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.
Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood options out there. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and cooks up fast – making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks. However, knowing exactly how long to cook shrimp can be tricky. An extra minute or two on the stove or grill can mean the difference between plump, juicy shrimp and overcooked rubbery shrimp.
So how long should you cook shrimp? The answer depends on a few key factors
Shrimp Size
Shrimp are categorized by size, which is usually indicated by a count of how many shrimp there are per pound. The smaller the shrimp, the quicker they will cook. Here are common shrimp sizes and their cook times:
- Colossal or Jumbo (under 15 per pound): 6-7 minutes
- Extra Large or Super Colossal (16-20 per pound): 5-6 minutes
- Large (21-25 per pound): 4-5 minutes
- Medium (26-30 per pound): 3-4 minutes
- Small (over 40 per pound): 2-3 minutes
So for example, if a recipe calls for large shrimp but you are using jumbo shrimp, you will need to increase the cook time.
Cook Method
How you cook the shrimp also impacts cook time. The most common methods are:
Sautéing or Stir-Frying: This quick, high-heat method on the stovetop will cook shrimp in 2-5 minutes depending on size. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Grilling: Shell-on shrimp will take 3-4 minutes grilling over direct medium-high heat, turning halfway through. Peeled shrimp cook even faster, so watch them carefully.
Broiling: Spread shrimp in a single layer and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque.
Baking: Roast shrimp at 400°F for 4-6 minutes depending on size, tossing halfway.
Poaching: Simmering shrimp gently in liquid will take 3-5 minutes depending on size. Shock in an ice bath to stop cooking.
Air Frying: Super hot air frying will cook shrimp in just 2-3 minutes at 400°F, tossing halfway.
So quicker cooking methods like sautéing, grilling, and broiling will cook shrimp faster than roasting or poaching.
Doneness
The most reliable way to tell when shrimp are cooked perfectly is to look for visual cues:
-
Raw shrimp are grayish and translucent looking.
-
Undercooked shrimp will be a bit firm and mushy, still somewhat translucent.
-
Perfectly cooked shrimp turn opaque and pinkish-orange, with tails curled tightly into a “C” shape.
-
Overcooked shrimp look chalky white and have tails curled into a complete “O” shape.
The opaque color and curled tails are signs that the proteins have fully coagulated and the shrimp have firmed up. So go by appearances, not just cook time.
Temperature
An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness. Shrimp are perfectly cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F. Any hotter than that and they risk becoming rubbery.
Preparation
-
Size: Larger shrimp take longer to cook than smaller shrimp.
-
Shells: Shells insulate the shrimp meat, so peeled cooks faster.
-
Defrosting: Thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.
-
Pat Dry: Remove excess moisture from thawed or peeled shrimp so they can brown and cook evenly.
-
Marinating: Acidic marinades can start “cooking” the shrimp, so limit time to 30 minutes or less.
Proper preparation is key to getting ideal cook times and texture.
Cook Just Until Done
The window between perfectly cooked and overcooked is very small with shrimp. It’s better to slightly undercook and let carryover cooking finish them off than to overdo it. An extra minute or two can ruin them.
Match the Recipe
Always go by the recommended time in a recipe, then adjust if needed based on the factors above. If the shrimp are a different size or cook method than what’s called for, you’ll need to modify cook time.
Cook Them All the Way Through
Shrimp need to reach an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety. When in doubt, cut into a shrimp to check that it’s opaque throughout. Translucent spots mean it’s undercooked.
Don’t Walk Away!
Shrimp overcook in a flash, so stay nearby and pay close attention while cooking. Set a timer if needed.
Let Them Rest
Shrimp will continue cooking from residual heat when removed from the heat source. Let them rest 1-2 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can learn to easily gauge how long different shrimp need to cook according to their size, preparation, and cooking method. With a little practice, you’ll be able to churn out perfectly cooked, tender and juicy shrimp every time. No more mushy shrimp or rubbery shrimp!
Here is a handy shrimp cooking time chart as a quick reference:
| Shrimp Size | Sauté, Stir-Fry | Grill | Broil | Bake | Poach | Air Fry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colossal/Jumbo (under 15 per pound) | 6-7 minutes | 5-6 minutes | 5-6 minutes | 6-7 minutes | 5-6 minutes | 5-6 minutes |
| Extra Large/Super Colossal (16-20 per pound) | 5-6 minutes | 4-5 minutes | 4-5 minutes | 5-6 minutes | 4-5 minutes | 4-5 minutes |
| Large (21-25 per pound) | 4-5 minutes | 3-4 minutes | 3-4 minutes | 4-5 minutes | 3-4 minutes | 3-4 minutes |
| Medium (26-30 per pound) | 3-4 minutes | 2-3 minutes | 2-3 minutes | 3-4 minutes | 3-4 minutes | 2-3 minutes |
| Small (over 40 per pound) | 2-3 minutes | 2-3 minutes | 2-3 minutes | 2-3 minutes | 2-3 minutes | 2-3 minutes |
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp
Follow these tips when cooking shrimp for the best results:
-
Thaw frozen shrimp first under cold running water or overnight in the fridge. Pat dry thoroughly.
-
Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Rinse.
-
Season shrimp with salt, pepper, spices, herbs etc. prior to cooking.
-
Use a large pan or skillet and don’t crowd the shrimp. Cook in batches if needed.
-
Get the pan or grill nice and hot before adding shrimp.
-
Don’t move the shrimp initially so they can sear and brown. Then toss or flip once.
-
Baste shrimp with melted butter or oil near the end for flavor and moisture.
-
Cook just until shrimp turn opaque and tails curl. Stop cooking shortly before they seem done.
-
Immediately remove from heat and let rest 1-2 minutes to finish cooking gently.
-
Chill cooked shrimp promptly for food safety.
How to Tell When Shrimp Are Bad
When shrimp goes bad, it’s usually pretty obvious. Here’s what to look for:
- Slimy texture or mushy feeling
-Very fishy odor
-
Grayish, translucent appearance
-
Darkened spots or black edges
-
Drying out with crusty texture
-
Mold growing
-
Past expiry date
Discard any shrimp that exhibits those signs of spoilage. When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When fish looks funny, throw that stuff away honey!”
Shrimp Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious recipes for perfectly cooked shrimp:
Garlic Butter Shrimp – Simple sautéed shrimp baked with tons of garlic butter.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Pasta – Spicy shrimp and sausage tossed with pasta in a creamy tomato sauce.
Baked Coconut Shrimp – Crispy coconut-crusted shrimp with a sweet and spicy orange sauce.
Shrimp Boil – Traditional boil with shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes.
Shrimp Tacos – Grilled shrimp layered with crunchy cabbage, pico and spicy aioli.
Shrimp Scampi – Quick shrimp sautéed in white wine, lemon and parsley over linguine.
Shrimp Spring Rolls – Fresh summer rolls with shrimp, mint, vermicelli and peanut dipping sauce.
Shrimp and Grits – Cheesy grits topped with a creole shrimp sauté.
With the proper cooking times and recipes, you can enjoy tender and juicy shrimp dishes any night of the week. Have fun exploring all the possibilities with this flavorful and quick-cooking
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.
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 Make Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time
How long do you cook deveined shrimp?
Season 1 lb. large peeled deveined shrimp with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan, then arrange shrimp in a single layer on the bottom of the skillet. Cook without moving for 2 minutes for medium shrimp, 3 minutes for large shrimp, or 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp.
How long do you cook shrimp in the oven?
Remove from the oven, add the butter, and toss the shrimp until coated. Spritz with fresh lemon juice. Roasting the shrimp for 8-ish minutes at a consistent temperature—instead of blasting them with high heat in a pan—produced meat that was sweeter and softer than the sear batch.
How long do you cook shrimp in a frying pan?
Flip shrimp and continue to cook, tossing, until the shrimp are just cooked through—1 minute for medium shrimp, 1–2 minutes for large shrimp, or 2–3 minutes for jumbo shrimp. Add 1 Tbsp. butter to the pan; as it melts, toss to coat shrimp. Remove shrimp from heat and serve.
How long do you cook a Jumbo Shrimp?
Don’t Overcook Shrimp Overcooking shrimp can make them tough and rubbery. As a general rule of thumb, cook medium shrimp for approximately 3 minutes, large shrimp for 4-5 minutes, and jumbo shrimp for 6-7 minutes. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the cooking method.