How to Cook Butterflied Shrimp Perfectly Every Time

Butterflying shrimp is a simple technique that makes shrimp easier to eat and cook more evenly. By cutting along the back or belly of the shrimp you can open it up into a “butterfly” shape that lies flat. This exposes more surface area for breading and frying or absorbing flavors during grilling or sautéing. While the process sounds intimidating, butterflying shrimp is actually quite easy once you get the hang of it. With just a sharp paring knife and a few minutes of practice you’ll be able to butterfly shrimp like a pro.

Why Butterfly Shrimp?

Butterflying shrimp has several advantages over leaving them intact in their natural shape

• It allows seasonings and cooking techniques to penetrate the flesh more deeply and evenly.

• It enables the shrimp to cook faster since more surface area is exposed to the heat

• It creates a presentation with the shrimp opened up and laid flat rather than curled up.

• It makes the shrimp easier to eat since there’s no need to peel or devein it after cooking.

• It provides more area for breading shrimp if you’re frying or sautéing them.

So if you want shrimp that cooks more quickly, absorbs more flavor, and looks prettier on the plate, butterflying is the way to go. Don’t be afraid to give this simple technique a try – with a sharp knife and a delicate touch, you’ll be a butterfly shrimp expert in no time!

How to Butterfly Shrimp

Butterflying shrimp only takes a few easy steps:

1. Wash and Peel the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then peel off the shell, leaving the tail intact if desired. The shrimp needs to be peeled in order to expose the flesh for butterflying.

2. Devein the Shrimp

Use a paring knife to slice along the back of the shrimp. Lift out the digestive tract or “vein” that runs along the back. Rinse the shrimp briefly under water to remove any remains.

3. Butterfly the Shrimp

Holding the knife parallel to the cutting board, make a shallow cut along the shrimp’s inner curve or outer back to expose the flesh. Take care not to cut all the way through. The shrimp should open up into two attached halves.

4. Rinse and Chill

Rinse the butterflied shrimp under cool water and place in a bowl of ice water until ready to cook. This helps ensure safety and freshness.

And that’s it! With these simple steps, you’ll have perfect butterfly shrimp ready for cooking and eating. It takes just a few minutes to master this technique that makes shrimp so much easier to handle.

Cooking Butterfly Shrimp

Butterflying shrimp enables fast, even cooking. Here are some of the most popular ways to cook up these easy, elegant shellfish:

Pan Fry

Dredge the shrimp in flour, egg wash, and bread crumbs for pan frying. Heat 1⁄4 inch oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Fry the shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Enjoy with cocktail sauce or remoulade on the side.

Sauté

For sautéed shrimp, simply season with salt, pepper, and spices like Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium high heat. Cook the shrimp 1-2 minutes per side until opaque. Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.

Grill

Take advantage of the smoky flavors of the grill by threading butterfly shrimp onto skewers. Brush with oil and season as desired. Grill over direct medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Pair with grilled veggies for a summery dinner.

Bake

For easy baked shrimp, arrange butterflied shrimp in a baking dish and coat with melted butter. Season with dried herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Sprinkle with lemon juice and parsley before serving.

Broil

Broiling is a quick hands-off way to cook shrimp. Place butterflied shrimp on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Season and broil 6 inches from heat source for 2-3 minutes per side. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese once cooked for extra flavor.

No matter which cooking method you choose, butterfly shrimp cook up quick, juicy and delicious every time. The opened up shape allows for fast, even cooking so the shrimp come out tender and flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Butterfly Shrimp

Butterflying shrimp takes just a little practice. Follow these tips for perfect results:

• Use fresh, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Leave the tails on for presentation if desired.

• Work with a very sharp paring or boning knife to make the delicate cuts. Dull knives tear the flesh.

• Make shallow cuts, taking care not to slice all the way through the shrimp. They should open like a book.

• Chill the shrimp once butterflied to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.

• Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly before coating or seasoning to help flavors stick.

• Adjust cooking times based on shrimp size, erring on the side of undercooking to prevent rubbery results.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing or pan frying. Cook shrimp in batches for even browning.

• Brush grilled and broiled shrimp with oil or butter to prevent sticking and drying out.

With the proper techniques and a delicate touch, you’ll be able to butterfly shrimp for even cooking and beautiful presentations. This simple preparation elevates shrimp from hurried weeknight fare to elegant dinner party fare.

Fried Butterflied Shrimp Recipe

This classic recipe for crispy fried butterfly shrimp is easy to make at home with ingredients you likely have on hand:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and butterflied
• 1 quart water
• 1 1⁄2 cups cornstarch
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or pot.

2. In a bowl, mix together water, cornstarch, and eggs.

3. Dip each shrimp in batter, allowing excess to drip off.

4. Coat shrimp in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

5. Dip coated shrimp back into batter, then again in breadcrumbs.

6. Fry shrimp 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

7. Drain on paper towels and enjoy warm with cocktail or tartar sauce.

The double coating technique results in an extra crispy, crunchy exterior on these shrimp. Frying them butterflied means the inside cooks up juicy and tender. Enjoy this crispy fried shrimp for parties, game day, or anytime you need a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or entree.