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    Home / Roundups

    16 shrimp meals that come together faster than rice

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 11, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Weeknights are busy, and I'm always looking for meals that come together quickly without feeling rushed. Shrimp is perfect for this because it cooks fast and adds a lot of flavor with minimal effort. These recipes are my go-to for quick, satisfying dinners that get on the table faster than rice ever could.

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in a bowl.Pin
    Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors, this stir-fry pairs tender shrimp with crisp broccoli for a weeknight meal that's ready in minutes. The combination cooks fast, making it perfect when you want dinner sooner than rice-based dishes. Minimal cleanup and one-pan cooking keep things simple. It works well as a light lunch or a quick family dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

    A hand holding a bacon-wrapped shrimp dipped in a small bowl of sauce, with a green leaf garnish on the side.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    The smoky taste of bacon pairs perfectly with shrimp in this fast-cooking appetizer or main. It comes together quickly, offering a meal that's ready in the time it takes to prepare a simple side. The prep is straightforward, and baking or grilling keeps it hassle-free. It's ideal for entertaining or a quick treat at home.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

    Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl.Pin
    Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This creamy bisque blends sweet corn with shrimp in a warm, comforting bowl that's faster than rice dishes. It's ready in just a short amount of time, making it great for busy nights. The ingredients come together smoothly without much fuss. Serve it as a lunch or dinner starter that feels hearty and homey.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    A bowl of shrimp pasta with lemon and parsley.Pin
    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and pasta cook quickly in this garlic butter dish, making it ideal when time is tight. The rich butter and garlic flavors come together without long prep. It's simple to assemble and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Light enough to enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Shrimp Scampi

    A plate with shrimp and bread on it.Pin
    Shrimp Scampi. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Fast-cooking shrimp shine in this scampi, tossed with a buttery garlic sauce. The meal comes together in the time it would take to boil pasta, making it perfect for quick dinners. Minimal ingredients and steps keep it simple. It's a flavorful option for evenings when convenience matters.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Scampi

    Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork.Pin
    Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey glaze and topped with walnuts create a dish that's ready almost as fast as rice. Quick prep and short cooking time make it ideal for a busy dinner. The textures and flavor contrast are easy to enjoy. It works well as a main course for family meals or casual gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.Pin
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This chilled salad combines shrimp with macaroni and creamy dressing, coming together much faster than a cooked rice dish. Prep is simple, making it perfect for picnics or weeknight lunches. It's ready in minutes and easy to portion. A refreshing, easy-to-serve meal for any time of day.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and other seafood mix with pasta in a light, quick-to-assemble salad. It's ready fast, giving you a meal that beats the time required for rice-based dishes. Simple preparation and minimal cleanup make it convenient. Perfect for potlucks or a quick lunch at home.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.Pin
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This shrimp and tomato pasta comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights. Fresh ingredients and a light sauce reduce prep time while keeping flavors balanced. Cooking is simple, with minimal steps. A reliable choice for a fast, satisfying dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Seafood Pot Pie

    Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.Pin
    Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and other seafood combine with vegetables in a creamy filling, topped with pastry for a cozy meal. It's easier to make than it looks and comes together faster than rice-centered dishes. The baking process is mostly hands-off. It's perfect for a family dinner that feels homey without extra stress.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.Pin
    Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Spicy, crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sauce create a quick meal that's ready faster than rice. Prep and cooking are straightforward, keeping it practical for weeknights. The dish works well as an appetizer or main. It's a bold, fast option when time is short.
    Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

    Shrimp Cucumber Bites

    Three grilled shrimp atop cucumber slices garnished with herbs on a white plate with a red checkered napkin partially in view.Pin
    Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp served on fresh cucumber slices make a light, refreshing snack or appetizer that's quick to assemble. It's ready in minutes, making it faster than most rice dishes. Minimal prep keeps things simple. Perfect for a casual gathering or a fast bite at home.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp grilled on skewers cook quickly, making them ideal for fast meals. Simple seasoning and short cook times keep prep easy. They're great for dinner or entertaining, with minimal cleanup. A reliable choice for a quick, flavorful option.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

    Panko shrimp with dipping sauce.Pin
    Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Coated in panko, shrimp fry quickly to golden perfection, ready faster than a rice dish. The crunchy exterior adds texture without long prep. Easy to cook in a skillet or fryer. Works well for casual dinners or fun snacks.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Fried Panko Shrimp

    Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp

    A skillet with shrimp fried rice mixed with vegetables and scrambled eggs, next to a striped cloth.Pin
    Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Shrimp cooks fast with cauliflower rice in this quick stir-fry-style meal. The dish comes together in minutes, making it convenient for busy nights. Ingredients are simple and prep is minimal. A practical choice when you need a speedy, one-pan option.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp

    Cajun Shrimp and Grits

    A hand holding a fork with seasoned shrimp over a bowl of polenta. A pan with more shrimp is in the background.Pin
    Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Spicy shrimp top creamy grits in a meal that's ready in a fraction of the time it takes to cook rice dishes. Quick-cooking shrimp and simple steps keep prep easy. The dish is hearty enough for dinner without being labor-intensive. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
    Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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