Hey there! I’ve been experimenting with my Instant Pot for years, and I gotta tell ya – cooking shrimp in it is a total game-changer! Today, I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned about getting perfectly cooked shrimp in your Instant Pot, whether you’re starting with frozen or fresh shrimp.
Quick Answer:
For perfectly cooked shrimp in the Instant Pot, follow these cooking times:
- Extra small shrimp (50/60 per pound): 1-2 minutes
- Small shrimp (35/40 per pound): 2 minutes
- Medium shrimp (27/30 per pound): 2 minutes
- Large shrimp (20/25 per pound): 3 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (16/20 per pound): 4-5 minutes
Why Cook Shrimp in an Instant Pot?
Let me tell ya why I absolutely love cooking shrimp in my Instant Pot
- Super Quick: Takes literally 1-5 minutes of actual cooking time
- Perfectly Cooked: No more rubbery, overcooked shrimp!
- Hands-off Cooking: Just set it and forget it
- Great for Frozen Shrimp: No need to thaw first
- Consistent Results: Works great every single time
Basic Instant Pot Shrimp Recipe
Here’s my go-to recipe that never fails
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup water or broth
- Optional seasonings (Old Bay, garlic, lemon juice)
Instructions:
- Pour 1 cup liquid into Instant Pot
- Place shrimp in steamer basket
- Add desired seasonings
- Close lid and set valve to “Sealing”
- Cook on “Steam” setting (times above based on size)
- Quick release pressure when done
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Shrimp
Listen up! Here’s what I’ve learned through trial and error:
DO’s:
- Use frozen raw shrimp when possible
- Keep shells on for more flavor
- Quick release pressure immediately
- Use a steamer basket
- Season before cooking
DON’Ts:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot
- Don’t use pre-cooked shrimp
- Don’t let pressure release naturally
- Don’t skip the liquid
- Don’t stir during cooking
Common Problems & Solutions
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues:
Undercooked Shrimp:
- Add another 1 minute cook time
- Make sure shrimp isn’t overcrowded
- Check if shrimp was too frozen/stuck together
Overcooked Shrimp:
- Reduce cook time next batch
- Make sure you’re quick releasing pressure
- Consider using larger shrimp
Yummy Variations to Try
Want to mix things up? Here’s some of my fave flavor combos
-
Garlic Butter:
- Add 2 tbsp butter
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- Parsley for garnish
-
Cajun Style:
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Lemon juice
- Hot sauce to taste
-
Asian Inspired:
- Soy sauce
- Ginger
- Sesame oil
Storage Tips
If ya happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens at my house!):
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended for cooked shrimp
- Reheating: Just briefly warm to avoid overcooking
Final Thoughts
Cooking shrimp in your Instant Pot is seriously one of the easiest things you can do! Just remember these key points:
- Bigger shrimp = longer cook time
- Always quick release
- Don’t skip the steamer basket
- Season before cooking
Happy cooking!
Note: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot model and altitude. Adjust accordingly based on your results.
Is it better to boil or steam shrimp?
When you steam shrimp, they turn out much more tender compared to boiled shrimp. I prefer steaming over boiled shrimp, personally.
EASY SHRIMP INSTANT POT RECIPES FAQS
Yes! All you have to do to reheat frozen cooked shrimp is press the “Pressure Cook” button or “Manual” button and set the time to ZERO. If you are using frozen raw shrimp, cook for 1 minute on HIGH pressure and check to see if the shrimp are cooked through.
How to Cook Shrimp Perfectly in the Instant Pot (in just 1 MINUTE!)
FAQ
How many minutes do you have to cook shrimp?
The tails will also turn bright red. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until the flesh is totally pink and opaque, and you see no more grey bits. Depending on the size of your shrimp and how many you have in the pan, this will usually take 4 to 5 minutes.
How long does it take to steam raw shrimp?
Steam until the shrimp they curl and turn bright pink. Steam for 4 to 6 minutes for 1 to 2 pounds of shrimp. Immediately remove the steamer from the pot. The shrimp should have changed color and be firm to the touch but still give a little.
How long to steam in an Instant Pot?
The Steam preset in Instant Pot is set to 10 minutes. You can adjust this to 15 minutes maximum and 3 minutes minimum. Your VENT should be in the SEALING position when using this preset mode.
How to cook shrimp in Instant Pot?
Step 1. Add water to the Instant Pot. Step 2. Put the shrimp in the steaming basket accessory, and place the basket in the Instant Pot. Put a glass lid on top. Note: You can either buy the official Instant Pot glass lid, or you can check to see if one of the glass lids from your cookware set works.
How do you Pressure Cook shrimp in an Instant Pot?
In the Instant Pot, stir together the shrimp, butter, water/broth, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. With the steam release knob set to Sealing, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 1 minute. Once the heat builds up, the Instant Pot will pressure cook for 1 minute. When it is finished, turn the pressure release knob to Venting.
How do you add flavor to Instant Pot shrimp?
There are lots of easy ways to add some extra flavor to your instant pot shrimp recipes! Add lemon slices or lime slices to the water. Add lemon juice or lime juice to the water. Marinate the shrimp in lemon or lime juice + garlic powder + salt + pepper for 30-60 minutes before cooking. Sprinkle Old Bay Seasoning on the shrimp before cooking.
How long does it take to cook garlic butter shrimp?
Cooking Time: The actual cooking time for these tasty garlic butter shrimp is less than 5 minutes. Including preparation time, they’re ready to eat in less than 10 minutes. Equipment: All you need is an Instant Pot and a wooden spoon. You can also cook them on the stovetop.
How do you cook shrimp in a crock pot?
Instructions: Turn instant pot to Saute setting. Once hot, add olive oil. Add minced garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 1 minute per side. Pour in broth and lemon juice. Give a quick stir. Secure lid and set to Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 2 minutes.
What does 26/30 mean in Instant Pot shrimp?
The number “26/30” tells you the size of the shrimp. It means there are roughly 26 to 30 shrimp per pound. You can use larger or smaller shrimp for this recipe. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the size of your shrimp. Frozen vs Thawed Shrimp: For the best result, use thawed shrimp for this Instant Pot Shrimp recipe.