Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ever just craving something delicious but totally dread the idea of a massive ingredient list and a kitchen that looks like a tiny tornado hit it? Yeah, me too! That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) with you. Seriously, these are a lifesaver when you want amazing flavor without all the hassle. I remember my first dinner party in my tiny Brooklyn kitchen, stressing over every little thing, but I learned that the best meals can come from just a few simple, fresh ingredients. My friends were so happy with those quick-garlic shrimp, and it taught me that “no fuss” doesn’t mean “no flavor.” Trust me, great food doesn’t need to be complicated!
By ALEXANDRA BENNET Urban Forager & Hyperlocal Ingredient Specialist
Why You’ll Love These 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
You’re going to absolutely adore this recipe. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without actually breaking a sweat. Here’s why it’s become a go-to in my house:
- Super Speedy: Seriously, we’re talking about a delicious meal on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those weeknights when you’re starving and have zero energy.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: We use just a handful of things, but wow, do they pack a punch! Especially that burst of garlic and spice.
- Truly ‘No Fuss’: The title says it all! No fancy techniques, no obscure ingredients. Just simple steps for a fantastic dinner.
- Versatile and Delicious: This dish is just plain good. Whether you need a quick dinner after a long day or want something impressive for guests, it fits the bill.
Gather Your Ingredients for 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Okay, let’s get everything ready! The beauty of these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) is how straightforward the shopping list is. You likely have most of this in your pantry already! We’ll break it down into two main parts: the creamy grits and the zesty shrimp topping.
For the Grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups corn grits (preferably stone-ground for that awesome texture!)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for tasting
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For the Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, sliced (both the white and green parts!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes, with their juices
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (use your favorite!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen work fine!)
- 1-3 dashes hot sauce, like Tabasco (this is optional if you like a little kick!)
- Lemon wedges and fresh cilantro for serving (totally optional, but lovely!)
Simple Steps to Prepare Your 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Alright, time to make some magic happen! This is where those simple ingredients really shine, and you’ll see just how quick and easy these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) truly are. Grab your large saucepan and skillet – let’s get cooking!
Cooking the Creamy Grits
First up, the grits! In your big saucepan, pour in the chicken broth, add the corn grits and salt. Turn the heat to high and bring it all to a boil, giving it a good stir now and then. Once it’s bubbling away, turn the heat down to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s wonderfully creamy and tender. You want it just right!
Sautéing the Flavor Base
Now, switch gears to your skillet. Melt that tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced green bell pepper, those sliced green onions, and your minced garlic. Give it a quick sauté for just about 2 minutes. You don’t want the veggies mushy, just tender enough to start releasing that amazing aroma.
Simmering the Shrimp Mixture
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes (grab those juices, too!), the Cajun seasoning, and that half cup of chicken broth. Let this delightful mix simmer for about 5 minutes. Now for the stars of the show: add your peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for just 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them! Give it a little taste and add more salt if needed. For more amazing shrimp ideas, check out our shrimp and grits recipe!
Assembling and Serving Your Shrimp Dish
This is the fun part! Spoon those glorious, creamy grits right into your bowls. Then, generously top the grits with that flavorful shrimp and veggie mixture. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you’re using it. For an extra zing, serve with a few lemon wedges on the side and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. It’s that simple!
Tips for Success with Your Shrimp Recipe
Even with a recipe this easy, a few little tricks can make your 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) absolutely sing. Don’t worry, they’re all super straightforward! First off, when it comes to your shrimp, use what you’ve got! Fresh is great, but frozen works like a charm too. Just pop them in some cold water for about 15 minutes to thaw, drain ‘em, and pat them dry. Oh, and those stone-ground grits? They really do make the grits taste and feel way better, but any corn grits will work in a pinch. A big one for me is tasting and seasoning as you go – don’t be shy with the salt! If your grits get a little too thick, just stir in a splash more broth or cream. Too thin? Let ‘em simmer a bit longer. And please, please don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook super fast and go from perfect to rubbery in seconds. For more awesome ideas, you totally have to check out our other recipes.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about making these 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss) work perfectly for *you*. Sometimes finding the exact ingredient can be a quest, right? For the grits, stone-ground ones are fantastic for that rustic, super-creamy texture, but if you can’t find them, regular corn grits are totally fine. Just follow the package directions for cooking time. And Cajun seasoning? Every brand has its own little spice blend! Feel free to use your favorite – some are spicier, some are herby. If you’re not a fan of heat, you can skip the optional hot sauce, or dial it way back. The goal is delicious, easy eating, so play around with it!
Frequently Asked Questions about 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Got questions about whipping up these super simple 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)? I get it! Here are a few things folks often ask:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are totally fine for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start. The easiest way is to pop them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Once they’re thawed, drain them really well and give them a quick pat dry with a paper towel. They’ll cook up just as beautifully!
How long does it really take to make this quick dinner?
That’s the best part! These are genuinely a quick dinner. We’re talking about taking you from start to serving in about 40-45 minutes total. The grits cook while you prep the shrimp stuff, and then it all comes together super fast. It’s perfect for when you need something delicious ASAP!
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries if you’re out of Cajun seasoning! You can make your own quick version. Just mix a little paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Or, just use a bit of paprika and a pinch of cayenne for some color and mild heat. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I add more garlic? I love garlic!
YES! If you’re a fellow garlic lover like me, please, go ahead and add more! Mince up an extra clove or two and toss it in with the bell peppers and onions. Garlic is practically a superfood, and it makes everything taste better, right? Just an extra sauté time of about 30 seconds to a minute to avoid burning.
Nutritional Information
Please keep in mind that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. This recipe is a good source of protein and offers a balanced mix of carbs and healthy fats. Enjoy!
- Calories: Approximately 624
- Protein: Approximately 39g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 57g
- Fat: Approximately 27g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 16g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 261mg
- Sodium: Approximately 1788mg
- Potassium: Approximately 815mg
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Sugar: Approximately 6g
Share Your Culinary Creations
Alright, now that you’ve hopefully made a batch of these fantastic 25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss), I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try it? What did you think? Drop a comment below, give it a rating if you feel inspired, or tell me how you tweaked it on social media! I’m always super curious to see how everyone’s kitchen adventures turn out. You can even reach out via my contact page if you have specific questions or just want to share a kitchen win! Happy cooking!
25-Ingredient Shrimp Recipes (No Fuss)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large saucepan, combine broth, corn grits, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, bring down to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until creamy and cooked through.
- Once the grits are done, remove them from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Cover to keep warm.
- In a skillet, melt the butter. Add the bell pepper, green onions, and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until the pepper is tender.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with their juices, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the shrimp, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked through. Season with salt to taste.
- Spoon the grits into bowls, top with the shrimp mixture, and sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve with hot sauce and lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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Urban Forager & Hyperlocal Ingredient Specialist
My Brooklyn apartment balcony tells my story: vertical gardens packed with wild edibles, fermentation crocks bubbling with city-foraged greens, and the constant hum of dehydrators preserving herbs I’ve collected from unexpected urban corners. What started as weekend escapes to my aunt’s upstate farm during my Columbia botany studies turned into something bigger after I earned my Urban Ecology Master’s from The New School.
Instead of following traditional academic paths, I discovered that cities are actually amazing edible ecosystems—rooftop weeds, park-edge wild greens, vacant lot treasures that perfectly complement keto eating. Who knew that some of the best low-carb foods were growing right under our noses in Manhattan?
My recipe collections celebrate city seasons: spring dandelions and plantains, summer purslane from rooftops, autumn rose hips from community gardens, winter wild onions and cress. I’m certified through the New York Mycological Society and trained by Brooklyn Botanic Garden to forage safely and ethically. Over 180 of my recipes feature at least one urban-foraged ingredient—from sidewalk plantains to sumac berries and wild mint thriving in vacant lots.
My “Metropolitan Wild” column went viral after my dandelion coffee substitute hit social media. Now my weekend “Urban Wild Walks” through Central Park and Prospect Park sell out faster than I can schedule them. I teach city dwellers to spot safe, keto-friendly wild foods hiding in plain sight.
Currently, I’m partnering with local chefs to bring urban foraged elements to restaurant menus and developing an app that maps safe foraging spots across all five boroughs. Evenings find me tending my sourdough starters, pressing flowers for natural dyes, or weaving baskets from willow branches I collect during park maintenance.
Cities are wild food sanctuaries hiding in plain sight—keto eating becomes urban rebellion when you realize how much free, perfect nutrition grows right under our feet.