What to Do With Precooked Shrimp: 15 Quick and Easy Recipes

Precooked shrimp can be a convenient ingredient to have on hand for quick and easy meals. However, it’s important to know how to use them properly so they don’t end up bland or rubbery. In this article, we’ll go over some key tips for handling precooked shrimp and share 15 delicious recipes that put them to delicious use!

How to Use Precooked Shrimp

Before jumping into the recipes let’s go over a few pointers for getting the most out of your precooked shrimp

• Thaw properly: Always thaw frozen precooked shrimp overnight in the fridge or in cold water. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Avoid overcooking Precooked shrimp only need brief cooking to heat through. Going beyond that can make them rubbery

• Enhance flavor: Precooked shrimp often lack flavor since they were cooked before seasoning. Marinate them or pair with bold sauces.

• Cook gently: Use quick, gentle cooking methods like sautéing, steaming or simmering in soups/stews. Grilling or high-heat cooking can overcook them.

• Don’t freeze again: Refreezing precooked shrimp deteriorates texture. Only buy what you’ll use up.

Now let’s check out some easy, delicious ways to put precooked shrimp to use!

15 Quick and Easy Recipes Using Precooked Shrimp

1. Cheesy Shrimp Quesadillas

Jazz up quesadillas with shrimp, cheese, salsa and cilantro for a fast and flavorful meal. Just briefly sauté the shrimp with taco seasoning and stuff into tortillas with cheese. Grill until crispy and golden.

2. Easy Shrimp Casserole

In this no-fuss casserole, precooked shrimp is baked with rice, vegetables and a creamy sauce flavored with lemon and dill. It comes together with mostly pantry ingredients.

3. Shrimp Cobb Salad

Transform precooked shrimp into a main-dish salad by pairing it with cubed avocado, chopped hard boiled egg, crumbled bacon, cheese, tomatoes and lettuce. Dress with a tangy vinaigrette.

4. Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup

Simmer precooked shrimp in an aromatic, Thai-inspired coconut milk broth punched up with ginger, lime and red curry paste. Toasted coconut flakes add texture.

5. Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

For a quick version of the classic, simmer precooked shrimp briefly in store-bought Alfredo sauce with fettuccine. Toss in frozen peas right before serving.

6. Easy Shrimp Tacos

Liven up precooked shrimp with lime, chili powder and cilantro and stuff into warmed corn tortillas. Load up the tacos with all your favorite toppings like shredded cabbage, queso fresco and guacamole.

7. Shrimp Salad Sandwiches

Flaked precooked shrimp gets combined with diced celery, chopped red onion and herbs in this easy, no-cook shrimp salad. Stuff it into rolls for a light lunch or pack it into lettuce wraps.

8. Cheesy Shrimp and Grits

Instant grits bulked up with precooked shrimp, onions, garlic and cheese make this quintessential Southern dish a breeze. Serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

9. Shrimp Fried Rice

Transform leftover rice into quick fried rice with precooked shrimp, frozen peas, carrots and eggs. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped scallions.

10. Shrimp Pasta Primavera

Simmer precooked shrimp with mixed summer veggies like zucchini and cherry tomatoes in a white wine, butter and lemon sauce. Toss with pasta for an easy one-pan meal.

11. Creamy Shrimp and Mushroom Soup

Purée a creamy base of milk, broth and flour then simmer precooked shrimp and sautéed mushrooms in it. Finish with sherry and parsley. Make it even quicker with frozen veggies.

12. Shrimp Salad Wraps

Mix flaky shrimp with crunchy veggies, bind with yogurt tartar sauce and spoon into lettuce leaves for a fresh, filling wrap. Add avocado, bacon or feta for extra flavor.

13. Shrimp Spring Rolls

Rehydrate rice paper wrappers in hot water, then fill with shrimp, sliced cucumbers, carrots, lettuce and herbs. Roll up and dip in peanut sauce for an easy appetizer.

14. Greek Shrimp Pita Pockets

Blend precooked shrimp with feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lemon and herbs. Stuff into warm pitas and garnish with tzatziki sauce for a Greek-inspired sandwich.

15. Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo

Make an easy roux with flour and oil then simmer precooked shrimp, sliced sausage and okra in broth flavored with Cajun seasoning. Serve over rice.

Tips for Storing and Handling Precooked Shrimp

Now that you’ve got lots of tasty options for using up precooked shrimp, here are a few final tips on storage and handling:

• Store precooked shrimp in its original packaging in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use within 2 days.

• For longer storage of up to 6 months, transfer to an airtight container and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

• Avoid contact with water during thawing and cooking as it can make the texture mushy.

• If reheating precooked shrimp, use the microwave or simmer very briefly just until heated through.

• Add a marinade, sauce or seasoning and avoid plain reheating to boost flavor.

With the right handling and storage, precooked shrimp can be an awesome ingredient to keep stocked in the fridge or freezer. Whip up one of these easy recipes next time you have a pack handy!