Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been cooking shrimp for years, and let me tell you – getting that perfect tender, juicy shrimp isn’t rocket science Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about boiling shrimp perfectly every single time.
The Quick Answer
For those in a hurry, here’s how long to boil shrimp:
- Small shrimp (41-50 per pound): 30 seconds
- Medium shrimp (31-40 per pound): 1 minute
- Large shrimp (21-30 per pound): 2 minutes
- Jumbo shrimp (16-20 per pound): 3 minutes
- Colossal shrimp (under 10 per pound): 4 minutes
What Affects Shrimp Cooking Time?
1. Shrimp Size
The bigger the shrimp, the longer it needs to cook Here’s what you need to know about common shrimp sizes
| Size Category | Count per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small | 41-50 |
| Medium | 31-40 |
| Large | 21-30 |
| Jumbo | 16-20 |
| Colossal | Under 10 |
2. Starting Condition
- Raw shrimp: Cooks fastest
- Frozen shrimp: Add 30-60 seconds to cooking time
- Shell-on: Add 30 seconds to cooking time
- Deveined: Cooks slightly quicker
Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Perfect Shrimp
What You’ll Need:
- Fresh or frozen shrimp
- Large pot
- 2 quarts water per pound of shrimp
- Salt
- Bowl of ice water
Instructions:
-
Prep Your Water
- Fill pot with 2 quarts water per pound of shrimp
- Add 1 tablespoon salt
- Bring to a rolling boil
-
Add Your Shrimp
- Once water’s boiling, add shrimp
- Stir once to prevent sticking
- Cover pot and return to boil
-
Time It Right
- Start timer based on shrimp size (see quick answer above)
- Watch for visual cues:
- Color change to pink/orange
- Slight curl into “C” shape
- Flesh becomes opaque
-
Cool ‘Em Down
- Drain immediately when done
- Plunge into ice water bath
- This stops cooking process
Pro Tips for Perfect Boiled Shrimp
-
Water Amount Matters
Use plenty of water – at least 2 quarts per pound. This helps maintain temperature when adding shrimp. -
Don’t Skip the Ice Bath
This is super important! Without it, your shrimp might overcook from residual heat. -
Season Your Water
Try these flavor boosters:
- Cajun seasoning
- Old Bay
- Lemon and garlic
- Bay leaves
- Beer (instead of water)
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Look for these signs:
- Color change to pink/orange
- Meat becomes opaque
- Shrimp forms a “C” shape
- Floats to surface
Pro tip: If shrimp forms a tight “O” shape, it’s overcooked!
Serving Your Boiled Shrimp
Here’s what I love doing with perfectly boiled shrimp:
- Classic shrimp cocktail
- Toss in salads
- Add to pasta
- Make shrimp tacos
- Mix into gumbo
- Create a seafood pasta
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Rubbery Shrimp?
You’ve probably overcooked them. Remember, it’s better to slightly undercook (you can always cook more) than overcook!
Not Sure About Doneness?
Cut one open! The inside should be opaque and slightly firm, not translucent or mushy.
Storage Tips
Cooked shrimp will last:
- 3-4 days in fridge
- Up to 6 months in freezer
- Never refreeze previously frozen shrimp
Final Thoughts
Boiling shrimp ain’t rocket science, but getting it just right makes all the difference! Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be serving up perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Trust me, your family and friends will think you’re a seafood genius!
Got any questions about boiling shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help!
Remember: These times are guidelines. Factors like altitude and starting temperature can affect cooking time. When in doubt, it’s better to check early than end up with overcooked shrimp!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
How to thaw frozen shrimp
For the best results when learning how to cook shrimp, I recommend thawing it before cooking. Here are three ways you can do that:
- Option 1: The safest, most effective way to thaw frozen shrimp is to transfer them to the fridge overnight. Then, drain any excess water, patting the shrimp with a clean paper towel when you’re ready to use.
- Option 2: If you’re in a hurry, you can place your frozen shrimp in a plastic bag. Then, submerge the bag in a bowl of cold water. Change out the water several times, swirling the bag around until the shrimp thaw.
- Option 3: Place the frozen shrimp directly in a colander, and run them under cool water.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Great for meal prep or making ahead
✔️ Easy and flavorful way to make shrimp
✔️ This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and pescatarian
✔️ Makes a protein-packed snack and pairs with a variety of main course recipes
✔️ Cooks in minutes
✔️ Always tender and never rubbery
- Water – Use about 8 to 12 cups of water for every 1-2 pounds of shrimp.
- Onion – Yellow or white onion infuses the shrimp with a sweet, tangy taste.
- Lemon – The acidity helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a vibrant, refreshing, citrusy flavor.
- Celery – This complements the sweetness of the onion and adds flavor to the broth.
- Bay Leaves – Fresh bay leaves contribute to any earthy flavor and may provide digestive support.
- Peppercorns – We add fresh peppercorns for a subtle hint of spice.
- Sea Salt – Just a bit of salt enhances the flavor of the rest of the ingredients and contributes to the tenderness of the shrimp.
- Shrimp – You will need 1-2 pounds of large, deveined frozen or fresh shrimp for this recipe.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to boil shrimp!!!
FAQ
How do you know when boiled shrimp is done?
Boiled shrimp is done when it turns a pinkish-red color and curls into a “C” shape. The shrimp should also be opaque, meaning the greyish color is gone.
How long does it take to fully cook raw shrimp?
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. You can buy shrimp either in the shell or peeled.