How Long to Cook Shrimp in a Cast Iron Skillet for Perfectly Seared Seafood

Cooking shrimp in a cast iron skillet is one of the best ways to achieve deliciously seared, flavorful shrimp right at home. The cast iron evenly distributes heat, creating a lovely sear while keeping the interior moist and tender.

However, getting the cook time just right can seem tricky since shrimp cooks so quickly Undercook them and you’ll end up with mushy, raw shrimp; overcook them and you’ll have rubbery, flavorless bits

So how long should you actually cook shrimp in that sizzling hot cast iron skillet? Follow this guide for tips, tricks, and the ideal cook times for perfect cast iron shrimp every time.

Why Choose Cast Iron for Cooking Shrimp?

Cast iron skillets have been prized kitchen tools for generations and for good reason. Here are some of the key benefits of using cast iron to cook shrimp

• Even heating: Cast iron heats gradually and evenly. This prevents hot spots that could lead to scorched shrimp on the outside and undercooked interiors.

• Heat retention: Once hot, cast iron retains heat exceptionally well. This allows it to quickly sear the shrimp while cooking them through.

• Searing capabilities: The steady, high heat enables the development of a lovely brown sear on the shrimp exteriors. This adds tons of flavor.

• Nonstick surface: Well-seasoned cast iron has a natural nonstick coating. Foods won’t stick if the pan is properly preheated.

• Imparts flavor: Cast iron can impart a subtle but noticeable rich, mineral-y flavor. This perfectly complements shrimp.

• Can go stove-to-oven: Start shrimp on the stovetop then finish cooking them in the oven with ease.

With its excellent heat conduction and retention abilities, cast iron is quite simply built for searing shrimp to juicy, flavorful perfection.

Picking the Right Shrimp Size

Shrimp are sold by “count per pound” which indicates how many individual shrimp make up one pound. The lower the count, the larger the shrimp size. Common sizes include:

• Colossal (U10): 10 or less per pound
• Jumbo (U12): Under 12 per pound
• Extra Large (U15): 13-15 per pound
• Large: 16-20 per pound
• Medium: 21-25 per pound
• Small: 26-35 per pound

For searing in a cast iron skillet, large, extra large, and jumbo shrimp work best. Their thicker size means they can develop a lovely sear before overcooking. Smaller shrimp like medium or colossal cook so quickly that they can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds if you’re not extremely careful.

If you can only find smaller shrimp, no need to fret. Just be vigilant when cooking, and remove them from the pan the instant they turn opaque. You may also want to cook them in batches to avoid crowding the pan which slows down cooking.

Proper Cast Iron Skillet Preheating

A piping hot skillet is essential for achieving a good sear while cooking shrimp quickly. Follow these preheating tips:

• Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high or high heat. Allow 5-6 minutes for it to fully preheat.

• Test the pan’s readiness by sprinkling a few droplets of water on the cooking surface. If they sizzle and evaporate almost instantly, your pan is hot enough.

• Swirl a teaspoon of oil or butter around to lightly coat the bottom of the hot pan. It should immediately sizzle and shimmer.

• Proceed with adding the shrimp as soon as the pan is ready. Don’t allow it to cool too much.

How Long to Cook Jumbo Shrimp

For jumbo shrimp (12 or less per pound), the typical stovetop cooking time is:

• 2-3 minutes per side
• 4-6 minutes total

Follow these tips when searing jumbo shrimp in cast iron:

• Pat shrimp dry before adding to the pan so they sear vs steam.

• Resist the urge to move the shrimp for at least 2 minutes once they hit the pan. Let them sear undisturbed.

• Don’t overload the pan. Cook in batches if needed to allow proper searing.

• Flip the shrimp gently once with tongs after 2 minutes.

• Remove shrimp when opaque and lightly browned on both sides. They should release easily from the pan when properly seared.

Cook Times for Extra Large Shrimp

Extra large shrimp (13-15 per pound) require slightly less time to cook through:

• 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 minutes per side
• 3-5 minutes total

Tips for extra large shrimp in cast iron:

• Pat dry as usual and make sure the pan is very hot before adding.

• Leave undisturbed for at least 1 1/2 minutes initially.

• Flip once halfway through cook time.

• Check doneness early, as they can overcook quickly. Remove once opaque and seared.

How Long to Cook Large Shrimp

For large shrimp (16-20 per pound), cook times are:

• 1 – 2 minutes per side
• 2 – 4 minutes total

To prepare large shrimp in cast iron:

• Dry thoroughly before adding to the very hot pan.

• Leave alone for 1 minute before flipping to sear.

• Flip once after 1 minute.

• Check frequently for doneness. Remove as soon as opaque and seared.

Cook Time for Medium and Small Shrimp

Medium (21-25 per pound) and small (26-35 per pound) shrimp require constant vigilance to avoid overcooking in cast iron. Cook times are just:

• 30 – 60 seconds per side
• 1 – 2 minutes total

Key tips for smaller shrimp:

• Work in small batches. Crowding prolongs cooking.

• Dry extremely well and use a very hot pan.

• Do not leave unattended during cooking.

• Remove the instant they turn opaque and show light searing.

Adding Flavor to Shrimp Before Cooking

To make your shrimp pop with flavor, coat with spices and aromatics before searing:

• Salt and pepper – Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper before cooking.

• Smoked paprika – Delicious on shrimp. Use instead of regular paprika.

• Garlic powder – Provides garlicky flavor without raw garlic burning.

• Chili powder or cayenne – Infuse shrimp with a touch of heat.

• Lemon zest – Brightens flavor. Grate zest from a washed lemon.

• Chopped herbs – Favorites include parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, and dill.

• Brown butter – For next-level flavor, brown butter in the pan before adding shrimp.

Get creative with spice blends like