Pre-cooked, frozen shrimp can be a quick and convenient ingredient to have on hand. But what is the best way to cook frozen shrimp that’s already been cooked? Can you simply reheat frozen pre-cooked shrimp or does it require more preparation?
As a home cook and food blogger always seeking to learn the ideal methods for preparing convenient ingredients, I decided to investigate the optimal ways to cook frozen, pre-cooked shrimp. After researching a variety of methods and testing several recipes, here is what I learned:
Best Practices for Cooking Frozen Pre-Cooked Shrimp
While frozen pre-cooked shrimp just needs to be thawed and heated through, taking a few extra steps ensures it turns out juicy, flavorful, and tender every time. Here are the best practices to follow:
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Thaw shrimp properly – Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or under cold running water to prevent overcooking Do not microwave
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Pat shrimp dry – Drain excess liquid after thawing and pat shrimp dry for better browning
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Season shrimp – Toss thawed shrimp with salt, pepper, spices, herbs, lemon, etc. for extra flavor
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Use a cooking fat – Coat pan with oil, butter, or other fat to help shrimp caramelize instead of steaming.
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Cook at medium-high heat – Higher heat helps shrimp brown vs. overcooking.
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Cook just until heated through – Shrimp will be fridge-cold after thawing. Cook just until hot, 1-3 minutes.
Following these tips will ensure boiled, grilled or sautéed frozen pre-cooked shrimp tastes juicy and flavorful. Now let’s look at specific cooking methods.
Stovetop Methods for Frozen Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Cooking thawed, pre-cooked shrimp on the stovetop leads to the best texture and flavor. Here are some excellent stovetop cooking methods:
Sautéed Shrimp
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Heat 1 Tbsp oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Dry shrimp thoroughly and season withsalt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
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Add shrimp to pan in single layer. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.
Buttery Garlic Shrimp
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Melt 2 Tbsp each butter and olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
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Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp and seasonings.
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Sauté shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until hot.
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Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
Blackened Shrimp
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Coat thawed shrimp with Cajun seasoning.
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Heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 tsp oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until blackened and heated through.
Oven-Baked Frozen Pre-Cooked Shrimp
The oven can also be used to cook frozen pre-cooked shrimp:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss shrimp with oil, seasonings, and herbs/spices.
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Spread in single layer on baking sheet or oven-safe pan.
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Roast 6-8 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
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Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Grilled Frozen Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Grilling imparts delicious charred flavor. Follow these tips:
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Toss thawed shrimp with oil and bold seasonings like chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, etc.
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Clean and heat grill to medium-high heat.
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Grill shrimp in single layer 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and shrimp are hot.
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Serve grilled shrimp over salad, rice, pasta, or tacos.
Shrimp Boil with Frozen Pre-Cooked Shrimp
For a fun, flavorful preparation, try a shrimp boil:
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Fill large pot with water, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and other spices. Bring to a boil.
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Add halved small potatoes, corn on the cob, andouille sausage slices. Cook 5 minutes.
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Add thawed shrimp and cook just until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
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Drain and serve shrimp boil with drawn butter for dipping.
Tips for the Best Results
To get the most flavor and texture from frozen pre-cooked shrimp, keep these additional tips in mind:
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Opt for raw, shell on shrimp if you have time – you’ll get superior flavor and texture.
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Brine thawed shrimp in salted water for 30 minutes before cooking to boost juiciness.
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Undercook slightly – carryover cooking will finish heating shrimp through.
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Don’t crowd the pan – cook shrimp in a single layer to allow browning.
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Add acids like lemon, lime, or vinegar at the end for brightness.
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Serve with cocktail sauce, garlic butter, or other flavorful sauces.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Shrimp
For enjoying leftover cooked shrimp later, follow these guidelines:
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Store cooked shrimp covered in the fridge up to 2-3 days.
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Reheat gently in skillet with butter or oil over medium-low, stirring often.
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Or reheat covered in microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals.
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Add to salads, tacos, pasta, or dips. Don’t overcook.
The Takeaway
Reader Success Stories
- “When I’m 13, I make dinner for my four-person family because my mom works nights and is often too tired to cook.” Thank you for this article. It helped me make a great dinner for my family even though I had never cooked shrimp before. ” more Rated this article: .
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- Randall Chambers Personal Chef: How can you tell if shrimp isn’t cooked enough? Randall (Randy) Chambers is a personal chef and the owner of Luxury Meals From Home in Arvada, Colorado. He has worked in commercial kitchens for more than 16 years, as a sous chef for five years, and as an executive chef for two years. Because he is half Bolivian, Chef Randy gets ideas for his food, and South American food is his specialty. He went to The Art Institute and got an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts. Answer from Randall Chambers, Personal Chef: Cut it open! If the shrimp is still see-through in the middle, it’s not done yet.
- How long does it take to cook raw shrimp? Randall Chambers Personal Chef: Randall (Randy) Chambers is a personal chef and the owner of Luxury Meals From Home in Arvada, Colorado. He has worked in commercial kitchens for more than 16 years, as a sous chef for five years, and as an executive chef for two years. Because he is half Bolivian, Chef Randy gets ideas for his food, and South American food is his specialty. He went to The Art Institute and got an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts. Answer from Randall Chambers, Personal Chef: Not long at all! Shrimp only needs 10 seconds on each side on the grill.
- How long should you bake pre-cooked jumbo shrimp with Ritz crackers? Asked by: I wouldn’t bake pre-cooked shrimp because they would get rubbery and taste bad.
- If the shrimp aren’t already seasoned, marinate them to make your dish taste better![11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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How to Cook Already Cooked Shrimp Safely & to Retain Flavour?
How do you cook frozen shrimp?
Boiling shrimp is a quick and easy way to cook frozen shrimp, making them perfect for shrimp cocktail or sushi rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add salt, pepper, lemon wedges, Old Bay seasoning, and bay leaves to the water and stir. Add thawed shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turns gray to pink.
How do you cook precooked shrimp?
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the precooked shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are heated through. Baking is a simple method that ensures even heating. 4. Steaming: Bring a pot of water to a boil and place a steamer basket or colander over the pot.
How do you cook thawed shrimp?
Here are three popular methods: Pan-Searing: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thawed shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slightly crispy exterior. Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the thawed shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
How do you cook frozen shrimp in a water bath?
Turn the heat down to medium and add a pound of frozen large shrimp. Simmer them for 2-3 minutes or until they’re just cooked through to a light pink color. Right before they’re done cooking, get a water bath ready by filling a large bowl with a mix of cold water and 2 cups of ice cubes. Ice bath.