Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve got some amazing news that’s gonna make your dinner prep so much easier You absolutely CAN boil shrimp straight from frozen – and I’m gonna show you exactly how to do it! After testing this method countless times in my kitchen, I can tell ya it actually works better than using thawed shrimp Crazy, right?
Why Cooking Frozen Shrimp Works Better
Before we dive into the how-to, let me tell you why this method is seriously awesome:
- Saves tons of time (no more waiting for shrimp to thaw!)
- Reduces risk of bacterial growth from improper thawing
- Results in plumper, juicier shrimp
- Perfect texture every time
- Super convenient for last-minute meals
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you gotta grab
- Frozen raw shrimp (deveined is best!)
- Large pot
- Water
- Salt
- Optional flavor boosters:
- Lemon slices
- Bay leaves
- Black peppercorns
- Old Bay seasoning
- Bowl of ice water (if serving cold)
Choosing the Right Shrimp
Lemme help you pick the perfect shrimp:
- Buy frozen instead of “previously frozen” thawed shrimp
- Look for medium to large sizes
- Make sure they’re deveined
- Either peeled or easy-peel works great
- Avoid shrimp frozen in one big clump
- Check that shrimp move separately in the bag
Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions
-
Fill Your Pot Add enough water to cover the shrimp completely (about 8 cups for 1 pound)
-
Season the Water:
- Add 1 tablespoon salt per 2 quarts water
- Toss in any optional flavoring ingredients
- Pro tip: Don’t skip the salt – it’s crucial for flavor!
-
Bring to Boil:
- Heat water on high until rapidly boiling
- Cover pot to speed things up
-
Add Frozen Shrimp:
- Remove pot from heat
- Let boiling stop
- Drop in your frozen shrimp
- Give ’em a quick stir
-
Cook Time:
- Cover pot
- Let sit OFF THE HEAT for:
- 2-3 minutes for small/medium shrimp
- 5-6 minutes for large shrimp
- 8-10 minutes for jumbo shrimp
-
Check for Doneness:
- Shrimp should be pink and opaque
- They’ll form a loose “C” shape
- If slightly mushy, give ’em another minute or two
Serving Options
For Cold Shrimp (like Shrimp Cocktail):
- Prepare ice bath while shrimp cook
- Transfer cooked shrimp to ice water
- Let cool 2-3 minutes
- Drain and serve
For Hot Shrimp:
- Drain cooking liquid
- Serve immediately
- Perfect for:
- Pasta dishes
- Stir-fries
- Simple lemon-butter sauce
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
After making this recipe like a billion times, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot (cook in batches if needed)
- When in doubt, cook a little longer rather than shorter
- The water should taste noticeably salty
- Keep frozen shrimp on hand for quick meals
- Old Bay seasoning (¼ cup per 2 quarts water) makes everything better!
Common Problems & Solutions
Problem: Shrimp turned out rubbery
Solution: You probably left them in too hot water. Remember to remove from heat before adding shrimp!
Problem: Shrimp are mushy
Solution: They need a bit more time – give ’em another minute or two
Problem: Uneven cooking
Solution: Make sure shrimp aren’t clumped together when frozen
Storage Tips
- Cooked shrimp last 3-4 days in fridge
- Can freeze cooked shrimp for 1-2 months
- Store in airtight container
- Don’t reuse cooking water
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key to perfect shrimp is keeping it simple and not overcooking them. And don’t forget – when life gives you frozen shrimp, just boil ’em up!
Would you like me to explain any part of this process in more detail? Drop a comment below!
How to boil shrimp
- Bring a large pot of water with aromatics, if using, to a boil. Use about 2 quarts (2 liters) for every 1-2 pounds of shrimp.
- Add the shrimp, and simmer until they turn opaque and pink. This only takes about 2 minutes!
- Immediately transfer the boiled shrimp to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process.
- Serve immediately, or drain, and use the shrimp in your recipe of choice.
Why you’ll love this boiled shrimp recipe
Have you ever wondered why someone would want to boil shrimp or even asked yourself, “Can you boil frozen shrimp?” Well, you definitely can, and boiled shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes, like homemade sushi rolls, or served as an appetizer. Shrimp cocktail, anyone?
Plus, this cooking method is so simple and quick!
- Failproof – I’ll walk you through the simple steps for boiling frozen shrimp and share all my tips and tricks for success.
- Flavorful – Say goodbye to bland shrimp for good! With just a few simple ingredients, we’re infusing our protein with a bright, savory, slightly herbaceous taste.
- Versatile – As mentioned, you can use boiled shrimp in SO many ways! It will become your new go-to protein source for all your favorite meals.
Put your shrimp to use in your favorite recipes. Or, pair them with a side of vegetable fried rice for a takeout-inspired meal you can have on the table in minutes!
- Shrimp – You’ll need one pound of raw extra large shrimp, either frozen or fresh. Frozen EZ peel deveined shrimp are my go-to, as they’re super easy to peel and prep. Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking. High-quality shrimp will appear firm and have a clean, briny scent. Avoid any shrimp that looks mushy or slimy and smells fishy.
- Salt and pepper – Kosher salt and black peppercorns enhance the overall flavor of the shrimp.
- Lemon – Use lemon wedges to add a bright, citrusy taste.
- Bay leaves infuse the poaching water with an herbaceousness that passes into the shrimp as they cook.
Shrimp comes in many different sizes! If you’re planning on making a shrimp cocktail, I recommend jumbo shrimp. Look for the label that says 21/25, which means there are 21-25 shrimp per pound.
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
Is frozen shrimp ok for a boil?
If you’re using frozen shrimp, you’ll want to make sure to thaw them before boiling. Otherwise, they’re likely to turn out tough and rubbery. Don’t worry if you forget to plan ahead, though. You can do so quickly!
Is it necessary to thaw shrimp before boiling?
Is It Safe to Cook Shrimp from Frozen? Totally! According to FDA seafood guidelines, shrimp should be cooked until the flesh is firm and clear.
Does shrimp need to be thawed for shrimp to boil?
Surprizingly, yes! Since shrimp cook quickly you can certainly boil shrimp from a frozen state. Stick with a large shrimp and be sure they are already peeled and deveined.
Is it better to steam or boil frozen 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!)