How to Cook Frozen Shrimp: 6 Easy Methods for Perfect Results Every Time

Hey there! I’m a chef who’s cooked thousands of shrimp dishes, and I’m gonna share my tried-and-true methods for cooking frozen shrimp that’ll give you restaurant-quality results every single time. No more rubbery, overcooked shrimp – I promise!

Quick Answer

You can cook frozen shrimp directly without thawing using 6 methods air fryer stovetop, instant pot pan-frying, oven broiling, or steaming. Each method takes 5-10 minutes depending on shrimp size.

Choosing the Best Frozen Shrimp

Before we dive into cooking methods. here’s what to look for when buying frozen shrimp

• Get IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) shrimp – they cook more evenly
• Avoid bags with ice crystals (means they’ve been thawed/refrozen)
• Pre-peeled and deveined saves tons of prep time
• Size matters! Larger shrimp need longer cooking times

Cooking Times for Different Methods

Here’s a handy reference table I’ve put together:

*Instant Pot timing starts after pressure builds (about 10-15 mins total)

6 Best Ways to Cook Frozen Shrimp

1. Air Fryer Method (My Favorite!)

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F
2. Place frozen shrimp in basket
3. Cook raw shrimp 10 mins, pre-cooked 5 mins
4. Flip halfway through
5. Season after cooking

Pro tip: I love adding garlic powder and smoked paprika right when they come out – the heat helps the seasonings stick better!

2. Stovetop Boiling

1. Fill pot 3/4 with water
2. Bring to boil
3. Add seasonings (salt, peppercorns, bay leaves)
4. Drop in frozen shrimp
5. Cook 2-7 mins until they float
6. Drain immediately

My secret: Throw in a halved lemon while boiling – adds amazing flavor!

3. Instant Pot Steaming

1. Place steamer basket in pot
2. Add 1 cup water
3. Add frozen shrimp
4. Set to “High” for 0 mins
5. Quick release when done
6. Season and serve

4. Pan Frying

1. Heat oil/butter in pan
2. Add aromatics (garlic, shallots)
3. Add frozen shrimp
4. Cook 4-5 mins until pink
5. Season to taste

5. Oven Broiling

1. Preheat broiler on High
2. Season shrimp
3. Arrange on baking sheet
4. Broil 5-8 mins
5. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking

6. Steaming

1. Boil 1 inch water in pot
2. Place steamer basket
3. Add frozen shrimp
4. Steam 5-6 mins
5. Season after cooking

My Favorite Seasoning Blend

For 1/2 pound shrimp:

• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne (if ya like heat!)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan/basket
• Never cook frozen shrimp in cold water
• Don’t forget to flip/stir for even cooking
• Don’t overcook (they get rubbery real quick!)
• Season after cooking for best flavor

How to Tell When Shrimp is Done

Here’s the foolproof way I check:

• Color changes from gray to pink
• Shape forms a loose “C” (if it’s a tight “O”, it’s overcooked)
• Meat becomes opaque

Tips for Best Results

1. Don’t thaw unless recipe specifically requires it
2. Pat dry if using pan-fry method
3. Season after cooking for most methods
4. Use high heat for better texture
5. Have an ice bath ready if making shrimp cocktail

Storage Tips

• Keep frozen until ready to cook
• Store cooked leftovers up to 3 days in fridge
• Don’t refreeze after cooking

FAQ

Q: Can I really cook them straight from frozen?
A: Yep! Actually prefer it – keeps ’em juicier!

Q: What about the shells?
A: Can cook with shells on – adds flavor but takes longer to cook

Q: My shrimp got rubbery, what happened?
A: Probably overcooked – they only need a few minutes!