Hey there! I’m Thomas from TheKitchenKnowHow, and today I’m gonna share my tried-and-true methods for cooking frozen shrimp with the shell on. After years of testing different techniques, I’ve figured out the easiest ways to get perfectly cooked shrimp every single time!
Why Cook Shrimp with the Shell On?
Before diving into the cooking methods, let’s quickly cover why cooking shell-on shrimp is actually awesome:
- Natural flavor protection – shells lock in that sweet, oceanic taste
- Better moisture retention – prevents shrimp from drying out
- Built-in temperature control – helps avoid overcooking
- Extra flavor boost – shells add depth to the final dish
- Cost effective – shell-on shrimp often cost less than peeled
Prepping Your Frozen Shrimp
First things first, you’ll need
- Frozen shell-on shrimp (individually frozen, not in a block)
- Large pot or pan
- Seasonings of choice
- Ice for cooling (optional)
Thawing Options:
-
Overnight Method (Recommended)
- Place frozen shrimp in bowl
- Cover and refrigerate 8-12 hours
- Drain excess water
-
Quick-Thaw Method
- Put shrimp in cold water
- Change water every 30 mins
- Ready in about 1 hour
Pro tip: Don’t use warm water to thaw – it can start cooking the shrimp and mess with the texture!
3 Easy Ways to Cook Shell-on Shrimp
1. Poaching Method (My Favorite!)
1. Fill pot 3/4 full with water2. Add 1/2 tsp salt per quart of water3. Optional: Add lemon halves, peppercorns, herbs4. Bring to rapid boil5. Remove from heat6. Add shrimp7. Cover and let sit 5-6 minutes8. Drain and serve2. Pan-Searing Method
1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in large skillet2. Add thawed, seasoned shrimp3. Cook 2-3 mins per side4. Remove when pink and opaque3. Steaming Method
1. Add 1 inch water to pot2. Place steamer basket inside3. Bring water to boil4. Add shrimp to basket5. Steam 5-7 minutes6. Check for pink colorHow to Tell When Shrimp is Done
Look for these signs:
- Color changes from gray to pink
- Meat becomes opaque
- Shells turn bright red
- Shrimp forms loose “C” shape (not tight “O”)
Seasoning Ideas
Here’s what I love using:
- Classic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Cajun style: Old Bay seasoning
- Asian fusion: Ginger, garlic, soy sauce
- Mediterranean: Lemon, herbs, olive oil
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking (makes shrimp rubbery)
- Using hot water to thaw
- Overcrowding the pan
- Moving shrimp too much while cooking
- Not seasoning enough
Storage Tips
- Cooked shrimp last 3-4 days in fridge
- Keep in airtight container
- Don’t refreeze after thawing
- Remove shells if storing longer than 2 days
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly cooked shrimp will taste great:
- On their own with lemon
- In pasta dishes
- Over salads
- In tacos
- With cocktail sauce
- In stir-fries
Final Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Buy deveined shrimp when possible
- Keep frozen shrimp on hand for quick meals
- Don’t skip seasoning the cooking water
- Use ice bath for cold servings
- Trust the process – don’t rush it!
There ya have it! My complete guide to cooking frozen shell-on shrimp. It might seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want pre-peeled shrimp again. Trust me, the extra flavor is worth the little bit of shell-peeling work!
Got questions? Drop ’em in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other seafood cooking guides while you’re here.
Happy cooking!
-Thomas
Benefits of Eating Shrimp
Want to impress your dinner guests? Give them the low-down on all the nutrition and health benefits the succulent seafood on their plate has to offer.
Assuming you keep the cooking oil to a minimum, shrimp are a low-calorie food with only 106 calories in a 3.5-ounce serving, according to the USDA. If youre watching your weight, this is one of your lowest calorie protein choices. Top a salad with your sauteed shrimp and dress it with a light citrus vinaigrette for a nutrition-packed, waistline-friendly meal.
Speaking of protein, you get a solid 20 grams per serving of shrimp. Thats almost half of your daily recommended intake of 46 grams if youre a woman, and about 35 percent of your daily needs if youre a man. Protein supports the health of all your tissues — bones, muscles, teeth — as well as your immune system. A higher protein diet may also aid weight loss and maintenance, according to a review published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in June 2015.
As for the other macronutrients — carbohydrates and fats — shrimp has less than a quarter of a gram of both per 3-ounce serving. The small amount of fat shrimp do have is primarily unsaturated fat that can improve cholesterol levels and heart health. Shrimp itself contains a lot of cholesterol — more than red meat. However, according to Harvard School of Public Health, the cholesterol in shrimp has minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels.
Shrimp are also an abundant source of vitamin B12 and the mineral phosphorus. According to NIH, a 3-ounce serving provides 1.6 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is more than 50 percent of the recommended daily intake. B12 is required for your body to make healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body.
With 200 milligrams per serving, according to the USDA, shrimp provide almost 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of phosphorous for all adults. Phosphorous is the the second most abundant mineral in the human body behind calcium, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Like calcium, its primary function is the formation of bones and teeth. It also plays a role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, protein synthesis and in the production of a type of molecule the body uses to store energy called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
Can you cook frozen unpeeled shrimp?
Can I cook frozen shrimp? Yes. You can easily cook shrimp from frozen. All you need to do is a few extra minutes to the cooking time to make sure they reach a food safe temperature.
Can you cook shrimp with the shell on?
Yes, shrimp can be cooked with the shell on. Cooking shrimp in their shells is a common practice that enhances flavor and helps retain moisture.
Is it necessary to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking?
Yes – thawing shrimp before you use them in your meal prep will give you a tastier end result. Cooking frozen shrimp won’t harm you, but the texture won’t be as appetising as if you cook from thawed. If time allows, leave your shrimp in the fridge overnight to thaw.Jul 24, 2023
How long to boil frozen shrimp in shell?
Can you cook frozen shrimp with the shell intact?
While fresh shrimp is ideal, frozen shrimp can also be a convenient option for those who don’t have access to fresh seafood. Cooking frozen shrimp with the shell intact helps to retain its moisture and flavor. So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen shrimp with the shell: Do you like this article? 1.
Can you eat frozen shrimp?
Shrimp is a versatile and delicious seafood option that can be enjoyed in various dishes, from stir-fries to pasta. While fresh shrimp is ideal, frozen shrimp can also be a convenient option for those who don’t have access to fresh seafood. Cooking frozen shrimp with the shell intact helps to retain its moisture and flavor.
How do you cook frozen shrimp?
Lightly sprinkle the seasonings over the shrimp and gently toss them to coat evenly. There are several ways to cook frozen shrimp with the shell, depending on your preferences and available equipment. Here are a few popular options: To boil the shrimp, bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
Are frozen shrimp better than fresh?
Frozen shrimp have all the nutrition of fresh shrimp and are just as simple to prepare. There are a wide variety of shell-on shrimp recipes, some of which call for cooking on the stovetop. There are plenty of reasons to cook shrimp with the shell on rather than peeled, as is the norm. The shell can help seal in the juices, so the meat stays moist.
Can you cook frozen shrimp on the stovetop?
Cooking frozen shrimp on the stovetop allows the shells to get crispy and infuses flavor into the meat. Follow these simple steps: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 Tbsp oil. When oil shimmers, add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping once. Check for an opaque, pink appearance.
Can You thaw frozen shell-on shrimp?
Make sure to purchase shell-on shrimp that are individually quick frozen (IQF), not frozen into a block. IQF shrimp can be easily separated when cooking. You have two options for thawing frozen shell-on shrimp: Overnight in the fridge: Place shrimp in a bowl and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.