The Ultimate Guide: How Long Should Shrimp Cook For? Perfect Timing Every Time!

How to shop for shrimp:

Raw shrimp have a brown “vein” running along their back. This is their digestive tract—a.k.a. their poop chute. While it’s technically safe to eat, leaving the matter in will give the shrimp a gritty texture and muddy their flavor; most prefer to remove it before cooking. Now for some good news: You can buy deveined shrimp, which have this unsavory bit already removed—or ask your fishmonger to devein the little buggers for you. Are you the DIY type? We’ve included instructions below on how to devein shrimp yourself.Shrimp Sizes

Your grocery store is likely to carry a range of shrimp sizes: small, medium, large, jumbo, or colossal, usually categorized by how many shrimp you can expect per pound. The majority of BA’s shrimp recipes call for large shrimp unless otherwise specified (for example, our best shrimp cocktail calls for jumbo shell-on shrimp). Here’s the trouble: Naming conventions differ based on where you live and shop, so one stores large shrimp might be another’s jumbo. To keep things simple, go by weight whenever available. You’ll typically get 36–40 small shrimp per pound, 31–35 medium shrimp per pound, 26–30 large shrimp per pound, 21–25 jumbo shrimp per pound, 16–20 super jumbo shrimp per pound, or 15 or fewer colossal shrimp per pound. I.e., the higher the number, the smaller the shellfish.

If you’re using a different size shrimp than the recipe calls for, that’s fine—just adjust the cook time accordingly. Smaller shrimp will cook faster than larger ones, while the total time for bigger boys will be a little longer. Here’s associate food editor Kendra Vaculin’s rule of thumb: Cook medium shrimp for approximately 3 minutes, large shrimp for 4–5 minutes, and jumbo shrimp for 6–7 minutes. As for small shrimp, blink and you could miss it, so don’t walk away.Shell-On or Shell-Off

You can buy shrimp either in the shell or peeled. For the speediest dinners, we prefer peeled, deveined shrimp (less work on your end). But shrimp that’s still in the shell is often less expensive than peeled shrimp, so if you don’t mind doing the work yourself, this could be a good option.

You can also opt to cook shrimp with the shell on—not only do the shells add flavor, but they also keep the shrimp from overcooking and help them retain moisture when exposed to heat. Shrimp that’s in the shell will sometimes come with the head attached, which is where most of the fat is concentrated; some like to cook shrimp with the heads on, twist the head off and suck out the juices. If you do decide to peel your shrimp, save the shells for shrimp stock (the key ingredient in shrimp risotto) or to add fishy flavor to sauces.

To peel shrimp: Twist off the head (if not already removed) and pull off the legs. Snip the “backbone” of the shell lengthwise with kitchen shears and wiggle your fingers under the shell, pulling it off. Leave the tail on or remove.

To devein shrimp: Use a sharp paring knife to make an incision beside the vein running along the back of the shrimp. Use the tip of the knife to coax out the dark vein; discard. (Wiping your knife on a damp paper towel is a quick and easy way to do this.)

Boiled shrimp. When are they cooked enough?

FAQ

How long does it take to cook shrimp?

• Small shrimp (71-90 per pound): 1 to 2 minutes
• Medium shrimp (41-50 per pound): 2 to 3 minutes
• Large shrimp (31-40 per pound): 3 minutes
• Jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound): 4 to 5 minutes
• Colossal shrimp (16-20 per pound): 5 to 6 minutes
• Super Colossal shrimp (8 to 12 per pound): 6 to 7 minutes

How do you know when shrimp is cooked?

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.

How long does it take to cook shrimp on a stovetop?

Cooking shrimp on the stovetop typically takes around 2 to 3 minutes for medium-sized shrimp and 3 to 4 minutes for larger ones. The exact timing can vary based on the cooking method, whether you’re sautéing, boiling, or frying.

How long do you cook small shrimp?

Little guys will cook faster than big guys, but bigger boys will take a little longer overall. As a general rule, associate food editor Kendra Vaculin says to cook medium shrimp for three minutes, large shrimp for four to five minutes, and jumbo shrimp for six to seven minutes. As for small shrimp, blink and you could miss it, so don’t walk away.

How long to cook shrimp when boiling?

Here’s how long to cook shrimp when boiling: For medium shrimp, cook for about 3-4 minutes. For large shrimp, aim for about 4-5 minutes. Medium peeled shrimp require approximately 2-3 minutes. Large peeled shrimp need about 3-4 minutes. The key is to remove the shrimp when they turn pink and begin to curl into a C shape.

How long do you cook a Jumbo Shrimp?

As a general rule, associate food editor Kendra Vaculin says to cook medium shrimp for three minutes, large shrimp for four to five minutes, and jumbo shrimp for six to seven minutes. As for small shrimp, blink and you could miss it, so don’t walk away. Shell-On or Shell-Off.

How do you cook shrimp for a weeknight dinner?

Here are a few quick and easy shrimp recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners: Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 1 minute. Add shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until opaque. Remove shrimp and add lemon juice and butter to pan.

How long do you cook shrimp in a cast iron skillet?

Heat a 12-inch skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook without moving until they turn pinkish on the bottom and just starts to curl, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip and cook until pink, translucent, and curled into a loose “C” shape, about 1 minute.