How to Perfectly Boil Shrimp Every Time

Shrimp cooks quickly. The key is to take them out before they get tough and let them cool down to stop the cooking. Your shrimp will be ready in less than 5 minutes! Easy Peasy. You may be wondering what I did with all these boiled shrimp.

First, I mustered up all of my self-control not to devour them after I finished taking pictures. I then cut them up and added them to the best shrimp and avocado salsa (a recipe can be found here).

Shrimp is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many ways However, one of the simplest and most foolproof cooking methods is boiling Boiling shrimp results in plump, tender, and juicy shrimp perfect for serving chilled with cocktail sauce, adding to pasta, salads, and more. Read on to learn all the tips and tricks for how to boil shrimp to perfection every time.

Why Boil Shrimp?

There are several advantages to boiling shrimp rather than other cooking methods:

It’s quick and easy – shrimp boils in just 1-2 minutes.
It’s nearly foolproof – easy to control level of doneness.
Helps shrimp retain moisture and flavor.
Cooked shrimp can be used hot or cold in recipes.
Boiled shrimp stays fresh at room temperature, perfect for platters.

So if you’re looking for a no-fuss way to cook shrimp that highlights its sweet, briny flavor, boiling is the way to go The shrimp pop out plump, juicy, and tender

How Long to Boil Shrimp

The exact boil time depends on the size and whether the shrimp is shelled or shell-on Here are general guidelines

Medium shelled shrimp: 1-2 minutes
Large shelled shrimp: 1-2 minutes
Jumbo shelled shrimp: 1-3 minutes
Medium shell-on shrimp: 2-3 minutes
Large shell-on shrimp: 2-4 minutes
Jumbo shell-on shrimp: 3-5 minutes

The best way to test doneness is to look for the shrimp to turn opaque and pink. They should be just cooked through but not rubbery. When in doubt, undercook them slightly since they’ll continue cooking once removed from the pot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect boiled shrimp every time:

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Leave shells on or peel based on your preference. Devein shrimp by slicing along the back and removing the digestive tract. Keep shells on for more flavor infused into the water.

2. Bring Water to a Boil

Fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water for every pound of shrimp. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to season the water. You can also add aromatics like lemon, garlic, peppercorns, or bay leaves. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Once boiling, add the shrimp and stir. Start timing as soon as the water returns to a boil. Boil for 1-3 minutes depending on size and whether shells are on or off.

4. Stop the Cooking

As soon as the shrimp are cooked, immediately drain and transfer to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process so they don’t overcook.

5. Peel and Season (if desired)

If you boiled the shrimp with shells on, remove the shells now. Leave the tails on for presentation if desired. Season with additional salt, lemon juice, or cocktail sauce if serving chilled.

And that’s it – you now have perfect boiled shrimp ready to eat! The shell-on shrimp will have the best flavor, but peeled shrimp is easier to eat.

Shrimp Boiling Tips

Follow these tips for the best results when boiling shrimp:

Use plenty of salt – it seasons the shrimp and helps them retain moisture. Aim for 2 tablespoons per quart of water.
Leave shells on if possible for the most flavorful shrimp. Just peel after boiling if needed.
Don’t overcrowd the pot – cook shrimp in batches to allow even cooking.
Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking.
Avoid overcooking – check doneness early and err on undercooking.
Chill peeled shrimp tossed with a bit of oil or they will stick together.

Best Shrimp for Boiling

The best shrimp to use depends on your purpose:

For shrimp cocktails, use jumbo or colossal shrimp. Leave tails on for presentation.
For salads and pasta, medium or large shrimp work well since they’re bite-sized.
Look for shell-on shrimp if possible for better flavor. Buy peeled if you don’t want to peel after cooking.
Raw, frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh. Thaw first in the fridge overnight.

No matter what size you use, high-quality shrimp is key. Look for shrimp that smells ocean-fresh with no fishy odor. Their shells should be tightly closed on the body.

Boiling Frozen Shrimp

You can boil shrimp straight from frozen – just add a minute or two to the boiling time. However, for best results, thaw them first:

Place frozen shrimp in a colander in the sink and run cool water over them until thawed, about 10-15 minutes depending on amount.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator in a single layer.

Thawed shrimp will boil more evenly. Just make sure they are still cold before boiling.

Serving Boiled Shrimp

Boiled shrimp stays fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal-prepping or platters. Here are some delicious ways to eat boiled shrimp:

Chilled with cocktail sauce or remoulade for classic shrimp cocktails.
In salads, pasta, tacos, rice bowls and more.
As an appetizer platter garnished with lemon wedges.
Added to seafood stews and soups.
Mixed into dips like shrimp dip or crab dip.

how boil shrimp

How to Boil Shrimp:

Watch my quick video on how to peel and devein shrimp here. 1. Put the shrimp shells, 1 tablespoon of garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a bay leaf in a large saucepan. Add 8 cups water and bring to a boil over med/high heat.

2. Once water boils, add the peeled and deveined shrimp and simmer until pink, about 2-3 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp. Drain and transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and let cool.

Use them in any recipe that calls for cooked shrimp, like that shrimp salsa I can’t wait to share with you. Serve with your favorite cocktail sauce. I’ll post it A. S. A. P.

P. S. What is your favorite, I mean VERY favorite shrimp recipe? Or do you just like them dipped in cocktail sauce? Yum!

Ingredients for Boiled Shrimp:

1. 15 pounds of raw shrimp, which is about 1 pound when cooked