If you’re planning your meals for the week, shrimp makes it simple and delicious. These 13 shrimp meal prep ideas bring flavor, variety, and ease to your table.
Each recipe is quick to prepare and stores well, so you can enjoy healthy, protein-packed meals any day. Shrimp’s versatility means there’s something for everyone.
From bold seasonings to light, fresh bowls, these ideas keep your week stress-free and tasty. Let’s check out the delicious options!
1. Shrimp Taco Meal Prep Bowls
This Shrimp Taco Bowl is a Mexican-inspired favorite, filled with tender shrimp, fresh veggies, and zesty seasonings.
It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to pack for meal prep, bringing a festive touch to your weekly meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup brown rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese
– Juice of 2 limes
– 2 tbsp taco seasoning
– Salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste
Process:
– Cook the brown rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
– In a bowl, toss the shrimp with taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper; let marinate for 10 minutes.
– Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
– Assemble in containers: layer rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, shrimp, and top with cheese and a lime wedge.
To make it unique, swap in mango salsa for a tropical twist that nods to Caribbean seafood traditions. Think of it as a mini vacation in your lunchbox.
Tip: Use fresh cilantro for garnish to keep that authentic zing, and reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
2. Honey Garlic Shrimp with Brown Rice and Lemon Snap Peas
This Asian-inspired shrimp stir-fry combines a sweet and savory glaze with a hint of citrus. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and brings a fresh twist to your meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup brown rice
– 2 cups snap peas
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Sesame seeds for garnish
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Process:
– Prepare brown rice in an Instant Pot or stovetop as per instructions.
– Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and zest for the sauce.
– Sauté snap peas in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, seasoning with salt and pepper.
– In the same pan, add shrimp and pour in the sauce; cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are glazed and cooked through.
– Portion into bowls with rice, peas, shrimp, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Uniqueness comes from adding a dash of chili flakes for heat, echoing Thai seafood curries.
Suggestion: For meal prep longevity, store sauce separately to prevent sogginess. It’s a small step that keeps the flavors popping like fresh-caught shrimp.
3. Garlic Shrimp and Veggies Meal Prep Bowls
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a Mediterranean-inspired dish, made with tender shrimp, fresh garlic, and a touch of olive oil.
It’s light, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with garden vegetables or pasta for a simple meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 zucchinis, sliced
– 2 bell peppers, chopped
– 1 onion, sliced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
– 1 tsp Italian herbs
– Salt, pepper, and lemon wedges
Process:
– Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add garlic, onions, zucchini, and bell peppers; sauté for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften.
– Toss in shrimp and Italian herbs, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
– Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
– Divide into containers for easy grab-and-go.
Make it stand out by incorporating olives or feta, channeling Greek island feasts.
Tip: Opt for wild-caught shrimp for that authentic ocean taste. This low-carb option is perfect for paleo diets. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to revive the garlic aroma.
4. Garlic Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
These shrimp meal prep bowls bring a Latin American coastal touch, inspired by the bright flavors of ceviche.
Fresh shrimp is cooked, then tossed with zesty lime for a safe and easy twist. It’s light, refreshing, and full of citrusy flavor that keeps well for the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup brown rice
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Juice and zest of 2 limes
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 onion, diced
– Optional: diced tomatoes and jalapeños
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Process:
– Cook brown rice, then stir in cilantro, lime zest, onion, and half the lime juice while warm.
– Marinate shrimp in garlic, remaining lime juice, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
– Heat oil in a pan and sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.
– Add optional tomatoes and jalapeños for the last minute if desired.
– Layer rice and shrimp in containers.
Unique twist: Infuse with coconut milk for a Brazilian moqueca flair.
Suggestion: This gluten-free gem packs 33g of protein per serving. Eat cold for a refreshing lunch or warm it up, and always pat shrimp dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
5. Honey Garlic Lime Sesame Shrimp
This Sticky Shrimp Meal Prep takes inspiration from Korean flavors, with a sweet and spicy glaze that coats each bite.
The sesame dressing adds a nutty depth, balancing heat with a touch of sweetness. Easy to portion and full of bold flavor, it’s a tasty way to change up your weekly meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– Juice of 2 limes
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Sesame seeds
– Optional sides: quinoa or mixed greens
– Salt and pepper
Process:
– Whisk honey, lime juice, sesame oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
– Coat shrimp and let sit for 10 minutes.
– Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear shrimp for 2 minutes per side.
– Simmer in remaining marinade for 1-2 minutes to glaze.
– Serve over quinoa or salad in prep containers.
Elevate uniqueness with grated ginger, evoking Japanese izakaya snacks.
Tip: At just 15 minutes total, it’s speedy, toast sesame seeds for extra crunch. This 33g protein powerhouse is great for fitness buffs. Store in airtight containers to maintain that glossy sheen.
6. Blackened Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice and Avocado Salsa
These Cajun Shrimp bring bold Louisiana flavor with a smoky, spiced crust.
Seasoned with classic Cajun spices, they cook quickly and pack a punch in every bite. They’re hearty, flavorful, and a perfect way to add Southern flair to your meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup brown rice
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 avocados, diced
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– Cajun seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne)
– Olive oil
Process:
– Cook rice, then mix with cilantro and lime juice.
– Season shrimp generously with Cajun mix.
– Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet and blacken shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side.
– Prepare salsa by combining avocados and tomatoes.
– Assemble: rice base, shrimp, and salsa on top.
Unique spin: Add pineapple for a Hawaiian poke influence.
Suggestion: The avocado adds healthy fats and perfect for no-reheat days. Use a hot pan for that signature char, and this 22g protein bowl celebrates seafood’s spicy side.
7. Shrimp Summer Roll Meal Prep
These Vietnamese spring rolls, or goi cuon, feature tender shrimp wrapped with fresh herbs, rice noodles, and crisp vegetables.
Light and refreshing, they’re served with a savory dipping sauce that adds the perfect balance. They bring coastal flavors to your table while keeping the meal simple and wholesome.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked shrimp, halved lengthwise
– 8 rice paper wrappers
– Lettuce leaves, cucumber, carrots, cabbage (shredded)
– Fresh herbs (mint, basil)
– Peanut hoisin sauce for dipping
Process:
– Boil or sauté shrimp until cooked, then cool and halve.
– Soften rice paper in warm water one at a time.
– Layer lettuce, veggies, herbs, and shrimp in the center.
– Roll tightly like a burrito.
– Store in containers with a damp towel to prevent drying; include sauce separately.
Make it unique with mango slices for a Thai twist.
Tip: At 177 calories, it’s light. Practice rolling for neatness, and this no-cook (post-shrimp) prep is ideal for hot days. Dip in sauce just before eating for that cultural burst.
8. Shrimp Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo
This Shrimp Poke Bowl is inspired by the Hawaiian classic, swapping raw fish for cooked shrimp.
Served over rice with fresh toppings, it’s colorful, hearty, and full of texture. It’s a safe and tasty way to enjoy poke flavors any day of the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– Shredded carrots, cucumber slices
– Pickled onions
– Fresh herbs
– Spicy mayo (sriracha mixed with mayo)
– Olive oil, salt, pepper
Process:
– Cook jasmine rice and let cool.
– Sauté shrimp in oil with salt and pepper for 3-4 minutes.
– Prepare veggies: shred carrots, slice cucumber, pickle onions if needed.
– Assemble bowls: rice base, veggies, herbs, shrimp, and drizzle with spicy mayo.
Uniqueness: Top with seaweed for umami depth.
Suggestion: 20-minute quickie with immune-boosting rice. Store mayo separate for crispness. This engaging bowl invites experimentation with your favorite veggies.
9. Honey Sriracha Shrimp Veggie Stir-Fry
This Shrimp Stir-Fry is a Chinese-inspired favorite, pairing tender shrimp with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce.
Cooked quickly in a hot wok, it’s flavorful, colorful, and satisfying. With bold seasonings and fresh ingredients, it’s a simple dish that brings big taste to your table.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, bell peppers (2 cups mixed)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp sriracha
– 1 cup jasmine rice
– Garlic, soy sauce
– Olive oil
Process:
– Cook jasmine rice.
– Stir-fry veggies in oil for 4-5 minutes.
– Add shrimp, garlic, honey, sriracha, and soy sauce.
– Cook until shrimp are done, about 3 minutes.
– Portion over rice.
Unique with bamboo shoots for authenticity.
Tip: 19g protein and fiber-rich, adjust sriracha for heat tolerance. This 20-minute stir-fry is a meal prep staple for busy seafood lovers.
10. Mexican Shrimp with Brown Rice and Beans, Plus Elote Salad
This Shrimp Elote combines juicy shrimp with smoky, cheesy Mexican street corn for a bold and flavorful bite.
Seasoned with chili, lime, and cotija cheese, it’s creamy, tangy, and satisfying. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, it brings a festive touch to your week.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, marinated in ancho chile and cumin
– 1 cup brown rice
– 1 can black beans
– Corn, onions, peppers for salad
– Mayo-lime dressing
– Olive oil
Process:
– Cook rice and mix with beans.
– Marinate and sauté shrimp for 4 minutes.
– Prepare elote salad: mix corn, onions, peppers with mayo and lime.
– Assemble: rice-beans base, shrimp, salad side.
Uniqueness: Grill corn for smoky depth.
Suggestion: Gluten-free with 27g protein & yields 5 meals. Use fresh herbs to brighten, celebrating Mexican coastal feasts.
11. Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Bowl
This Deconstructed Sushi Bowl takes inspiration from Japan’s sushi bars while adding the bold flavors of American-style rolls.
With fresh fish, crisp veggies, and a spicy kick, it’s a fun twist on a classic. Easy to prepare and full of color, it brings together the best of both cultures in one delicious bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, flour-coated and crispy
– Sushi rice
– Cucumber, red pepper, nori, sesame
– Sauce: sriracha-mayo-ketchup
Process:
– Cook sushi rice.
– Coat shrimp in flour and fry or bake until crispy.
– Mix sauce.
– Chop veggies and nori.
– Assemble: rice, veggies, shrimp, sauce drizzle.
Uniqueness: Add wasabi for heat.
Suggestion: PF Chang’s vibe with 25g protein. Store sauce separate; this fun bowl engages sushi fans with easy prep.
12. Greek Shrimp Bowls
These Mediterranean Shrimp are inspired by the flavors of the Greek islands.
They’re seasoned with oregano, garlic, and fresh herbs for a light, aromatic taste. Paired with a squeeze of lemon, they bring a bright and refreshing touch to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, marinated
– Zucchini, bell peppers
– Rice base
– Oregano, paprika
– Lemon-garlic yogurt
Process:
– Marinate shrimp in oregano, paprika, lemon.
– Sauté with zucchini and peppers for 5-7 minutes.
– Cook rice.
– Top with yogurt sauce.
– Portion accordingly.
Make it unique with feta crumbles.
Tip: 30 minutes, 23g protein, probiotic yogurt. Rreheat or eat cold; this bowl transports you to seafood-rich Greece.
