Hey there fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for over 15 years now, and lemme tell you – when it comes to broiling these little ocean treasures, temperature matters big time. Today, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about broiling shrimp to perfection.
Quick Answer: Use HIGH heat (450-500°F) when broiling shrimp. This creates that amazing caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Why High Heat is Your Best Friend
Here’s the deal – high heat broiling is like giving your shrimp a quick suntan. It works magic because:
- Creates a delicious caramelized crust (thanks to something fancy called the Maillard reaction)
- Locks in moisture better than low heat
- Cooks quickly and evenly
- Prevents that dreaded rubbery texture
The Perfect Setup for Broiling Success
To nail this cooking method you’ll want to
- Position your oven rack 4-6 inches from the heating element
- Preheat broiler to high (450-500°F)
- Use a metal broiling pan (glass can shatter!)
- Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup
Cooking Times Based on Shrimp Size
| Shrimp Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Jumbo (16-20 per lb) | 6-7 minutes |
| Large (31-40 per lb) | 5 minutes |
| Medium | Not recommended |
My Go-To Broiled Shrimp Recipe
Here’s a super simple recipe that never fails me
Ingredients:
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (if ya like it spicy!)
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Toss with oil and seasonings
- Arrange in single layer on foil-lined pan
- Broil for 6-7 minutes until pink and slightly charred
Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
After messing up countless batches (we’ve all been there!) here’s what I’ve learned
- Don’t walk away! These babies cook fast
- No need to flip – one side cooking works great
- Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly
- Marinate for flavor but not too long with acidic ingredients
- Look for pink color and slight curl – that’s your done signal
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Trust me, I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to:
- Using low heat (makes em rubbery)
- Overcrowding the pan
- Forgetting to pat dry
- Cooking for too long
- Using glass baking dishes
Storage and Leftovers
Got extras? No problem! Store em in an airtight container:
- Fridge: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- Pro tip: They’re amazing cold in salads!
Final Thoughts
High heat broiling is definitely the way to go for perfect shrimp. It might take a couple tries to get it just right with your oven (they’re all a bit different), but once you nail it, you’ll never go back to low heat.
Remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t stress if your first batch isn’t perfect – mine sure wasn’t. Just keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be the shrimp master in your kitchen.
Would you like me to explain any part of this in more detail? Drop a comment below – I love helping fellow home cooks! And hey, if you’ve got any cool shrimp recipes, share ’em with us!
How to thaw frozen shrimp
You can use either frozen or fresh shrimp for this broiled shrimp recipe. Either is just as good! In fact, sometimes frozen shrimp can be fresher if they’re frozen right when they’re caught. The only hard part about frozen shrimp is that you have to make time to thaw them! Here are a few options:
- Day before: If you think ahead, simply place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
- Day of: Place the frozen shrimp into a large bowl with very cold water. Stir the bowl every 5 minutes to break up clumps of shrimp that freeze together. The shrimp should be defrosted in about 15 minutes.
Tips for perfect broiled shrimp
This broiled shrimp is so quick and easy, it’s become one of my go-to methods alongside stovetop shrimp. The nice thing about these is that you don’t even have to wait for the oven to preheat. Just throw them in and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Here are the basic steps:
- Use any type of shrimp. Frozen or fresh works! Tail-on looks nice, but it’s not required if you don’t like the extra step.
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until opaque. Your cook time will vary based on the shrimp size, so make sure to keep an eye on them.
- Rotate the pan for even cooking. Some broilers (like mine!) can be uneven, so rotating the pan helps the shrimp to become evenly browned.
This broiled shrimp recipe is next-level with the breadcrumb topping! It makes for the perfect crispy crunch and nuanced flavor. Your shrimp will still be delicious without the coating, though. It makes the recipe easier and gluten-free, as well.
If you do use the breadcrumb topping, here are a few tips:
- Use homemade if at all possible. I make my own breadcrumbs, which results in beautifully fresh, crunchy crumbs. I add Italian seasonings, but no salt. Homemade breadcrumbs are much more delicious than store-bought, so I’d highly recommend this option.
- If using store-bought, try to find plain or those without salt. Your shrimp will be perfectly seasoned without the added salt!
- Or, adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly. If all you can find are store-bought breadcrumbs with salt, adjust the salt in the recipe. I’d suggest adding about half the specified amount of salt.
This broiled shrimp recipe is Mediterranean-style with lemon, garlic, oregano, and onion powder for the seasonings. It comes out so delicious that I’ll probably always make this version! If you’d like to vary the vibe, go for it! Here are some ideas:
- Feta crumbles: Omit the breadcrumbs. Top with feta for a Mediterranean or Greek-style vibe.
- Cilantro lime: Switch out oregano for cumin and lemon juice for a version of cilantro lime shrimp.
- Curry powder or curry paste: Skip the oregano and heighten the flavors by stirring in curry powder or curry paste to taste.
A Hands-Off Way to Sear Shrimp: Garlicky Broiled Shrimp
FAQ
Do you cook shrimp on high or low?
Is it better to broil or grill shrimp?
Broiling shrimp is one of the best ways to cook them! They come out juicy and perfectly seasoned. Add breading for an irresistible crunch!
Do you grill shrimp on high or low heat?
Shrimp cook best over medium-high heat (375-400°F), so you’ll want to lightly oil your grates (any kind of high-heat oil works) to prevent sticking. Though it’s a personal choice, keeping the shells on while grilling helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor.
Can I broil frozen shrimp?
Tips for Cooking Frozen Shrimp
Preheat a baking sheet under the broiler and your shrimp will only need about 5 minutes of cook time. Yup, they are that fast.