Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been experimenting with frozen tiny shrimp in my kitchen lately, and let me tell ya – these little guys are total game changers! Not only are they super budget-friendly, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Today, I’m gonna share my favorite ways to transform those frozen tiny shrimps into mouthwatering dishes.
Why Choose Frozen Tiny Shrimp?
Before we dive into the recipes, here’s why I always keep a bag (or three!) in my freezer:
- Super convenient – They thaw really quick when you need ’em
- Budget-friendly – Way cheaper than their bigger cousins
- Always fresh – Frozen right after catching means locked-in flavor
- Healthy option – Packed with protein and nutrients
- Versatile – Works in practically any dish!
18 Delicious Recipes Using Frozen Tiny Shrimp
1. Quick & Easy Shrimp Scampi
This is my go-to weeknight dinner! Just sauté those tiny shrimps in garlic butter sauce and toss with pasta. Done in 20 mins flat!
2. Coconut Curry Shrimp
Want something with a kick? Try this
- Simmer shrimp in coconut milk
- Add curry powder and turmeric
- Serve over fluffy rice
- Garnish with fresh cilantro
3. Zesty Shrimp Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got better! Load up tortillas with:
- Lime-seasoned tiny shrimp
- Fresh avocado
- Shredded cabbage
- Cilantro lime crema
4. One-Pan Shrimp Fried Rice
I love this recipe cuz it uses up leftover rice
- Stir-fry veggies
- Add day-old rice
- Toss in thawed shrimp
- Season with soy sauce
- Mix in scrambled eggs
5. Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp
Perfect party appetizer! Crispy shrimp tossed in sweet-spicy sauce – your guests will beg for the recipe!
6. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Y’all, this is genius:
- Throw everything on one pan
- Add corn, potatoes, sausage
- Season with Old Bay
- Roast till perfect
7. Fresh Shrimp Ceviche
- “Cook” shrimp in lime juice
- Mix with diced tomatoes
- Add red onion and cilantro
- Chill for 1 hour
- Serve with tortilla chips
8. Garlic Shrimp Pasta
A 20-minute dinner winner
- Sauté shrimp in garlic butter
- Toss with al dente pasta
- Add parmesan cheese
- Finish with fresh herbs
9. Easy Spring Rolls
These are perfect for lunch:
- Rice paper wraps
- Tiny shrimp
- Rice noodles
- Fresh veggies
- Peanut dipping sauce
10. Sheet Pan Fajitas
No mess, no fuss:
- Season shrimp and veggies
- Spread on sheet pan
- Roast till done
- Serve with tortillas
11. Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Perfect for summer picnics:
- Cook orzo
- Add tiny shrimp
- Mix in olives, tomatoes
- Toss with Greek dressing
12. Quick Stir-Fry
Ready in 15 mins:
- Stir-fry broccoli
- Add shrimp
- Pour in sauce
- Serve over rice
13. Shrimp Quesadillas
My kids’ favorite:
- Layer cheese and shrimp
- Add Mexican seasonings
- Grill till crispy
- Serve with guac
14. Creamy Shrimp Soup
Perfect for cold days:
- Sauté aromatics
- Add broth
- Stir in shrimp
- Finish with cream
15. Thai-Style Lettuce Wraps
Healthy and delicious:
- Season shrimp
- Make ginger-lime sauce
- Wrap in lettuce
- Add crunchy veggies
16. Gumbo
Southern comfort in a bowl:
- Make dark roux
- Add trinity veggies
- Simmer with sausage
- Add shrimp at end
17. Greek Pasta Salad
Great for meal prep:
- Cook pasta
- Add Mediterranean veggies
- Mix in shrimp
- Dress with vinaigrette
18. Simple Shrimp Skewers
Perfect for grilling:
- Thread tiny shrimp
- Brush with marinade
- Grill till pink
- Serve with dipping sauce
Pro Tips for Cooking Frozen Tiny Shrimp
Here’s what I’ve learned from my kitchen experiments:
-
Thawing:
- Overnight in fridge is best
- Quick thaw under cold water works too
- Never use hot water!
-
Prep Tips:
- Pat dry before cooking
- Remove tails if desired
- Season well but don’t overdo it
-
Cooking Times:
- They cook super fast – like 3 mins max
- Look for pink color
- Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery
Storage Tips
- Keep frozen until ready to use
- Store thawed shrimp in fridge for 1-2 days max
- Use within 3 months of freezing for best quality
The Bottom Line
Y’all, frozen tiny shrimp are seriously underrated! They’re perfect for quick meals, fancy appetizers, and everything in between. Just remember to keep things simple – these little guys shine with minimal fuss.
I’d love to hear your favorite ways to cook frozen tiny shrimp! Drop a comment below and share your go-to recipes. And don’t forget to pin this for later – trust me, you’ll want to try all these recipes!
Happy cooking, friends!
Note: These recipes have been tested in my kitchen, but feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste. And always make sure your shrimp are fully cooked before eating!
Switch things up with simple sauces
I don’t know what marketing team decided tuna was the “chicken of the sea,” but I think that title should go to shrimp. Not because because shrimp looks or tastes anything like poultry—it doesn’t—but they both function as veritable blank canvases, and take well to a wide range of seasonings and sauces. Our Broiled Ginger and Yogurt Shrimp is tender and tangy-sweet, with a light smokiness and gentle zing from a combination of grated ginger, paprika, and lemon zest. Moroccan Harissa Garlic Shrimp—based on crevettes pil pil that home cook Houda Mehdi demonstrated for us in her kitchen in Fes, Morocco—is stewy and spicy, with cloves, cumin, and coriander, sweet-tart tomatoes, bright lemon, and cilantro. And our Shrimp in Poblano Chili and Cilantro sauce (inspired by the classic Mexican fish dish pescado en salsa poblano) is earthy, verdant, and surprisingly creamy, with moderately-spicy peppers pureed with cilantro, alliums, and Mexican crema. Then there is the shrimp I will not shut up about: Grilled Gochujang Shrimp with Scallions. It’s a perfect shrimp dish. Sweet, spicy, tangy, and packed with umami—I make it at least once a week, and think everyone should do the same.
How to Turn a Bag of Frozen Shrimp Into Dinner Name Email Address Recipient Name Recipient Email Address Personal Message
In addition to frozen corn and some sort of ice cream product, one thing you’ll always find in my freezer is a bag of frozen shrimp. It’s the perfect protein for those “don’t know what to make” evenings, and it pairs with almost any vegetable, starch, or sauce. It’s also astoundingly quick-cooking (and quick-thawing—just follow the instructions on the bag—which is just as important). Our Spanish tapas-inspired
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
What are the very tiny shrimp called?
Dwarf shrimp are the most prominent and also the most popular among them. They have found their way into the aquaria and into the hearts of their keepers in almost all the world. With over 290 species, shrimp of the genus Caridina are one of the most diverse groups within the Atyidae family.
What to do with tiny dried shrimp?
Rebon are super-tiny dried shrimp, so tiny they look totally insubstantial. They’re often used as a seasoning, or made into a shrimp paste. Rebon is rich in protein, calcium and iron, and is a delicious ingredient for rempeyek (crispy crackers), abon (floss), sambal, and other dishes.
What are baby shrimp used for?
Baby shrimp, due to their extra-small size, may not be the kind of thing you would want to batter and deep-fry, but they lend themselves well to being used in salads (hence the alternate name of salad shrimp).
Can you cook shrimp if it’s still a little frozen?
It is entirely possible to cook shrimp from frozen. In fact is done quite frequently in restaurants all across the world. Cooking from frozen just takes a little longer. When you put the frozen shrimp in the steamer, check them after a couple of minutes.