When you need dinner quickly, try my 15-minute tiger shrimp stir fry. Tender tiger shrimp pieces cooked with a mix of fresh vegetables and a sweet and sour sauce on top.
“What is tiger shrimp? Why have I never heard of that before?” is the first thing that might have crossed your mind. These shrimp are called black tiger shrimp because their shells have dark stripes around them. Black tiger shrimp are also known as giant tiger prawns, or tigers. When cooked, tiger shrimp meat turns white and the black stripes on the shell turn bright red. This is one of the most popular varieties of shrimp on the Asian, European, and American markets. It’s a super common shrimp type but I’ve found that the name is being advertised more prevalently vs. just calling the shrimp colossal or jumbo.
They taste just the same as regular shrimp but are bigger, and meatier. If you like large shrimp then this variety is a must try. Because I had a frozen pack of tiger shrimp that I needed to use up, I made a quick stir fry with them. A good stir fry is great for getting rid of food that you wouldn’t normally eat together and cleaning out your fridge at the same time.
You can make this dish with or without the sauce, based on your taste. Adding the sauce gives the dish a more Asian flavor profile. Without the sauce the dish is still delicious, just a little more crisp.
To keep it healthy and well-balanced, I like to serve this stir fry with brown rice. This is a great way to prepare meals ahead of time if you want to make meals that are easy to make and still taste good the next day. This dish has minimal ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes or less.
Black tiger shrimp is great, but if you can’t find it or can’t get it, use regular shrimp or any other seafood you like. Stir fries are meant to be flexible and easy to make. Grab what you have on hand and this this recipe as guide to get you started.
With their large size and sweet, succulent meat, tiger shrimp make an impressive and tasty meal. But to enjoy their full flavor and texture, it’s key to know the proper techniques for cooking this jumbo shrimp variety just right.
As an enthusiastic home cook and seafood lover, I’ve experimented extensively with cooking methods and times for tiger shrimp. In this article, I’ll share my tips and tricks for achieving tender, juicy tiger shrimp through grilling, sautéing, and boiling
Tiger shrimp sometimes labeled as black tiger shrimp are a variety of jumbo shrimp native to the waters of the Indo-Pacific. They get their name from the dark vertical stripes that run along their shells when raw.
Compared to smaller white shrimp, tiger shrimp have a firmer texture and bolder, sweeter taste. Their large size also makes them ideal for grilling, sautéing, and other cooking methods that benefit from having jumbo shrimp.
When selecting tiger shrimp, look for specimens that are still in their shell and avoid any with an ammonia-like odor, which indicates spoilage. For sustainability, choose wild-caught tiger shrimp over farmed.
Grilling Methods and Techniques
Exposing tiger shrimp to the intense, smoky heat of the grill helps bring out their rich, briny flavor. The high heat also firms up the texture nicely. Follow these tips for perfect grilled tiger shrimp:
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Clean shrimp by removing shells but leaving tails on for presentation.
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Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
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Marinate shrimp for 30 min to an hour in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs and spices.
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Soak wooden skewers before using to prevent burning. Skewer shrimp by tail.
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Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side over direct medium heat until opaque.
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Brush with glaze or sauce during last minute if using.
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Don’t overcook – shrimp will get tough and rubbery if grilled too long.
Experiment with global marinade flavors like Mexican adobo, Indian tandoori, or Thai curry pastes on your tiger shrimp before tossing them on the grill.
Sautéing for Fast, Flavorful Shrimp
When you’re short on time but want a quick, tasty shrimp dish, sautéing is the way to go. Here are my best practices for sautéing succulent tiger shrimp:
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Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder before sautéing.
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Use a non-stick pan or skillet and heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Pan fry shrimp in a single layer 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Work in batches to avoid crowding.
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Add aromatics like garlic, shallots, or chili peppers to infuse the oil during cooking.
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Splash shrimp with lemon juice right when they come out of the pan.
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Garnish with parsley and serve shrimp sautéed or over pasta, rice, or salad.
The key with sautéing is to use high heat to quickly cook the exterior while leaving the interior moist. Avoid moving the shrimp too much or they’ll overcook.
Boiling for Hassle-Free Shrimp
Boiling is one of the easiest, most low-maintenance ways to prepare a batch of tiger shrimp. Here’s how to do it right:
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Leave shell on shrimp for boiling to preserve moisture – just peel after cooking.
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Use a large pot and add 1/4 cup salt to 4 quarts water – salty water adds flavor.
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Bring salt water to a rolling boil before adding shrimp.
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Once water is boiling rapidly, add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes only until opaque.
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Drain immediately and plunge into ice bath to stop cooking process.
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Peel shells once cooled for tender, flavorful boiled shrimp ready to eat or use in recipes.
Serve boiled shrimp chilled with cocktail sauce or toss warm shrimp in melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley for a quick sauce.
Marinating Tiger Shrimp
Marinating shrimp not only infuses them with flavor, but also tenderizes and prevents them from drying out during cooking.
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Make sure shrimp are shelled and patted dry before marinating.
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Use an acidic marinade to help break down proteins – lemon/lime juice, vinegar, yogurt.
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Let shrimp marinate 30 min to an hour (no longer or texture suffers).
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Discard marinade after – don’t reuse.
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Great flavor combos include chili-lime, jerk, lemon-herb, Cajun, and teriyaki.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It can be easy to over or undercook tiger shrimp if you’re not careful. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:
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Overcrowding – Only cook enough shrimp to fit in a single layer in the pan, grill, or pot.
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Overmixing – Shrimp are delicate, so stir and flip gently while cooking.
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Overcooking – Err on the side of less time, you can always cook more.
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Uneven sizes – Try to pick shrimp that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
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Not patting dry – Pat shrimp thoroughly before seasoning or sauces won’t stick.
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Reusing marinade – Fresh marinade gives you the most flavor and food safety.
Serving Up Perfectly Cooked Tiger Shrimp
The possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to how to use your freshly cooked tiger shrimp. Here are just a few fun serving ideas:
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Shrimp tacos or burritos with salsa and avocado.
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Shrimp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and tangy dressing.
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Garlic butter shrimp pasta or stir fry.
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Shrimp skewers as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
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Shrimp ceviche with lime juice “cooked” shrimp.
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Blackened shrimp po’ boy sandwich.
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Shrimp and grits with Cajun seasonings.
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Shrimp skewers with chimichurri sauce.
Enjoy Restaurant-Quality Tiger Shrimp at Home
With their sweet flavor and meaty texture, tiger shrimp offer an indulgent experience with just a few minutes of hands-on cooking time. Using the proper technique for grilling, sautéing or boiling is key to bringing out their ultimate flavor and texture.
Marinating and seasoning tiger shrimp well before cooking also helps them absorb big, bold flavors. Avoid overcooking these tender shrimp and they’ll deliver a tender, juicy bite with any cooking method.
Master cooking techniques like pro and you can enjoy foolproof, restaurant-quality tiger shrimp right in your own kitchen. Impress guests or savor the flavors yourself with perfectly prepared tiger shrimp any night of the week.
Tiger Shrimp Stir Fry
Tiger shrimp are sautéed until they are soft, fresh vegetables are cooked, and a sweet and sour sauce is added to finish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb black tiger shrimp
- 1 tsp Adobo seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 package of stir fry vegetables (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp water to loosen sauce
- White sesame seeds to garnish
- Put olive oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Once hot add shrimp and season to taste
- About 3 minutes into cooking, the shrimp should be almost done.
- Remove shrimp and add stir fry vegetable medley and butter
- Saute until fragrant and slightly soft, about 5 minutes
- To make the sauce, put all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk them together well while the vegetables are cooking.
- Then, put the shrimp back on top of the vegetables and cover them with sauce.
- Mix everything together and heat it up for another 4 minutes, or until the vegetables are nice and soft and the shrimp are cooked all the way through.
- Finish with garnish and serve warm over prepared brown rice
If you dont have mirin on hand use extra brown sugar for sweetness
Let me know how you like this recipe in the comments below, and check out my Instagram every day for food ideas!
The easiest way to cook Tiger Prawns | How to cook Tiger Prawns Recipe
How do you cook tiger shrimp?
Tiger shrimp cooks quickly so it’s a good idea to have all of your ingredients ready to use. Shrimp that is overcooked will be dry and rubbery. Use a combination of butter and oil to cook the shrimp because butter can easily burn. If you prefer to only use butter, keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
How do you cook tiger prawns?
Because wild-caught prawns can contain high levels of environmental toxins, it’s best to opt for farm raised due to the effects on the body. Cooking tiger prawns is just like cooking traditional shrimp. Cook over high heat for just a few minutes per side until they are pink and opaque; then serve.
How do you cook shrimp in a frying pan?
It has been compared to the flavor and texture of lobster. Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan or skillet. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds – 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side until it just begins to turn pink.
What to eat with tiger shrimp?
Tiger Shrimp are succulent with amazing garlic and butter flavors. Enjoy it as an appetizer or toss it with your favorite pasta and some steamed broccoli for a complete meal! We’ll share with you some tips on how to cook tiger shrimp so it’s tender, plump, and juicy.