Hey there! I’m a seafood enthusiast who’s cooked thousands of shrimp dishes and today I’m gonna share my tried-and-true methods for cooking raw frozen shrimp. Trust me you don’t always need to thaw them first! Let’s dive into the easiest ways to turn those frozen crustaceans into something delicious.
Quick Summary
You can cook frozen shrimp directly without thawing using these methods
- Poaching (5-6 minutes)
- Boiling (1-3 minutes)
- Air frying (10 minutes)
- Pan searing (3-4 minutes)
- Baking (4-5 minutes)
- Grilling (2-3 minutes per side)
Choosing the Right Frozen Shrimp
Before we start cooking, here’s what to look for when buying:
- IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) shrimp – avoid frozen blocks
- Raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) for better texture
- Deveined shrimp (saves prep time)
- Size matters – medium to large work best
- Check the bag – shrimp should move freely when shaken
My Favorite Method: Poaching Frozen Shrimp
This is legit the easiest way I’ve found to cook frozen shrimp
- Fill a 3-quart pot about 3/4 full with water
- Add 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Add half a lemon + squeeze juice
- Bring to rapid boil
- Remove from heat
- Add frozen shrimp
- Cover and wait 5-6 minutes
- Done when pink and opaque!
Pro tip: For more than 12 shrimp, increase cooking time to about 10 minutes.
Other Foolproof Cooking Methods
1. Air Fryer Method
- Preheat to 400°F- Place frozen shrimp in basket- Cook 10 minutes- Flip halfway through2. Boiling Method
- Bring pot of water to boil- Add seasonings (salt, pepper, lemon, bay leaves)- Add frozen shrimp- Cook 1-3 minutes until pink- Ice bath if serving cold3. Pan Searing
- Heat pan with oil over medium-high- Add thawed shrimp- Cook 2 mins first side- Flip and cook 1 more minuteSeasoning Ideas That Actually Work
I’ve tried tons of combinations, but these are my faves:
- Basic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Cajun style: Cajun seasoning + paprika
- Lemon-garlic: Lemon juice, garlic, butter
- Asian fusion: Thai chili paste + lime
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Listen, we’ve all messed up shrimp before. Here’s what not to do:
❌ Don’t overcook (they’ll get rubbery)
❌ Don’t use warm water to thaw
❌ Don’t cook frozen clumps
❌ Don’t buy pre-cooked frozen shrimp
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve got your perfectly cooked shrimp, try these serving ideas:
-
Quick Appetizer:
- Shrimp cocktail with sauce
- Lemon wedges on side
-
Main Dishes:
- Shrimp tacos
- Scampi over pasta
- Shrimp and grits
Storage Tips
If you’re not eating them right away:
- Refrigerate cooked shrimp up to 3 days
- Store in airtight container
- Don’t freeze again after cooking
Final Thoughts
Y’know what’s crazy? I used to think cooking frozen shrimp was gonna be a huge hassle. But now it’s like my secret weapon for quick dinners! Just remember – don’t overthink it. Keep it simple, watch your timing, and you’ll have perfect shrimp every time.
Would you like me to explain or break down any of these cooking methods in more detail?
What’s the best way to cook shrimp?
There are so many ways to cook shrimp! Bear in mind that shrimp are mild in flavour so they absorb the taste of whatever you combine them with – so think about using flavourful sauces and marinades to help them shine!
Many recipes call for the shrimp to be added during the cooking process with other ingredients, but if you want to cook your shrimp separately and make them the heroes of your meal, here are a few of our favourite ways to cook them…
How to cook shrimp in a pan: this is a great way to make shrimp the stars of your meal! Simply heat olive oil or butter in a frying pan, throw in your peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for two to three minutes on high heat, then flip them over and cook for another two to three minutes. Boost the flavour by first rubbing them in spices like paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes or fish spice, plus a little sea salt. Serve them with couscous and salad for a quick and healthy lunch, in a classic shrimp cocktail, or in our lime and chilli tacos. Try this pan fried shrimp power bowl!
How to grill shrimp: nothing says summer like grilling shrimp on a BBQ! Simply skewer your shrimp with thin slices of lemon in between for added flavour and grill for two to three minutes on either side on a hot, lightly oiled grill. We love a garlic saffron butter with ours. This herby prawn and red onion skewers could be your new favourite!
How to bake shrimp in the oven: a lesser-known way to enjoy shrimp, but no less delicious! Lay your shrimp on a baking tray and pop in a pre-heated oven, around six inches from the heat source. Bake for two to five minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp. As before, a rub or marinate can make your shrimp even more flavourful.
How to cook shrimp on the stove: another super quick way to a healthy dinner! Boil a pan of salted water, drop in your shrimp and simmer for one to three minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse under cold water, then serve. This is an especially good method if you’re preparing shrimp in advance for a cold salad.
Why ASC?We set the standard for seafood. If you see the ASC label on pack, you can be sure that your seafood was farmed with care.
How to Cook With Frozen Shrimp | You Can Cook That | Allrecipes.com
FAQ
What is the best way to cook frozen raw shrimp?
- Bring a saucepan of water to a rapid boil over high heat.
- Remove from heat, let it stop boiling, and wait 5 minutes
- Add frozen shrimp, stir, cover, and wait 5 minutes.
- Drain and serve immediately or stir into a ready-to-serve recipe.
Can I cook frozen raw shrimp without thawing?
What is the best way to cook raw shrimp?
Is it better to steam or boil frozen shrimp?
Steaming, instead of boiling, is a more gentle method of cooking shrimp. You’re less likely to overcook them, and they will be much more flavorful. (Boiling shrimp leads to a watered down flavor and rubbery texture. No thank you!)