Best Instant Pot Shrimp Recipes

Today, we want to share some of our favourite Instant Pot shrimp recipes you can make at home. Shrimp is one of the most versatile ingredients that pair well with any cuisine for fast healthy meals that are packed with flavor. From cajun shrimp broil to Indian curry or from pasta to stir-fry, this seafood ingredient works with any dish you crave or spices in your pantry. 

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“Shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, sauté it…” said Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue (1994’s Forrest Gump). He couldn’t be more right. Shrimp is so versatile in all the dishes you can incorporate them in. They cook fast. Sometimes a little too fast, so you have to be careful not to overcook them. They also have a bit of sophistication to them when you see them added to a menu.

What’s the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns?

Often you will see shrimp and prawns interchangeable on a menu or in conversation. Since they are similar in texture and no distinctive flavor difference, most people assume it is just terminology that differs based on region alone for the same crustacean.

Shrimp and prawns actually live in different types of water. Shrimp are marine creatures, while prawns live strictly in freshwater. Shrimp are smaller than prawns in most cases. They have slightly different anatomies. Prawns have branching gills, claws on three pairs of their legs and second pincers that are larger than their front ones.  Shrimp have lamellar gills, claws on two pairs of their legs, and their front pincers are typically their largest. Prawns lack the distinct bend in their bodies that are seen with shrimp.

For the purpose of cooking, both shrimp and prawns can be used and the methods are the same.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin, which promotes brain and heart health. Many people are deficient in iodine which is required for proper thyroid function and brain health. Shrimp is one of the best food sources of iodine. It is also a good source of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It is low in calories, providing only 84 calories in a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving.

An overview of the nutrients in a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of shrimp:

• Calories: 84
• Protein: 18 grams
• Selenium: 48% of the RDI
• Vitamin B12: 21% of the RDI
• Iron: 15% of the RDI
• Phosphorus: 12% of the RDI
• Niacin: 11% of the RDI
• Zinc: 9% of the RDI
• Magnesium: 7% of the RDI

More information on Is Shrimp Healthy? Nutrition, Calories and More.

Purchasing Shrimp

When purchasing raw shrimp, the shells should be translucent greyish-green, pinkish-tan or light pink in colour. If it has blackened edges or black spots on the shells this may indicate a lack of quality. Raw and cooked shrimp should have a mild, “ocean-like” or salty smell, but it if has an overwhelming “fishy” or ammonia-like odour then it is most likely spoiled and not safe to eat. Also, make sure your shrimp is firm in texture.

If you’re on the budget, frozen raw or cooked shrimp is an excellent choice and once defrosted, tastes and cooks in the same way as the fresh stuff.

Now, that we’ve covered some shrimp basics, let’s get you inspired with these delicious, healthy Instant Pot shrimp recipes.

Instant Pot Shrimp Curry Goan-Style

This is a hot prawn curry with origins from the beaches of Goa, a state on the southwestern coast of India. It is simple to prepare but has complex flavors and a little chili spice to keep every bite interesting and exciting. Serve with rice, cauliflower rice or some naan bread. This recipe is from  Madhur Jaffrey’s Instantly Indian Cookbook.  Get this recipe on our blog here.

TOMATO GARLIC SHRIMP (PALEO, WHOLE30)

Cooked from frozen, this tomato garlic shrimp dish can be made in 15 minutes using the Instant Pot. It’s gluten-free, paleo, Whole30 and low-calorie and can be served with a variety of sides. Recipe from Instant Pot Eats.

World’s Easiest Instant Pot Frozen Shrimp

Just throw a bag of frozen shrimp into the Instant Pot, add water, lemon juice, and Old Bay. Then stir it up and turn on the Instant Pot. It is possibly the easiest recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Recipe from The Garlic Diaries.

Easy Instant Pot Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

The comfort of noodles with the spicy-sweet wow-factor of the Asian spiced shrimp in 8 minutes. The sauce is made with mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. In one bite it will hit you with flavor. Recipe from A Spicy Perspective.

Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella

The great thing about this recipe is that you don’t even have to defrost the shrimp. To avoid shrimp from getting rubbery is short cooking time and using jumbo frozen shrimp with shell on. This will ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked. To get this meal on the table even faster, prep your ingredients ahead of time by chopping the onions, peppers, and garlic. Recipe from My Forking Life.

Creamy Instant Pot Chipotle Shrimp Soup

Instant Pot Chipotle Shrimp Soup is really hearty and filling. And it’s also thick enough that you might even call it a chowder. The Chipotle adds that spicy touch and is counter-balanced by the cream. The word Chipotle comes from Mexico and means ‘smoked chili pepper’ in the Aztec language. Recipe from Paint The Kitchen Red.

Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli

The most popular stir fry take out dish is probably shrimp and broccoli. This one is healthier, better than take-out and faster with pressure set to 0 minutes. Serve over white rice, and garnish with sesame seeds. Recipe from Little Sunny Kitchen.

Pressure Cooker Lemon Butter Shrimp & Orzo Dinner

This incredibly easy dump meal calls for sauteing some onion and garlic in a little bit of butter then tossing in the frozen vegetables, orzo pasta, frozen shrimp and chicken stock. Set it for 3 minutes on high pressure. After releasing the pressure, you can choose to shell them before serving. Top with lemon juice and some fresh parsley. Recipe from The Creative Bite.

Instant Pot Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits no longer have to be a southern thing. It’s so good everyone needs to have a bowl. It has unexpected ingredients that work deliciously together. Just garnish with some bacon because that always makes things better. Recipe from Southern Kitchen.

Indonesian Shrimp Fried Rice

Cold rice is the secret for the best-fried rice, so if you can make the rice a day beforehand and chill it in the fridge overnight. The Indonesian sauce here is perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors. Recipe from What’s Cooking Chicago.

Instant Pot Shrimp Broil

A true cajun crawfish broil is memorizing seeing a long table filled with a smorgasbord of corn, potatoes, mushrooms, sausage, and crawfish. It’s a community eating style experience like no other. But if you have no access to crawfish and prefer eating on a plate, then this recipe will satisfy your craving for some cajun tradition. Recipe from Damn Delicious.

Orzo With Shrimp, Tomato, and Feta

The most mouthwatering combination of shrimp, tomatoes, and feta creates a rich tomato sauce, fragrant with parsley and dill herbs. It is a simple and hearty meal, with lots of Mediterranean flavor as well as many health benefits. Recipe from What’s In The Pan.

Lemon Shrimp Risotto with Vegetables and Parmesan

This risotto is cheesy, creamy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep! Arborio rice is paired up with asparagus and spinach ingredients, but you can also mix it up and add chicken, mushrooms, or peas. Recipe from Stay Snatched.

Shrimp with Honey Garlic Sauce

Enjoy sticky and sweet pressure cooker shrimp over some rice. The honey garlic sauce infuses into the shrimp after pressure cooking so there is no need for marinating. What a time saver! Recipe from Tip Buzz.

Coconut Cilantro Curry Shrimp

There are only a few ingredients in this easy shrimp recipe, mainly including coconut, cilantro, and curry. Make this low-carb, keto, paleo, and whole30 recipe in your slow cooker or Instant Pot today. Recipe from Fit Slow Cooker Queen.

Shrimp & Spaghetti Squash Fra Diavolo (21 Day Fix)

The 21 Day Fix is a nutrition and fitness program that uses color-coded, portion-controlled containers along with daily workouts to promote weight loss. This Instant Pot Shrimp and Spaghetti Squash Fra Diavolo fit right into that program. It’s also gluten-free & dairy-free. Recipe from The Foodie and The Fix.

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