Hey there fellow food lovers! Got some cooked shrimp sitting in your fridge and wondering what to do with it? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with these super tasty and easy recipes that’ll make your cooked shrimp shine! As someone who’s always experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve tried countless ways to use up leftover shrimp, and these are my absolute favorites.
Quick Storage Tips Before We Start
Before diving into the recipes let’s make sure we’re storing that shrimp right
- Keep in fridge: Up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freeze it: Up to 6 months (use freezer bags with air squeezed out)
- Never refreeze: Once thawed, gotta use it!
15 Mouthwatering Recipes for Your Cooked Shrimp
1. Quick Shrimp Tacos
This is my go-to weeknight dinner! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked shrimp
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded cabbage
- Diced avocado
- Fresh lime
- Your fave salsa
- Cilantro (if you’re into it!)
Just warm those tortillas, toss shrimp with lime juice, and pile everything on. Boom – dinner in 10 minutes!
2. Creamy Shrimp Pasta
Super simple but feels fancy
- Cooked shrimp
- Your choice of pasta
- Garlic (lots!)
- White wine or broth
- Butter
- Parsley
- Parmesan
Cook pasta, make quick sauce, toss it all together. Easy peasy!
3. Shrimp Fried Rice
Perfect for using up leftover rice too
- Cooked shrimp
- Day-old rice
- Eggs
- Mixed veggies
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
4. Fresh Shrimp Salad
My fave healthy lunch:
- Cooked shrimp
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Avocado
- Light vinaigrette
5. Shrimp Quesadillas
Kids love these!:
- Cooked shrimp (chopped)
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Spices
6. Shrimp Scampi
A classic made easy:
- Cooked shrimp
- Linguine
- Garlic butter sauce
- White wine
- Lemon
- Parsley
7. Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup
Perfect for chilly days:
- Cooked shrimp
- Coconut milk
- Red curry paste
- Ginger
- Lime
- Rice noodles
8. Shrimp and Grits
Southern comfort food:
- Cooked shrimp
- Quick grits
- Cheese
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Hot sauce
9. Easy Shrimp Spring Rolls
Fresh and light:
- Cooked shrimp
- Rice paper
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Herbs
- Peanut sauce
10. Greek Shrimp Pitas
Mediterranean vibes:
- Cooked shrimp
- Pita bread
- Feta
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Tzatziki
11. Shrimp Po’ Boys
New Orleans style:
- Cooked shrimp
- French bread
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Remoulade sauce
- Pickles
12. Shrimp Cobb Salad
Filling and fresh:
- Cooked shrimp
- Lettuce
- Bacon
- Egg
- Avocado
- Blue cheese
- Ranch dressing
13. Shrimp and Mango Salsa
Perfect summer app:
- Cooked shrimp
- Mango
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Jalapeño
14. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Great for picnics:
- Cooked shrimp
- Shell pasta
- Mayo
- Celery
- Red onion
- Dill
15. Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Light but satisfying:
- Cooked shrimp
- Lettuce leaves
- Water chestnuts
- Carrots
- Hoisin sauce
- Sriracha
Pro Tips for Working with Cooked Shrimp
- Don’t overcook when reheating! Just warm it through
- Add lots of fresh herbs and citrus for best flavor
- Pat dry before using in recipes
- Season well – precooked shrimp can be bland
- Cut larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces for even heating
Quick Reheating Methods
- Microwave: 30-second bursts, covered
- Skillet: Quick toss with oil
- Oven: 300°F, covered, 10 mins max
We hope these recipes help you turn that cooked shrimp into something amazing! Remember, cooking should be fun and these recipes are just starting points – feel free to mix things up and make them your own. Got any awesome shrimp recipes to share? Drop ’em in the comments below!
Happy cooking, friends!
Would you like me to explain or break down any of these recipes in more detail?
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!
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.
How to Cook Already Cooked Shrimp Safely & to Retain Flavour?
FAQ
What is cooked shrimp good for?
- Shrimp is a popular type of crustacean (shellfish) that can be healthy since it’s low in calories and high in protein. …
- Choosing protein from shrimp over some other types of animal protein may lower mortality risk. …
- Shrimp is also a source of astaxanthin, which is an antioxidant.
Is it okay to fry already cooked shrimp?
Precooked shrimp do not need much time to fry since they are already cooked and just need to be heated through.
What other recipes can I make with shrimp?
- Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry. Cooking shrimp in a stir-fry is a natural fit for these juicy little crustaceans. …
- Old Bay Shrimp and Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner. …
- Shrimp Scampi En Papillote. …
- Greek Shrimp. …
- Steamed Shrimp.
Can you still cook already cooked shrimp?
Can You Fry Already Cooked Shrimp? Of course, you can! Already cooked shrimp is, well, already cooked, so you don’t have to wonder if it’s already finished. However, for this recipe, it’s much better, flavor-wise, to use uncooked shrimp. It’s definitely up to you on whether or not you want to use cooked shrimp.