Learn how to cook shrimp on the stove with this easy to follow step by step photo instructions. Great juicy shrimp cooked in the pan. You won’t believe how easy this can be. Get it right first time and every time.
Nothing is better than perfectly cooked shrimp. How many times have you stood over the stove and cooked shrimp? If you’re like me, you don’t do it very often. This post is less of a recipe but mostly instructions about techniques. Cooking shrimp is so easy if you just know how.
Cooking raw shrimp seems daunting, but it’s easier than you think! With a few simple tips, you can serve up tender, juicy shrimp dishes at home. In this complete guide, learn my top tricks for cooking raw shrimp to perfection on the stove or grill.
What You Need to Know Before Cooking Raw Shrimp
Get high-quality shrimp. The key to great results starts at the source. Choose fresh, raw shrimp that still has the shell on. Check for signs of freshness like firm, shiny shells with no black spots. Frozen shrimp works too – just thaw completely before cooking.
Prep is important Rinse raw shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Remove the shell, rinse again, and pat dry once more. The drier the shrimp before cooking, the better it will sear
Season to amplify flavor. Shrimp have a mild, sweet taste Seasonings really make the flavors pop Try Old Bay, lemon pepper, cajun spices, garlic powder, or herb blends.
Don’t overcook. Shrimp cooks fast, so watch it closely. It goes from raw to overdone in just minutes. Follow cooking times carefully.
Rest before serving. Like steak, shrimp continues cooking after you take it off the heat. Let it rest 2-3 minutes; carryover cooking makes it perfectly done.
Step-by-Step Methods for Cooking Raw Shrimp on the Stove
The stovetop allows you to cook shrimp quickly while monitoring doneness. Here are two easy methods.
Pan Searing
Pan searing locks in moisture and gives an irresistible caramelized crust.
You’ll Need:
- Raw, peeled shrimp
- Olive oil or butter
- Seasonings
- Large skillet
Instructions:
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Pat shrimp dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper, and other spices.
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Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom and swirl to distribute evenly.
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When oil is shimmering hot, add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Listen for an immediate sizzle.
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Cook for 1 minute undisturbed so shrimp can sear properly. Flip and sear other side for 1 minute more.
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When opaque and pink on both sides, remove shrimp from pan and serve. For extra flavor, add garlic, lemon juice, or parsley to the pan and swirl before pouring over shrimp.
Sauteing in Butter or Oil
For flexible flavor, try sauteing shrimp in hot butter or oil. The cooking method is just as easy.
You’ll Need
- Peeled, deveined raw shrimp
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or oil
- Minced garlic, seasonings, lemon juice, etc.
Instructions:
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Season shrimp all over with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter or heat oil.
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Add shrimp and cook for 1 minute before flipping. Saute 1 minute more until opaque.
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If desired, remove shrimp and add extra flavor to pan with garlic, lemon, herbs, etc. Then add shrimp back and toss to coat.
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Serve shrimp immediately for the juiciest texture.
Grilling Raw Shrimp for Smoky, Charred Flavor
The grill adds irresistible smoky flavor and char. Follow these steps for perfect grilled shrimp.
You’ll Need:
- Skewers
- Vegetable or olive oil
- Raw, peeled shrimp
- Desired seasonings
Instructions:
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Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. This prevents burning.
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Thread 4-5 shrimp tightly onto each skewer, alternating directions.Brush all over with oil first to prevent sticking.
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Season shrimp liberally with your favorite spices, herbs, chili powder, lemon pepper – anything goes!
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Preheat grill to medium high heat. Clean grates and brush with oil.
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Place shrimp skewers perpendicular to grates. Grill 2 minutes per side until opaque.
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Handle skewers gently and don’t turn too early or shrimp will stick. Just wait for one side to release naturally before flipping.
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Once lightly charred and cooked through, immediately remove shrimp from the grill and enjoy!
How to Tell When Shrimp is Cooked Perfectly
It’s all about color and texture. Here’s what to look for:
- Raw shrimp is gray, translucent, and slimy.
- Undercooked shrimp is still a bit transparent in the center.
- Perfectly cooked shrimp is fully opaque and pink throughout.
- Overcooked shrimp looks opaque but starts to curl into a circle shape.
The tail is the thickest part of the shrimp, so check that it has turned pink when cooked. Peek at a cut into the shrimp to confirm it’s opaque, not translucent inside.
Pull shrimp off the heat just before it is fully cooked through. It will continue cooking off heat. Waiting until completely opaque results in overcooking.
Serving Up Your Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
Now that you know how to cook shrimp like a pro, it’s time to enjoy it!
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For an easy appetizer, peel, chop, and mix cooked shrimp with lemon juice, diced celery, mayo, and seasoning. Chill it for shrimp salad or shrimp dip.
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Stir sautéed shrimp into rice pilaf or pasta dish just before serving so it doesn’t overcook.
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Grill extra shrimp and use it in tacos, salad, or wraps the next day.
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For a showstopper, arrange grilled shrimp on a platter and drizzle with garlic butter.
However you serve it up, you’ll impress everyone with your perfectly cooked shrimp using these foolproof methods. Now get cooking!
FAQs About Cooking Raw Shrimp
Still have questions about how to cook raw shrimp? Here are answers to some common queries:
How long does it take to cook raw shrimp on the stove?
- Pan searing: 2 minutes total – 1 minute per side
- Sauteing: 2-3 minutes total, depending on size. Cook until just opaque throughout.
What temperature should I cook shrimp?
- Pan searing: Medium high heat (around 400°F) for searing
- Saute: Medium heat (325-350°F) to cook through gently
- Grill: Medium high heat, 350-450°F
Can I cook frozen shrimp without thawing?
Yes, but it takes longer. Thaw first in the fridge overnight for quicker, more even cooking.
What are the signs of overcooked shrimp?
Shrimp overcooks very quickly. Signs include a firm, curled shape, a rubbery texture, and opaque exterior with a gray ring around the outside.
How do I prevent shrimp from sticking when grilling?
- Soak wooden skewers first
- Brush shrimp with oil
- Don’t move them too soon – wait until they release naturally
How can I add more flavor to shrimp?
- Marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking
- Season the shell-on shrimp before cooking for more infusion
- Finish with compound butter, lemon wedges, or fresh herbs
What are easy shrimp dinner ideas?
- Shrimp tacos or fajitas with peppers and onions
- Shrimp pasta – try lemon garlic butter sauce
- Shrimp fried rice or stir fry
- Grilled shrimp skewers over salad
- Blackened shrimp with cajun spices
With the tips in this guide, you can master cooking raw shrimp at home with ease. Just remember to start with quality shrimp, season well, don’t overcook, and serve immediately for the juiciest results. What will your first perfectly cooked shrimp recipe be?
Here’s a quick cooking lesson on how to cook shrimp perfectly on the stove top.
- First, put the shrimp in a bowl and coat them with the seasoning mix. The sea salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes should be mixed well to cover the shrimp well. Since shrimp don’t have a strong flavor, they will take on any flavor you serve them with. Yummy!.
- Next, put the butter or oil on medium-high heat in a stove. When the oil gets hot, I tilt the pan so that the oil coats the bottom of the pan.
- Add the shrimp to the hot pan when the butter melts or the oil flows easily around the pan. If they don’t pop when you put them in the pan, heat it up a little longer next time.
- Cook the shrimp for two to three minutes on each side, flipping them only once in the middle. This should take between 4 and 6 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp and how many are in the pan.
- Lastly, transfer to a serving dish. Serve seared shrimp immediately with pasta or rice. Would you like to try Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta or Instant Pot Shrimp and Orzo?
How to shop for shrimp in the supermarket
Most shrimp are frozen soon after they are caught, so the frozen shrimp in the freezer aisle tastes the freshest, not the thawed shrimp at the fish counter. Because shrimp is highly perishable, and you don’t really know how long the thawed stuff has been thawed. Therefore, never, I repeat, NEVER buy shrimp that is not frozen.