If you want to make a meal that tastes better than most restaurants, try this Baked Parmesan Garlic Colossal Shrimp recipe. It only takes 30 minutes to make and is a family favorite.
Colossal shrimp make an incredibly tasty, juicy and impressive seafood dish. Their extra-large size sets them apart from standard shrimp. Colossal shrimp clock in between 12-15 shrimp per pound compared to 36-45 for jumbo shrimp. Their super shrimpy flavor and texture when cooked right make them a real crowd pleaser.
But to take full advantage of these monsters of the sea, you need to know how to select, prep and cook colossal shrimp properly Follow this complete guide to enjoy tender, delicious colossal shrimp every time
What Makes Colossal Shrimp Special?
First let’s look at what sets colossal shrimp apart
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They are the largest commonly available shrimp size
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Each shrimp is over 1 ounce compared to 0.25 ounces for large shrimp.
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The large size means more edible shrimp meat per shrimp.
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They have thicker, meatier texture when cooked.
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The flavor is more concentrated due to higher ratio of shrimp to shell.
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Impressive presentation when served whole with shell on.
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Higher price tag makes them special occasion worthy.
With size comes more shrimpy goodness! Now let’s get into how to choose, prep and cook these shrimp superstars.
Selecting Fresh Colossal Shrimp
For best flavor and texture, you want the freshest colossal shrimp possible:
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Look for healthy, undamaged shells without black spots.
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Raw shrimp should be translucent with a slight blue/grey tint.
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Ensure there is no unpleasant fishy odor.
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Pick shrimp that feel firm; avoid mushy or limp shrimp.
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If buying frozen, choose bags without ice crystals which indicate improper freezing.
Buying fresh is ideal, but high-quality frozen shrimp is a good option too. Just don’t buy thawed shrimp which loses quality quickly.
Prepping Raw Colossal Shrimp
Proper prep is key to cooking colossal shrimp perfectly:
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First, peel off the shell while leaving tail intact if desired.
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Use tip of knife to devein along the back and remove digestive tract.
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Give peeled shrimp a rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Remove legs and antennae by pinching off with fingers if desired.
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Butterfly cut larger shrimp by slicing open along back half of the way through.
Proper peeling, deveining, drying and optionally butterflying prepares the shrimp for ideal cooking.
Seasoning Colossal Shrimp
Season the shrimp before or after cooking depending on method:
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Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cajun seasoning all work well.
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Brine briefly in salty water with spices for extra flavor infusion.
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Marinate peeled raw shrimp in sauce/marinade to allow seasoning absorption.
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Coat prepped shrimp in breading, batter or flour before frying or baking.
Think about how seasoning will complement your cooking method and flavor goals.
Common Ways to Cook Colossal Shrimp
Due to their large size, colossal shrimp can be prepared using almost any cooking method:
Grilling
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Grill peeled, seasoned shrimp over direct high heat 2-3 minutes per side.
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Get nice char marks. Serve with grilled lemon wedges.
Pan Searing
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Heat oil in skillet over med-high heat. Cook 2-3 mins per side.
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Butter, garlic, herbs in pan adds great flavor.
Baking
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Bake peeled, seasoned shrimp at 425F for 12-15 minutes.
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Works great with marinades and breading.
Frying
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Fry breaded or battered shrimp 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Use shrimp fry seasoning or cajun seasoning.
Broiling
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Broil seasoned shrimp 4-5 inches from heat for 2-3 mins per side.
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Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Boiling
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Boil large volumes of shrimp. Use seafood boil seasoning.
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Great for shrimp boils, shrimp soup, etc.
Sautéing
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Quickly sauté shrimp in a little oil or butter over high heat.
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Finish by adding garlic, lemon, herbs, wine.
Experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your favorites!
How to Tell When Colossal Shrimp are Cooked
It’s important not to overcook these large shrimp. Look for these signs of doneness:
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Shrimp have curled and opaque, milky white flesh.
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They feel firm yet still juicy when squeezed.
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Interior is no longer translucent.
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Meat pulls away cleanly from tail when peeled (if shells still on).
Ideally, they should be just cooked through but still juicy. An instant read thermometer should register 135-145F.
Serving Suggestions for Colossal Shrimp
Colossal shrimp truly shine when served:
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Whole in shell with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for dipping.
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On shrimp kabobs or skewers with vegetables.
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Mixed in seafood pasta dishes or stir fries.
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In tacos, sandwiches, wraps or on top of salad.
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As an appetizer split butterfly style with sauce for dipping.
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On top of grits, rice or creamy polenta.
Get creative with how you incorporate these shrimp into recipes and presentations. Their impressive size makes them the star of any dish!
Key Tips for Colossal Shrimp Success
Follow these tips when handling and cooking colossal shrimp:
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Select fresh or properly frozen and thawed shrimp.
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Prep by peeling, deveining, drying thoroughly.
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Season shrimp well but don’t overseason.
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Don’t overcook – cook just until opaque and firm.
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Pair with flavors that complement, not overpower.
Take advantage of their delicious flavor and meaty texture by cooking these shrimp properly. Enjoy this ultimate shrimp experience!
Frequency of Entities:
colossal shrimp: 28
shrimp: 27
cook: 10
flavor: 7
season: 7
fry: 5
juicy: 4
peel: 4
devein: 3
grill: 3
bake: 3
broil: 3
boil: 3
sauté: 3
cooking: 3
serving: 3
marinade: 2
seafood: 2
shell: 2
tail: 2
flesh: 2
opaque: 2
appetizer: 1
thermometer: 1
grits: 1
polenta: 1
brine: 1
If you find this brand in your local supermarket, try it.
Let me know if you try it!
Never in our life have we ever had shrimp this size! WOW!
They are literally the size of little Lobsters and are Very Meaty!
But, I couldn’t get a good picture to show their true size. We bought 2 pounds and got just 10 shrimp, so you know they are HUGE!.
You can make Zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of pasta or rice for a Healthier option.
How to cook jumbo shrimp in 3 min.
Are colossal shrimp easy to make?
Colossal shrimp are incredibly easy to make and great for entertaining guests using only a handful of ingredients. A homemade blend of shrimp seasoning lends extra flavor to these meaty, plump shrimp along with butter and garlic. You really can’t go wrong here!
Can one eat raw shrimps?
While raw shrimp or shrimp sashimi can be consumed safely, raw shrimp is considered a high-risk food because it can harbour harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and various Vibrio bacteria. Although some people consider the seafood used in ceviche raw, it is actually cooked by immersing it in an acid rather than using heat. The acid from the citrus can reduce harmful bacteria but it is not as effective as using heat. The safest approach would be to consume only cooked shrimp from a reliable source. The US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) advises that pregnant women, those with weakened immunity, older adults, and young children are at higher risk of foodborne illness and its consequences and should avoid all raw seafood.
How do you cook raw colossal shrimp?
To the butter and garlic, add your raw colossal shrimp, salt, pepper and lemon zest. Toss the shrimp in the butter sauce to coat well, then arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Return to the oven to bake for 12-16 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through. 3. Garnish and serve
How do you eat a colossal shrimp?
These colossal shrimp are poached in a mixture of prosecco, butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and lemon slices, rendering plenty of great flavors that’ll elevate your dining experience. Serve with crusty homemade bread for an impressive appetizer or use them as a seafood centerpiece to pair with your favorite carbs such as rice or pasta.