One of the best ways to cook shrimp is to broil it. It’s quick and easy, and the shrimp comes out juicy and well-seasoned. Add breading for an irresistible crunch! .
We thought we had found our favorite way to cook shrimp, but then this broiled shrimp recipe came along and made it even better! When we made it, I couldn’t stop declaring my praises for it. “Wow!” kept coming out of my mouth, and I texted my mom and best friend right away to share the recipe. That’s when you know it’s a keeper. This broiled shrimp is tender, juicy, and so fast to cook. You don’t even need to preheat the oven! It’s perfectly seasoned with garlic and lemon. Make it with or without a breadcrumb coating, which adds the perfect crunch. You’ve got to try this one!.
Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood options, loved for its versatility, mild flavor, and quick cooking time. It can be prepared in endless ways – sautéed, fried, grilled, baked – you name it. One of the best cooking methods for shrimp is broiling. The high heat of the broiler locks in moisture while creating a delicious charred exterior. It adds tons of flavor with little effort. But there is some debate around the best temperature setting for broiling shrimp. So do you broil shrimp on high or low?
Broiling Shrimp on High Heat is the Way to Go
When broiling shrimp, it is best to use your broiler on the high heat setting. Broiling shrimp on high heat allows it to cook fast, keeping the interior moist while getting that great char on the outside It usually takes just 3-5 minutes under a hot broiler for shrimp to become opaque and cooked through. Broiling on low heat can result in shrimp that are overcooked and rubbery
Here’s why high heat works best:
- Cooks the shrimp quickly so they don’t dry out
- Creates that tasty charred exterior
- Allows the natural juices and moisture to stay locked in
- Results in plump, juicy shrimp
- Adds tons of flavor from the Maillard reaction
So for tender, flavorful broiled shrimp, high heat is the way to go. Keep reading for more tips on how to broil shrimp to perfection.
Helpful Tips for Broiling Shrimp
Follow these tips to broil fantastic shrimp every time
1. Start with Raw, Shell-On Shrimp
It’s best to broil raw, shell-on shrimp. The shells help protect the delicate shrimp meat from drying out. Peel them after cooking.
2. Dry Shrimp Thoroughly
Pat shrimp dry before broiling Any excess moisture can cause steaming instead of broiling
3. Toss Shrimp in Oil and Seasoning
Toss shrimp with a little oil, salt, pepper and any other seasonings you like. The oil helps promote even browning.
4. Spread in a Single Layer on a Broiler Pan
Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking.
5. Broil 3-5 Minutes Just Until Opaque
Broil for just 3-5 minutes until shrimp are opaque and pink. They cook quickly so watch closely.
6. Flip Shrimp Halfway Through
Flip shrimp halfway through broiling for evenly charred results.
7. Check for Doneness
Shrimp are done when opaque and firm with a slightly curled shape.
8. Add Flavor Toppings
After broiling, spritz shrimp with lemon and sprinkle with chopped herbs.
Handy Broiled Shrimp FAQs
Get answers to all your broiled shrimp questions:
Can you broil frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be broiled but it’s best to thaw first for even cooking. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
Should you peel shrimp before broiling?
Keep the shells on when broiling shrimp to prevent overcooking. Peel after cooking.
Do you need to use a broiler pan?
A broiler pan works well but a regular baking sheet also does the trick. Line with foil for easy cleanup.
Can you broil shrimp without oil?
Oil isn’t mandatory but it helps promote browning. If skipping oil, broil a minute less.
What temperature should the broiler be?
Crank your broiler to high, around 500°F. This ensures proper browning and cooking.
How do you know when it’s done?
Check for opaque, firm, and slightly curled shrimp. They should be pinkish in color.
Can you season shrimp before broiling?
Yes, season shrimp before broiling! Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, herbs and spices.
Should you turn the shrimp over?
Flip shrimp halfway through broiling for even exposure to the high heat.
More Tips for Perfectly Broiled Shrimp
- Add a flavorful topping like lemon-garlic butter or pesto after broiling
- Serve broiled shrimp over pasta or rice
- Pair it with grilled or roasted veggies
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Enjoy in tacos, over salad or in bowls
- Bread shrimp with panko crumbs before broiling for extra crunch
So go ahead and crank up that broiler! In just minutes, you can have delicious, juicy broiled shrimp thanks to high heat. Whether enjoying shrimp as an appetizer or entree, broiling it is a quick and easy way to add tons of flavor.
How to make broiled shrimp: some tips!
Our new favorite way to cook shrimp is to braise them instead of cooking them on the stove. Why is this broiled shrimp better than our baked shrimp? You don’t even have to wait for the oven to heat up. Just throw it in and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. It’s so easy, it barely requires thought. Here are the basic steps:
- Use any type of shrimp. Fresh or frozen works! Putting the tail on looks nice, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
- Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns opaque. The exact time will depend on the size of the shrimp, so keep an eye on it.
- Rotate the pan for even cooking. Our broiler isn’t level, so turning the pan helps the shrimp get a nice brown color all over.
Breadcrumb topping is optional (but so tasty!)
With the breadcrumbs on top, this broiled shrimp recipe is out of this world good! It gives the food the perfect crispy crunch and complex flavor. But it’s absolutely as delicious without the coating. It makes the recipe easier and gluten-free as well.
If you do use the breadcrumb topping, here are a few notes about the breadcrumbs:
- Use homemade if at all possible. We used the recipe in How to Make Breadcrumbs, which makes lovely, fresh, crunchy crumbs. There was no salt added, but the Italian seasonings called for in the recipe were. We really think that making your own breadcrumbs is the best choice because they taste so much better than buying them.
- If you buy them, look for ones that are plain or don’t have salt. Try to find plain breadcrumbs. That means there’s no added salt! .
- Or, adjust salt in the recipe accordingly. If you can only find breadcrumbs with salt in the store, change how much salt is called for in the recipe. We’d suggest adding about half the specified salt.
