Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna share everything you need to know about boiling shrimp perfectly every time. After testing countless batches in my kitchen I’ve figured out the exact timing needed for juicy tender shrimp that isn’t rubbery or overcooked.
Quick Answer
Small to large shrimp without shells typically need about 2 minutes to boil If you’re cooking shell-on shrimp, add another minute (2-3 minutes total) The exact time depends on shrimp size and whether they’re frozen or fresh.
Detailed Boiling Times by Shrimp Size
Here’s a handy chart I’ve put together showing exactly how long to boil different sizes of shrimp:
| Shrimp Size (Count per lb) | Raw Shrimp | Frozen Shrimp |
|---|---|---|
| Small (41-50) | 30 seconds | 1 minute |
| Medium (31-40) | 1 minute | 1½ minutes |
| Large (21-30) | 2 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Jumbo (16-20) | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Colossal (under 10) | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several things can impact how long your shrimp needs to boil:
- Shell Status: Shell-on shrimp need about 30 seconds to 1 minute longer than peeled shrimp
- Starting Temperature: Frozen shrimp require more time than thawed
- Size: Larger shrimp need longer cooking times
- Water Amount: Use at least 2 quarts per pound of shrimp
- Whether It’s Deveined: Deveined shrimp cook slightly faster
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Boiled Shrimp
-
Prep Your Pot
- Fill with 2 quarts water per pound of shrimp
- Add 1 tablespoon salt
- Bring to a rolling boil
-
Add the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in boiling water
- Stir once to prevent sticking
- Cover pot and return to boil
-
Time It Right
- Start timer based on size chart above
- Watch for visual cues (pink color, C-shape curl)
-
Check for Doneness
- Shrimp should be opaque and pink
- They’ll float when done
- Center should not be translucent
-
Stop the Cooking
- Drain immediately
- Plunge into ice water bath
- This prevents overcooking
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
After boiling countless batches of shrimp, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Don’t rely solely on color change – use a timer!
- Bigger pots = more consistent results
- Fresh shrimp taste way better than frozen
- Save those shells for stock!
- When in doubt, slightly undercook (you can always cook more)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pot
- Skipping the ice bath
- Not using enough water
- Cooking different sized shrimp together
- Relying only on visual cues
Tasty Variations
Wanna jazz up your boiled shrimp? Try these flavor boosters:
- Classic Old Bay: Add 2 tablespoons to boiling water
- Cajun Style: Throw in some cayenne and Cajun seasoning
- Garlic Lover’s: Add whole garlic cloves and lemon
- Beer Boiled: Replace some water with your fave beer
- New England: Add potatoes, corn, and kielbasa
Storage Tips
- Cooked shrimp last 3-4 days in fridge
- Store in airtight container
- Can freeze for up to 3 months
- Best served within 24 hours
Final Thoughts
Boiling shrimp ain’t rocket science, but getting it just right makes all the difference! Follow these timing guidelines, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Whether you’re making shrimp cocktail, tossing them in pasta, or just snacking, proper cooking is key.
Remember – it’s better to slightly undercook (you can always cook more) than to end up with rubbery overcooked shrimp. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Got any questions about boiling shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your favorite ways to serve up these tasty crustaceans. Happy cooking!
P.S. What’s your go-to shrimp recipe? I’d love to hear about it!
How to Boil Shrimp:
Watch my quick video on how to peel and devein shrimp here. 1. Place the shells from the shrimp in a large saucepan along with 1 Tbsp garlic salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bay leaf. Add 8 cups water and bring to a boil over med/high heat.
2. Once water boils, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and simmer until pink, about 2-3 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp. Drain and transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and let cool.
Serve with your favorite cocktail sauce or use them in any recipe that calls for cooked shrimp, like that shrimp salsa that I can’t wait to share with you. I’ll post it A.S.A.P.
P.S. What’s your favorite, I mean ABSOLUTE favorite shrimp recipe? Or do you just love them with cocktail sauce?
Ingredients for Boiled Shrimp:
1.15 lbs raw shrimp (equals about 1 lb after it’s cooked), peeled & deveined (keep the shells!) **Leave shells on if you want to serve them that way** 8 cups filtered water 1 Tbsp garlic salt (I use Lawry’s brand) 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1-2 bay leaves
How to BOIL SHRIMP | How LONG to BOIL Shrimp | Boiling SHRIMP
FAQ
How long does it take to boil shrimp?
Boil shrimp in salted water until just pink outside and opaque in the center, about 2 minutes for most sizes of peeled shrimp, a minute or two longer for shell-on shrimp or for extra-large or jumbo shrimp. Boiling shrimp is about as easy as it gets and takes just a few minutes.
How long do I boil raw frozen shrimp?
2-3 minutes max. Just until the shrimp is opaque and the shells are bright pink. This will work best if you first thaw the shrimp before cooking. Be sure to salt the water well.
How long should you keep boiled shrimp?
Cooked shrimp can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you need to reheat them, we recommend using the method they were originally cooked with. When reheating, use a lower temperature to avoid overcooking.
How long should shrimp be boiled?
Generally, small to medium-sized shrimp (41/50 count) should be boiled for 2-3 minutes, while larger shrimp (31/40 count) may take 3-4 minutes. It’s important not to overcook shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. If you’re unsure whether the shrimp are done, look for visual cues. They should be pink and opaque when fully cooked.
How long does it take to cook shrimp?
Shrimp is always a go-to clean eating ingredient plus they take less than 10 minutes to cook so you know its perfect for an under 30-minute meal. The shrimp soaks up all the flavor from the garlic, honey, soy sauce, ginger marinade then you cook them on medium-high heat until they are light pink.
Can you cook shrimp in boiling water?
Leave the shrimp in the water until pink and opaque, for about ten minutes. Lift the cooked shrimp from the water with a large slotted spoon and place them on a platter. Refrigerate the shrimp for two hours, then serve them. For the best result, don’t let the shrimp cook in rapidly boiling water, or they could become tough.