gets tough!
- Add shrimp last when making soups or stir-fries
- Pat dry before using in cold dishes
- Season carefully – already cooked shrimp has salt
My Personal Fave Recipe
Here’s my go-to quick lunch with leftover shrimp:
15-Minute Shrimp & Avocado Bowl
- Chop leftover shrimp
- Mix with diced avocado
- Add cherry tomatoes
- Squeeze fresh lime
- Drizzle with olive oil
- Season with salt & pepper
- Optional: add hot sauce
Y’all, it’s so good and takes literally minutes to throw together!
Common Questions I Get
Q: Can I freeze leftover cooked shrimp?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it – texture gets weird
Q: How long will leftover shrimp last?
A: 3-4 days in fridge when stored properly
Q: Best way to reheat without making them rubbery?
A: Quick heat in pan with butter or add to hot dishes last minute
Wrapping It Up
There ya have it – no more wondering what to do with those leftover shrimp! From quick lunches to fancy party apps, these ideas will help you use up every last bit of those precious crustaceans.
Remember, the key is not overcooking them when reheating. Nobody likes rubbery shrimp! And don’t be afraid to get creative – shrimp is super versatile and works in tons of different dishes.
Got any awesome leftover shrimp recipes of your own? Drop ’em in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Happy cooking,
[Your name]
P.S. Don’t forget to pin this for later – you’ll thank yourself next time you’ve got leftover shrimp hanging out in your fridge!
Baked Leftover Shrimp Recipes
This Baked Coconut Shrimp dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s also great for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.
To make this baked coconut shrimp dish, coat your juicy shrimp in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Then dip them in some beaten eggs, followed by a coating of shredded coconut.
Bake in a preheated oven until the leftover shrimp are crispy and golden brown. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and a dipping sauce of your choice!
The shrimp in this dish is marinated with spices like cumin, Italian seasoning, and fresh lemon. Then it’s threaded through vibrant veggies that give an exciting flavor profile to the quick dinner!
To make them, thread your shrimp onto skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using).
Grill over medium-high heat until the leftover shrimp are pink and slightly charred. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce or serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice.
The best shrimp tacos you will ever try. They’re loaded with avocado, spicy jalapenos, and the most delicious slaw! They’re perfect for a quick lunch or light Monday dinner idea.
I like to sauté some garlic and onion in a bit of oil. Add my shrimp and cook until they are pink. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Serve on soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. I like to top mine with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
Invite your friends over for an appetizer that is both easy and delicious. The perfect way to start off any party, these bacon-wrapped shrimp are sure not only to impress but also fill up quickly! They’re perfect for a quick appetizer or light meal.
To make them, wrap each shrimp in a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the bacon-wrapped shrimp for about five minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy.
Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Serve these bacon-wrapped shrimp with your favorite dipping sauce!
The foil-packet shrimp is a quick and easy method for making delicious, tender grilled, or sauteed seafood. You can also bake these packets to make them more of an appetizer-style dish that will be sure not to disappoint!
It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Just heat some veggies in a bit of oil, then add cooked shrimp. Wrap everything up in foil and bake for about 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
This spicy cajun shrimp recipe is great for spice lovers! It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Sauté some veggies in a bit of oil, then add cooked shrimp.
Season with Cajun seasoning and cook for about 10 minutes.
Make a sweet and sour sauce by mixing together equal parts pineapple juice, ketchup, and brown sugar.
Sauté some garlic and onion in a bit of oil. Add your garlic shrimp and cook until they are pink. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, chop them up into bite-sized pieces. Serve on soft tortillas with your favorite toppings. I like to top mine with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
Shrimp Stir Fry Recipes
This shrimp scampi recipe is so easy and takes under 30 minutes to make. It’s deliciously saucy and perfectly rich with a buttery flavor that will have you step into dinner heaven!
To make shrimp scampi, sauté some garlic in a bit of oil. Then add your shrimp and cook until they are pink. Add a splash of white wine and some chicken broth, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
Once the sauce has simmered, add a bit of butter to thicken it up. Serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of cooked pasta and enjoy!
Pad Thai is a popular dish in America, Thailand, and beyond. This fast version has an appealing combination of sweet-sour flavors that will have your mouth watering for more!
To make shrimp pad Thai, the first step is to sauté some garlic and ginger in a bit of oil. Then add your cooked shrimp and cook for a minute or two. Next, add your noodles and sauce, or other fresh ingredients and cook until the noodles are tender.
Finish it off with a sprinkle of green onions and serve.
This leftover shrimp recipe is a classic for a reason, and a great way to use up leftover shrimp. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
To make shrimp Alfredo, reheat your shrimp in a bit of butter until they are pink. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
Once they are cooled, chop them up into bite-sized pieces.
In a large pot, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it is cooked, drain it and add it back to the pot.
Add a bit of butter and some heavy cream to the pasta and stir until combined. Then add your shrimp and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This shrimp fried rice recipe is a lifesaver when you want to make dinner but don’t have time or just need something quick and tasty. It’s made with homemade ingredients that will taste way better than anything from your local Chinese restaurant!
It’s quick and easy to make, and you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Start by sautéing some veggies in a bit of oil, then add cooked fried rice and leftover shrimp. Give it a good stir and you’re done!
If you want to make this dish even more hearty, you can add some diced chicken or pork. Leftover shrimp fried rice is a great way to use up those pesky shrimp leftovers!