Kid Friendly Shrimp Recipes

These kid friendly shrimp recipes make it easy to prepare a delicious seafood dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy. These delicious, simple, easy recipes feature kid friendly flavors that limit complaining and make dinnertime a peaceful time.

When it comes to seafood and picky eaters, it can be tricky. However, shrimp usually tends to be a seafood option that even picky eaters eat, provided the flavors are simple.

Over the years, I've made all kinds of shrimp recipes, and I've put together a list of the recipes that even kids seemed to enjoy. Hopefully, it helps you make a delicious dinner that will leave everyone satisfied.

Why These Shrimp Recipes are Kind Friendly

For the most part, these shrimp recipes use simple ingredients and limited flavors. A few of these recipes do have a bit of spice or bolder flavors, but all of them have been served to picky eaters in my family with rave reviews.

The key to keeping recipes kid friendly is keeping things simple. Cream sauces, red sauces, basic vegetables, and limited seasonings all have their place in kid friendly recipes. So go for shrimp recipes that have these hallmarks.

All of these recipes have been put through their paces with picky eaters, and all of them have passed the test with various kids.

Why Kids will Love These Shrimp Recipes

Simple Ingredients: Kids tend to run for the hills when they see anything they think is even remotely out of the ordinary. All of the ingredients in these recipes are simple and kid friendly.
Basic Flavors: Even the most exotic recipes on this list, like our Tex-Mex shrimp, are still made with basic flavor. For example, if your kids like tacos, they'll probably like Tex-Mex shrimp.
Kid Friendly Texture: These recipes are made with noodles, sauces, and other ingredients that have textures routinely eaten by picky eaters.

Why You'll Love These Kid Friendly Shrimp Recipes

Simple Ingredients: Kids love simple ingredients because they understand them. You'll love them because you don't have to track down any specialty items.
Easy to Make: These are all basic, straightforward recipes that can be made quickly and easily.
Flavorful: Although the flavors in these recipes may be basic, they're still delicious and suitable for as much for grownups as kids.
No Dinnertime Wars: These recipes make dinnertime blessedly peaceful.

What Goes with Shrimp

Shrimp is a mild shellfish with a signature ocean flavor that's not overpowering and a texture that's meaty but not rubbery. This combination makes it almost like the chicken of the sea. It goes with almost anything!

Pair shrimp with any of your favorite pastas, rice, or grains. It's also excellent with all kinds of sauces ranging from cream and red sauces to spicy Thai peanut butter sauce and everything in between.

Of course, breads of all kinds can be served with shrimp. Pair it with crusty bread and butter, garlic bread, or almost any of your favorites. You can even make shrimp sandwiches with sub rolls and shrimp in creamy sauce.

FAQ

Is shrimp healthy?

Shrimp is incredibly healthy. It's loaded with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

How do you know when shrimp is done?

Perfectly cooked shrimp should be a pink color and shaped like a C. If it's shaped like an O, it's overcooked.

How do you choose fresh shrimp?

Fresh shrimp should be a bright, glossy color. It should also be firm with a tight tail and a mild smell that is NOT fishy.

Can you use frozen shrimp in place of fresh?

In almost every recipe, frozen and fresh shrimp can be used interchangeably.

How do you defrost shrimp?

Ideally, shrimp should be defrosted slowly in the refrigerator. If you need to defrost is faster, submerge the bag in cold water. NEVER defrost your shrimp at room temperature or in hot water. This promotes bacterial growth and can make the shrimp unsafe to eat.