How to Broil Shrimp with the Shell On: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shrimp are a popular and delicious seafood that can be prepared in many different ways. One method that results in tender, juicy shrimp with great flavor is broiling. Broiling shrimp with the shell on can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy and worth the effort. The shells help keep moisture and flavor locked into the shrimp meat during cooking.

In this article, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to broil shrimp with the shell on. I’ll cover everything from selecting and preparing the shrimp, making a flavorful seasoning, to broiling techniques for perfectly cooked shrimp every time Let’s get cooking!

Selecting Shrimp for Broiling

When selecting shrimp to broil, there are a few things to look for:

• Size: Choose larger shrimp around 16 to 20 or 21 to 25 count per pound. Large shrimp hold up better to broiling.

• Shell on Broiling with the shell on helps keep them moist and adds flavor

• Fresh or frozen Either fresh or frozen shrimp work well Make sure frozen shrimp are thawed before broiling.

• Deveined: For even cooking and flavor absorption, shrimp should be deveined before broiling.

I recommend buying shell on shrimp when you can find them. If you can only find peeled, that works too, but may dry out quicker.

Preparing Shrimp for Broiling

Before seasoning and broiling, the shrimp need some prep:

• If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely by placing in a colander under cold running water.

• Once thawed, peel off the shells from the shrimp, leaving the tails on.

• Use a paring knife to slice down the back of the shrimp and remove the vein running along the back. This is called deveining.

• Rinse the shrimp under cold water and then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• If you want, you can butterfly the shrimp by cutting almost, but not completely, through the shrimp to open it up. This allows more surface area for seasoning flavors.

The shrimp are now ready for seasoning!

Making a Flavorful Seasoning

Shrimp have a mild flavor, so seasoning is key for maximum flavor. Here’s a simple but delicious seasoning blend:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper

Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl and stir to combine. For a spicier seasoning, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For herby flavor, stir in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

You can also create your own blend with your favorite spices and herbs. The possibilities are endless.

Broiling Shrimp to Perfection

Now onto the broiling! Follow these simple steps:

• Preheat broiler on high heat for at least 5 minutes.

• Add shrimp to the seasoning mixture and toss to coat evenly.

• Arrange shrimp in a single layer on a broiler pan or baking sheet.

• Broil for 2-4 minutes on high heat, until shrimp are opaque.

• Remove pan from oven and flip shrimp over.

• Broil for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.

• Watch carefully as broiler times can vary. Don’t overcook.

• Serve shrimp immediately with fresh lemon wedges. Enjoy!

The shrimp are ready when opaque and pinkish in color. Take care not to overcook them or they can become rubbery.

Broiling Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Here are some top tips to ensure your broiled shrimp come out tender and juicy:

• Use a broiler pan or slotted baking sheet so excess fat drips away while broiling.

• Position oven rack 6 inches from heating element for direct high heat.

• Broil in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

• Rotate pan halfway through broiling for even exposure to heat.

• Keep a close eye on shrimp as broiler ovens vary.

• Brush shrimp with a bit of olive oil or melted butter for extra browning.

• Season just before broiling so flavors are absorbed into warm shrimp.

Adding a Breadcrumb Topping

For extra crunch and flavor, coat shrimp in breadcrumbs before broiling. Try this crispy topping:

• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in a shallow bowl. After seasoning shrimp, lightly coat both sides in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so crumbs adhere. Then broil as instructed.

The breading gets nice and crispy, while keeping the shrimp moist inside. Homemade coarse breadcrumbs are ideal, but panko or regular store bought work too.

Serving Suggestions

Broiled shrimp make for a quick and easy meal or appetizer. Here are some tasty ways to serve them:

• On pasta with lemon garlic sauce or pesto

• Over rice pilaf, couscous or quinoa

• In tacos, ceviche or salad

• As an appetizer with cocktail or aioli sauce

• In a seafood platter with grilled veggies

• Over a green salad or wedge salad

• On flatbread with hummus and veggies

The possibilities are endless! Adjust seasonings to complement the flavors of your meal.

FAQs About Broiling Shrimp

Can I broil shrimp without shells?

Yes, you can broil peeled shrimp. The shells just help retain moisture, so watch closely for doneness without them.

What if my shrimp are too small to peel?

For very small shrimp like 51/60 count, just leave the shells on and season as directed. They will still absorb great flavor.

How do I know when they’re done?

Shrimp turn opaque and pinkish in color when fully cooked. This takes 2-4 minutes per side under the broiler.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, allow frozen shrimp to thaw completely before broiling. Pat dry well as moisture can cause splattering.

Should I marinate the shrimp first?

Marinating isn’t necessary but adds great flavor. Marinate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before broiling.

What temperature should I broil at?

Broil at 500°F or the highest temperature your oven offers for best results.

More Delicious Shrimp Recipes

• Garlic Butter Baked Shrimp – buttery, garlicky goodness!

• Coconut Shrimp with mango dipping sauce

• Shrimp Scampi Pasta – classic lemon garlic sauce

• Grilled Shrimp Skewers – easy shrimp kabobs

• Blackened Shrimp Tacos – quick and flavorful

• Shrimp Fried Rice – takeout taste made at home

• Shrimp Summer Rolls – fresh and healthy appetizer

• Shrimp Cocktail – perfect party food

• Cajun Shrimp and Sausage – low country boil flavors

• Ginger Sesame Shrimp Stir Fry – a fast weeknight dinner

• Shrimp and Grits – Southern comfort food

• Bang Bang Shrimp – breaded and saucy like the restaurant appetizer

• Shrimp Fajitas – sizzling shrimp Tex-Mex