how long do you have to boil shrimp

How Long Do You Have to Boil Shrimp for Perfectly Cooked Results Every Time?

Cooking shrimp can be tricky. It’s easy to overcook shrimp, turning it from plump, juicy and tender to rubbery and dry in just a minute or two. So how long should you boil shrimp to get it just right? The answer depends on a few factors.

As a seafood lover and home cook I’ve learned through trial and error how to consistently produce tender not-overcooked shrimp when boiling. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned so you can have delicious boiled shrimp every time.

What Size Shrimp Should You Buy for Boiling?

Shrimp are categorized by “count per pound.” This number represents how many individual shrimp you get in one pound. For example, “21-25 count” means there are 21 to 25 shrimp in a one pound bag.

The smaller the count, the larger the shrimp. Here are common shrimp sizes:

• Colossal: under 10 count per pound
• Jumbo: 11-15 count per pound
• Extra Large: 16-20 count per pound
• Large: 21-25 count per pound
• Medium: 26-30 count per pound
• Small: around 50 count per pound

Any of these sizes will work well for boiling. Jumbo, extra large, and large shrimp are best for impressive platters, appetizers, and shrimp cocktail. Medium shrimp work nicely for shrimp salad or pasta dishes.

I’d avoid the very smallest shrimp (over 50 count per pound) for boiling, as they can overcook quickly.

Should You Boil Shrimp With the Shell On or Off?

This comes down to personal preference. Here are the pros and cons:

Shell On:

• Locks in moisture and flavor
• Look more appetizing for shrimp cocktail or platters
• Messier to eat

Shell Off:

• Easier to eat
• Absorb flavors from boiling liquid
• Can dry out more easily

Most people boil shrimp with the shell on for maximum juiciness. If serving shrimp cocktail or a platter, leave the tail shell on for presentation.

How Long Should You Boil Raw Shrimp?

Here are general guidelines for boiling times based on shrimp size:

• Colossal shrimp: 5 minutes
• Jumbo: 4 minutes
• Extra large: 3 minutes
• Large: 2-3 minutes
• Medium: 1-2 minutes
• Small: 1 minute

These times are for raw, shell on shrimp right from the store. Always start timing as soon as the pot returns to a boil after adding the shrimp.

It’s easy to tell when shrimp is done boiling. It will turn pink and opaque all the way through and start to curl into a “C” shape.

If boiling peeled shrimp, reduce the cooking time by 1 minute. Peeled shrimp absorbs more heat from the water so cooks faster.

How Long Should You Boil Frozen Shrimp?

Add 1 extra minute to the boiling times above if starting with frozen shrimp. So for frozen jumbo shrimp, boil for 5 minutes.

You can thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. But it’s fine to go straight from frozen to boiling as long as you add a minute to the cook time.

Pro Tip: For the Best Results, Use a Thermometer

While the boil times above work well, the most foolproof way to check doneness is by temperature. Shrimp is perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 140°F.

Use an instant read thermometer to test shrimp thickness in a few spots. This way you know 100% if they are ready or need another 30 seconds.

How to Boil Shrimp Perfectly Every Time

Now that you know approximate cook times, here is a simple, foolproof method for how to boil shrimp:

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled or shell-on
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Add enough cold water to a pot to cover the shrimp by 1 inch. Use about 4 cups water per 1 lb of shrimp.

2. Add a pinch of salt if desired (optional, shrimp is naturally salty). Bring to a boil over high heat.

3. Once boiling, add shrimp and cover the pot with a lid. Maintain a simmer and start timing.

4. After estimated cook time, begin checking doneness at thickest part using thermometer or texture clues. Cook longer if needed.

5. When shrimp are cooked, immediately drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking.

6. Serve shrimp chilled or reheat briefly in simmering water or microwave before serving. Enjoy with lemon wedges for squeezing over top.

That’s all it takes for deliciously tender boiled shrimp every single time!

The Secret to Perfectly-Timed Shrimp

Shrimp cooks extremely fast, so timing is everything. Set a timer as soon as you add the shrimp to the boiling water.

Overcooked shrimp gets dry and rubbery quickly. It’s better to slightly undercook and continue boiling if needed. Test doneness at the thickest part near the tail.

Use an instant read thermometer to eliminate guesswork and be certain shrimp are cooked to 140°F. This way you’ll never have to wonder if they need another 30 seconds or not.

Chilling in ice water immediately after draining stops carryover cooking. This helps prevent overcooking.

I like to boil shrimp right before guests arrive. Then I transfer to an ice water bath to chill. When ready to serve, I briefly reheat the shrimp in simmering water or the microwave.

Cutting shrimp in half horizontally helps it cook more evenly. Consider this if boiling extra large or jumbo shrimp.

Quick Tips for the Best Boiled Shrimp

Here are some additional tips to ensure perfect boiled shrimp every time:

• Don’t crowd the pot. Boil shrimp in a single layer if possible with at least 1 inch water covering.

• Add salt and lemon: Season the boiling water with a pinch of salt and lemon juice or lemon halves for subtle flavor.

• Use fresh or frozen shrimp: Raw shrimp from the store will work well, or use thawed frozen shrimp.

• Chill immediately: Plunge cooked shrimp into an ice bath to stop cooking.

• Add aromatics: Throw in garlic, lemon, herbs or spices to infuse the shrimp.

• Peel after boiling: Cool shrimp slightly after boiling before peeling for easier shell removal.

• Buy sustainable: Opt for wild caught or responsibly farmed shrimp when possible.

• Cook and peel extra: Shell and chop some extra shrimp to add to dips, salads, pasta, etc.

• Save the shells: Simmer shells in water to make shrimp stock for seafood risottos or soups.

Now you’re ready to boil succulent shrimp like a pro! Follow the guidelines above for perfectly cooked shrimp that turns out tender and juicy every single time.

Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Shrimp

Once you’ve mastered the easy art of boiling shrimp, here are some amazing ways to use it:

• Chilled shrimp cocktail with lemon and spicy cocktail sauce

• Shrimp salad stuffed in avocado halves

• Garlicky scampi over pasta or zucchini noodles

• Simple peel-and-eat shrimp with clarified butter

• Shrimp tacos or burritos with salsa and fixings

• Shrimp ceviche “cooked” in citrus juice

• Shrimp skewers brushed with sauce on the grill

• Gumbo, jambalaya, or shrimp Creole

• Summer rolls or lettuce wrap tacos

• Shrimp fried rice or stir fried noodles

• Shrimp & grits with creamy gravy

• Shellfish boils or shrimp steamers

However you choose to use them, perfectly boiled shrimp make an easy and impressive meal or appetizer. I hope these tips help you achieve plump, tender, juicy shrimp every time you boil. Enjoy!