Hey there! I’m super excited to share my tried-and-tested methods for cooking frozen precooked shrimp. As someone who’s cooked countless shrimp dishes I know the struggle of turning those frozen little guys into something delicious. Let’s dive right in!
Quick Summary
Got no time? Here’s the TL;DR: Thaw your shrimp properly (either overnight in fridge or under cold water), pat them dry, and cook quickly (2-3 minutes) using your preferred method. Don’t overcook – they’re already cooked!
Essential Pre-Cooking Steps
1. Thawing Methods
-
Refrigerator Method (Best Option)
- Place shrimp in fridge overnight
- Takes 8-12 hours
- Results in best texture
-
Quick-Thaw Method
- Run cold water over shrimp in colander
- Takes about 5-7 minutes
- Perfect for last-minute meals
Pro Tip: Never use warm water or microwave to thaw – trust me, I learned this the hard way when my shrimp turned rubbery! ♂️
4 Best Ways to Cook Frozen Precooked Shrimp
1. Stovetop Sautéing (My Favorite!)
- Heat pan over medium-high heat
- Add 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side
- Season with:
- Salt and pepper
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice
2. Oven Roasting
- Preheat to 400°F
- Line baking sheet with parchment
- Cook 6-8 minutes
- Perfect for large batches!
3. Grilling Method
- Preheat grill to medium-high
- Brush with oil
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side
- Great for that smoky flavor!
4. Simple Boiling
- Bring water to boil
- Add seasonings (Old Bay is awesome!)
- Cook 1-2 minutes
- Perfect for shrimp cocktail
Seasoning Ideas to Jazz Things Up
Basic Seasoning Mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Flavor Combinations
-
Garlic Butter
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
-
Cajun Style
- Cajun seasoning
- Butter
- Hot sauce
-
Mediterranean
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Overcooking (makes them rubbery)
- ❌ Using high heat
- ❌ Forgetting to pat dry
- ❌ Crowding the pan
Storage Tips
- Keep leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days
- Store in airtight container
- Reheat gently – 30 seconds in microwave max!
Quick Serving Ideas
- Toss in pasta
- Add to salads
- Make tacos
- Serve with cocktail sauce
- Add to stir-fries
FAQs
Q: Can I refreeze thawed shrimp?
A: Nope! Once thawed, use ’em or lose ’em!
Q: How do I know if they’re heated enough?
A: They should be warm to touch but not hot – remember, they’re already cooked!
Q: What’s the best cooking method?
A: I personally love sautéing – quick and gives great flavor!
Final Thoughts
Cooking frozen precooked shrimp ain’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of care. The key is not to overthink it – these little guys are already cooked, so you’re just heating them up while adding flavor.
Got any cool shrimp recipes? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ways to cook these tasty crustaceans!
Remember, the best shrimp dish is the one you enjoy making (and eating)! Now go forth and cook some awesome shrimp!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article?
Step 1: Prepare the frozen shrimp
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME
Preheat the oven to a broil. In a large bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, pepper, mustard, onion powder, celery salt and, if desired, red pepper flakes. Set aside.
MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME
Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and rinse with cold water for one minute or until the shrimp can be separated.
Editor’s Tip: The shrimp won’t cook evenly if they’re clumped together in a frozen ball. Running them under cold water will help break apart any stuck-together shrimp.
Step 2: Air-fry frozen shrimp
In batches, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in greased air-fryer basket. Cook until shrimp turn pink, 8 to 10 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Every air fryer is slightly different, so check on air-fryer shrimp early. Remove them from the air fryer when pink and curled into a loose C shape.