Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been frying shrimp for over a decade now, and let me tell you – getting that perfect golden-brown crispy coating while keeping the inside tender and juicy can be tricky! But don’t worry, I’m gonna break down exactly how long to cook fried shrimp and share all my tried-and-true tips.
Quick Answer
For most shrimp sizes at 350°F, you’ll need to fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown. But hold up – there’s more to it than just throwing them in hot oil!
Detailed Cooking Times by Shrimp Size
• Small shrimp (51-60 count): 1-2 minutes per side
• Medium shrimp (31-35 count): 2-3 minutes per side
• Large shrimp (21-25 count): 3-4 minutes per side
• Jumbo shrimp (16-20 count): 4-5 minutes per side
Key Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Look, cooking times aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s what impacts how long your shrimp need to fry:
• Oil temperature – Gotta keep it steady at 350-375°F
• Shrimp size – Bigger guys need more time
• Whether they’re peeled or shell-on
• How many you’re cooking at once
• Type of breading used
My Foolproof Frying Method
- Prep the shrimp
- Pat them completely dry (super important!)
- Season well
- Coat in your preferred breading
- Heat the oil
- Use oils with high smoke points like peanut, canola or vegetable oil
- Get it to 350°F using a thermometer
- Maintain temp throughout cooking
- Frying process
- Don’t overcrowd the pan (this drops the oil temp)
- Fry in batches if needed
- Flip halfway through cooking
- Look for golden brown color
How to Tell When They’re Done
Y’all, here’s the deal – perfectly cooked shrimp should be:
- Golden brown on the outside
- Opaque all the way through
- Shaped like the letter “C” (not too tight or loose)
Pro tip If you’re unsure, cut one open – it should be pearly white inside with no translucent parts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there! Here are some oopsies to watch out for:
• Starting with cold oil
• Overcrowding the pan
• Not patting shrimp dry first
• Walking away while cooking (these bad boys cook fast!)
• Forgetting to maintain oil temperature
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s whatcha do:
- Let cool completely
- Store in airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 mins
Final Thoughts
Remember folks, practice makes perfect! Don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t restaurant-quality. Keep an eye on that temp, don’t overcrowd, and you’ll be serving up perfectly fried shrimp in no time.
Got questions? Drop ’em below! I love helping fellow shrimp enthusiasts nail their frying game. Now get out there and start cooking!
How to choose shrimp
Unless you live literally within walking distance to the shrimp boat like we do, I highly recommend choosing frozen shrimp at the grocery store. Most shrimp is frozen right after it is caught so the seafood counter shrimp is highly likely to have been recently thawed.
If you are planning on cooking the shrimp the same day you are purchasing it, thawed is fine. Otherwise, buy frozen and thaw just before cooking.
How to thaw shrimp
While package instructions may say to thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator I generally like to thaw them using the cold water method. Place your frozen shrimp in a colander in the sink and run cold water over them for about 5 minutes.
When the shrimp are soft and flexible, they are thawed. It takes just a few minutes. (Be sure to use cold water, not hot, or you risk “cooking” them with the water.)
- Season the shrimp – I like Old Bay but you can use cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, or whatever you like to fit how you will be serving the shrimp.
- Heat butter or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Tilt the pan to thoroughly coat the bottom and make sure it’s hot before adding the shrimp.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Shrimp are cooked through when they are firm and bright pink.
The perfect fried shrimp recipe for any occasion!
FAQ
How many minutes does it take to fry shrimp?
Medium shrimp take about 4 minutes to fry; you’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown. Using a slotted spoon or a spider, remove the shrimp from the oil and set them to dry on a sheet pan or plate lined with paper towels.Jun 9, 2017
How do you know when fried shrimp are done?
Shrimp is cooked when it turns opaque and pinkish-white. It should also be firm to the touch and slightly curled. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery, so it’s important to avoid leaving them on heat for too long.
What is the cooking time for shrimp?
Cook without moving for 2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large shrimp, or 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp.Jul 19, 2023