Listen, cooking shrimp doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve cooked tons of shrimp over the years and I’m gonna break down exactly how long to cook these little guys perfectly. No more rubbery, overcooked shrimp!
Quick Answer
Raw shrimp typically takes
- Pan-searing/sautéing: 2-3 minutes per side
- Boiling: 2-5 minutes total
- Grilling: 2-3 minutes per side
- Baking: 8-10 minutes at 400°F
Cooking Times by Shrimp Size
The bigger the shrimp, the longer they need to cook:
| Size | Count per pound | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Large (U-10) | Under 10 | 2-3 minutes |
| Large (U-15) | 10-15 | 3-4 minutes |
| Medium (16-20) | 16-20 | 4-5 minutes |
| Small (21-30) | 21-30 | 5-6 minutes |
Best Methods to Cook Raw Shrimp
1. Pan Searing/Sautéing
This is my go-to method! Here’s what ya do
- Pat shrimp super dry with paper towels
- Season well with salt, pepper, and whatever spices you like
- Heat pan on medium-high with oil till it’s shimmering
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side till pink and opaque
- Don’t crowd the pan! Give those babies some space
2. Boiling
Super simple method
- Get water to rolling boil
- Drop in shrimp
- Cook 2-5 minutes depending on size
- They’re done when pink and curled into “C” shape
3. Grilling
Perfect for summer cookouts:
- Soak wooden skewers 30 mins (if using)
- Thread 4-5 shrimp per skewer
- Brush with oil to prevent sticking
- Grill 2-3 mins each side on medium-high heat
4. Baking
Easy hands-off method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Place seasoned shrimp on baking sheet
- Bake 8-10 minutes total
- Flip halfway through if you’re feeling fancy
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Look for these signs:
- Color changes from gray to pink/opaque
- Forms a “C” shape (if it’s an “O” shape, it’s overcooked!)
- Meat should be firm but tender
- Not translucent in the middle
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
-
Don’t Buy “Fresh” Shrimp
Weirdly enough, frozen shrimp is usually fresher! Most “fresh” shrimp at the counter was previously frozen anyway. -
Season Well
Shrimp loves flavor! Try:- Old Bay seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Cajun spices
- Lemon pepper
- Italian herbs
-
Watch Like a Hawk
I’m serious – shrimp goes from perfect to rubber real quick. Don’t walk away!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (biggest sin in shrimp cooking!)
- Not patting dry before cooking
- Cooking straight from frozen
- Overcrowding the pan
- Using too low heat
Storage Tips
If you’re not cooking right away:
- Fridge: 1-2 days max in coldest part
- Freezer: Up to 6 months (remove air from package)
Final Thoughts
Look, cooking shrimp ain’t rocket science. Just remember: high heat, dry shrimp, don’t overcook. Follow these times and tips, and you’ll be serving up perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Now get in that kitchen and start cooking!
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments below – I love helping fellow shrimp enthusiasts get it right!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Is shrimp healthy to eat?
Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood packed with essential nutrients. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp supports heart and brain health while being naturally low in fat. It’s an excellent source of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and zinc which is important for energy production, thyroid function, and immune support.
Shrimp delivers about 20 grams of protein per 80g serving and t’s a great and versatile option for a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet. Enjoy shrimp as a healthy, delicious addition to salads, stir fries, or grilled dishes.
CertificationJoin the most recognised certification programme and benefit from trading ASC certified seafood.
How to Cook Raw Shrimp
FAQ
How long does it take for raw shrimp to cook?
How long do you cook raw shrimp?
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer. Dip shrimp in batter or a breading of your choice. Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy. With various cooking methods come different times; adjusting is vital to accommodate the size and cooking format chosen. Several factors influence how long raw shrimp need to be cooked effectively:
How long do you cook shrimp without moving?
Cook without moving for 2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large shrimp, or 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp. Flip shrimp and continue to cook, tossing, until the shrimp are just cooked through—1 minute for medium shrimp, 1–2 minutes for large shrimp, or 2–3 minutes for jumbo shrimp.
How long do you cook shrimp in a pan?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. – Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. – Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking. When sautéing shrimp in a pan, the cooking time ranges from 3-5 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp. – Preheat the skillet and add oil or butter.
How long do you cook deveined shrimp?
Season 1 lb. large peeled deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan, then arrange shrimp in a single layer on the bottom of the skillet. Cook without moving for 2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large shrimp, or 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp.
Do breaded shrimp need a longer cooking time?
Breaded shrimp may need a slightly longer cooking time due to the extra layer of coating. Your choice of cookware can influence cooking time as well. For example, a high-BTU burner will cook shrimp faster than a low setting. Similarly, thicker pans may retain heat more effectively, resulting in faster cooking times.
How long do you cook seared shrimp?
Cook the shrimp for two to three minutes on each side, flipping them only once in the middle. This should take between 4 and 6 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp and how many are in the pan. Lastly, transfer to a serving dish. Serve seared shrimp immediately with pasta or rice.