Hey there shrimp lovers! I’m Sarah and today I’m gonna share my tried-and-tested tips for cooking those big, beautiful jumbo shrimp. After years of kitchen experiments (and yes, some epic fails), I’ve finally mastered the art of cooking these delicious crustaceans. Let’s dive right in!
What You Need to Know About Jumbo Shrimp
First things first – let’s talk about what makes shrimp “jumbo”
- Jumbo shrimp typically comes in at 21-25 pieces per pound
- Super jumbo = 16-20 per pound
- Colossal = 15 or fewer per pound
Buying Tips
Before we start cooking, here’s what to look for when shopping
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Both work great! Most “fresh” shrimp was previously frozen anyway
- Shell-on or peeled: Your choice, but I prefer shell-on for more flavor
- Check the ingredient list: Should only say “shrimp” – avoid those with added solutions
- Color: Should look grayish when raw (not yellow or funky-looking)
Prep Work: Getting Your Shrimp Ready
Thawing Frozen Shrimp
- Overnight method: Place in fridge (my preferred way)
- Quick method: Run under cold water in a colander (when I forget to plan ahead )
Cleaning and Deveining
- Remove shells (if desired)
- Make a shallow cut along the back
- Remove that dark vein (it’s actually their digestive tract – yuck!)
- Pat dry with paper towels
Pro tip: Save those shells! They make amazing seafood stock.
4 Foolproof Methods to Cook Jumbo Shrimp
1. Stovetop Sauté Method
This is my go-to method for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: minced garlic, lemon juice
Steps:
- Heat pan over medium-high heat
- Add olive oil
- Place shrimp in single layer
- Cook 3-4 minutes per side
- Add butter at the end
- They’re done when pink and C-shaped!
2. Oven-Roasted Method
Perfect when cooking for a crowd.
Temperature: 400°F
Time: 8-10 minutes total
Steps:
- Toss shrimp with oil and seasonings
- Spread on baking sheet
- Roast until pink and opaque
- Flip halfway through
3. Grilling Method
My favorite summer cooking method!
Steps:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (350-400°F)
- Oil grill grates
- Season shrimp
- Grill 2-3 minutes per side
- Remove when pink and curled
4. Poaching Method
Best for shrimp cocktail!
Steps:
- Bring seasoned water to boil
- Add shrimp
- Cook 6-7 minutes
- Ice bath immediately
- Peel and serve
How to Tell When They’re Done
Here’s the tricky part – nobody wants rubbery shrimp! Look for:
- Color change from gray to pink
- C-shaped curl (not O-shaped – that means overcooked!)
- Opaque meat (not translucent)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Overcrowding the pan
- Walking away while cooking (they cook FAST!)
- Overcooking (seriously, don’t do it)
- Not patting dry before cooking
- Marinating too long (30 mins max!)
Serving Suggestions
Make your jumbo shrimp shine with these pairings:
- Classic cocktail sauce
- Garlic butter sauce
- Over pasta
- In tacos
- On salads
- With grilled veggies
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store in airtight container
- Reheat gently to avoid rubber-city
Final Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the pat-dry step
- Season well
- Keep it simple
- Watch them like a hawk
- Trust your instincts
And there you have it, folks! My complete guide to cooking jumbo shrimp. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making restaurant-quality shrimp at home like a pro. Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this writing about shrimp has made me hungry – time to go fire up my skillet!
P.S. Don’t forget to save those shells for stock – your future risotto will thank you!
#cooking #seafood #dinner #easyrecipes #foodblog
How to shop for shrimp:
- Buy shrimp thats already been peeled and deveined – it makes it so much easier to prep. Up to you if you want the tail on – but I find it makes for a prettier presentation!
- Theres nothing wrong with buying “fresh” or frozen shrimp! Most shrimp has been frozen previously even if its being sold thawed. Either works great. Just be sure that when youre cooking frozen shrimp, you let it really thaw out before putting it over any heat.
How to properly season shrimp:
- You need plenty of seasoning on top of the olive oil and butter. I add plenty of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon juice etc. Shrimp have a mild flavor so they take on whatever flavor youre serving them with. I also love using a seafood seasoning that has everything listed above plus more!!
How to cook jumbo shrimp in 3 min.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook jumbo shrimp?
Is it better to cook or boil shrimp?
Steaming, instead of boiling, is a more gentle method of cooking shrimp. You’re less likely to overcook them, and they will be much more flavorful. (Boiling shrimp leads to a watered down flavor and rubbery texture. No thank you!)
What is the best way to cook frozen jumbo shrimp?
- Bring a saucepan of water to a rapid boil over high heat.
- Remove from heat, let it stop boiling, and wait 5 minutes
- Add frozen shrimp, stir, cover, and wait 5 minutes.
- Drain and serve immediately or stir into a ready-to-serve recipe.
Should I peel jumbo shrimp before cooking?
While it’s technically safe to eat, leaving the matter in will give the shrimp a gritty texture and muddy their flavor; most prefer to remove it before cooking.Jul 19, 2023