Quick, easy, and tasty seafood recipe: pan seared shrimp! This dish can be made in less than 10 minutes on the stove with butter, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings. This juicy, tender shrimp is the perfect healthy protein for a busy weeknight dinner!.
Shrimp is a quick-cooking and versatile protein that is a great addition to many meals. But because it is so easy to overcook, many home cooks wonder – just how long should you cook shrimp for optimal texture and flavor?
The cooking time can vary quite a bit depending on the method and type of shrimp. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long shrimp should cook using various preparations.
How Long to Cook Raw Shrimp
Raw shrimp cooks very quickly, usually just a few minutes. Here are approximate cook times:
- Pan-frying or sautéing: 2-3 minutes per side
- Grilling: 2-4 minutes per side
- Broiling: 2-3 minutes per side
- Boiling/poaching: 1-4 minutes total
- Baking: 6-8 minutes total
These times are for peeled, deveined shrimp. Add 1 minute to the cook time if shrimp is in the shell.
Exact cook time varies based on size Large shrimp needs more time than small shrimp Read on for specific cook times,
How Long to Cook Frozen Shrimp
Frozen shrimp takes slightly longer to cook through, Add 1 minute onto the cook time of raw shrimp if starting with frozen
- Pan-frying frozen shrimp: 3-4 minutes per side
- Grilling frozen shrimp: 3-5 minutes per side
- Boiling frozen shrimp: 2-5 minutes
- Baking frozen shrimp: 7-9 minutes
For food safety, cook frozen shrimp directly from frozen state without thawing first.
Cook Time by Shrimp Size
Shrimp size dramatically impacts its cook time. The most common classifications:
- Colossal: Under 10 per pound
- Jumbo: 11-15 per pound
- Extra-large: 16-20 per pound
- Large: 21-30 per pound
- Medium: 31-35 per pound
- Small: 36-45 per pound
Use this shrimp size cook time chart for reference:
| Shrimp Size | Raw Cook Time | Frozen Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Colossal | 4-5 minutes | 5-6 minutes |
| Jumbo | 3-4 minutes | 4-5 minutes |
| Extra-Large | 2-3 minutes | 3-4 minutes |
| Large | 1-2 minutes | 2-3 minutes |
| Medium | 1 minute | 2 minutes |
| Small | 30-60 seconds | 1-2 minutes |
As you can see, colossal shrimp needs the longest cook time while small shrimp cooks very quickly.
How to Tell When Shrimp Is Done
It’s important not to overcook shrimp, as it can quickly become rubbery and dry. Look for these signs that shrimp is fully cooked:
- Flesh is opaque and pinkish-white in color
- Shrimp curls into a “C” shape
- Meat feels firm when pierced with a fork
- At 145°F internal temperature
Undercooked shrimp will have some translucent flesh. If unsure, it is better to slightly undercook than overcook shrimp.
Best Cooking Methods for Shrimp
How you cook shrimp affects both its flavor and cook time. Here are some top cooking methods:
Pan-Frying or Sautéing
Pan-frying in a little oil or butter over high heat caramelizes the outside while cooking the inside. Use 2-4 minutes per side based on size.
Grilling
Grilling shrimp in its shell at 400°F lends lots of flavor. Grill for 2-5 minutes per side depending on size.
Broiling
Broil shrimp 2-3 minutes per side for easy oven cooking without oil. Works best with peeled shrimp.
Boiling/Poaching
Boiling or poaching in broth cooks shrimp gently 1-4 minutes until opaque. Great for shrimp cocktail.
Baking
Baking brings out sweetness in a 350°F oven for 6-9 minutes based on size. Toss first in oil or butter.
Air Frying
Air frying makes shrimp crispy outside and tender inside in just 4-6 minutes at 400°F. Spray with oil first.
Shrimp Recipes with Cook Times
Here are some classic shrimp dishes with approximate cook times:
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Shrimp Scampi: Sauté jumbo shrimp in garlicky butter sauce for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Coconut Shrimp: Roll shrimp in coconut, then bake or air fry 7-9 minutes until browned.
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Shrimp & Grits: Sauté shrimp 2-3 minutes, then simmer in creamy sauce.
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Shrimp Fajitas: Grill marinated shrimp over high heat for 2-4 minutes per side.
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Shrimp Fried Rice: Stir-fry small shrimp 1-2 minutes to combine with fried rice.
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Shrimp Alfredo: Gently poach extra-large shrimp in sauce for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
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Shrimp Tacos: Pan cook marinated shrimp 3-4 minutes until charred, then add to tacos.
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Shrimp Cocktail: Boil peeled shrimp 1-4 minutes until opaque, then chill.
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Shrimp Stir Fry: Cook shrimp 1-2 minutes over high heat and mix with vegetables.
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Shrimp & Lobster Pasta: Sauté lobster 6 minutes, then add shrimp for 2 minutes more.
The Takeaway
Knowing exactly how long to cook shrimp is key to getting perfect texture and flavor every time. Follow cooking time guidelines based on shrimp size, whether raw or frozen, and cooking method. With just a quick 2-5 minute cook time, shrimp can shine in everything from fast weeknight dinners to special occasion meals.
Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptions
While I believe this recipe is great as it is, you can always make changes to suit your own tastes or needs. Here are some variations:
- Putting shrimp in butterfly shapes is a fun way to change things up. It gives the shrimp a unique look and helps them cook more evenly. Here are some step by step instructions!.
- Spices: Changing the spices is the best way to make this recipe a little different. The method is the most important part of this recipe; the spices and other ingredients can be used in many different ways. Onion powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes are all great things to add. You could even use a mix that’s already been made, like taco seasoning or old bay seasoning for seafood!
- Decorations I love adding lemon wedges, lemon zest, or fresh lime juice to my food. Extra melted butter on top is also a great idea.
Looking for a different method to prepare shrimp entirely? I recommend checking out my 5-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp.
Stove Cooking Shrimp Expert Tips
Follow the tips & tricks below to pan sear shrimp perfectly every single time:
- You can buy shrimp from the store that has already been cleaned, deveined, and shelled. I promise you this is a total lifesaver! And timesaver. If you can’t find shrimp that’s already cooked, follow these steps!
- Pat the raw shrimp dry all the way through before putting them in the pan. This again helps with the sear!.
- It makes a big difference what pan or skillet you use to sear shrimp on the stove. For any kind of searing, I suggest cast iron pans over non-stick pans. Mostly because cast iron skillets keep heat in longer, which is important for searing food. Besides that, you shouldn’t use non-stick pans on high heat.
- Make sure the shrimp are in a hot pan before you add them for a beautiful golden brown sear.
- Giving shrimp a lot of room in the pan is the key to getting them seared just right. Don’t crowd the pan! If there are too many shrimp in it, they will steam instead of sear.
- Don’t cook the shrimp too long! Shrimp that is overcooked can get tough and rubbery, which you don’t want. Shrimp only needs 4 to 6 minutes to cook all together, or 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The shrimp’s size will determine how long they need to cook, but keep an eye on them. This works great for smaller shrimp and will cook up quickly.
- Leave the shrimp alone for the most part! Don’t touch them after you spread them out until it’s time to flip them. Flip them over, and don’t touch them again until they’re done.
This juicy shrimp can be served in so many different ways! Here are my ideas:
- “Throw it in a wrap” means to put this seared shrimp on a large tortilla with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a sauce. Put it all in a wrap for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner.
- Put it on a salad. I really believe that a salad with grilled or seared shrimp on top is the best thing ever. It is one of my go-to orders at a restaurant. My Mediterranean Chopped Salad can help you make it at home!
- With a carb A source of carbs, like Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes or Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes, and a vegetable make for a complete meal.
- This might be my favorite way to eat this tasty shrimp: on top of pasta. It goes fabulously with my Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta.
- Lettuce wraps: For low-carb lettuce wrap tips, see my tuna wraps.
Whichever way you choose to enjoy this shrimp, I can guarantee it will be delicious!
Yes, I don’t see why not! Simply thaw the frozen shrimp out before using it.
If you want to pan-sear shrimp, I suggest using a cast iron pan or skillet. A non-stick skillet won’t allow for the beautiful sear we want. Check out the Equipment section for the exact skillet I use and recommend.
The shrimp is done when it goes from being gray and slightly see-through to being white with pink and red spots. The shrimp will also develop a curl, similar to the letter “C” when it is ready. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp. It should reach between 120-145 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking each side of the shrimp for 2-3 minutes should do the trick. This amount of time might be a little longer if you use bigger shrimp, like jumbo shrimp. If you want to be sure the shrimp is cooked all the way through, you can always cut one in half to see. This is always the most fool-proof way!.
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for three days at most. To warm it up, put it back in a pan over medium-low heat. Cook until just warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.