How to Cook Jumbo Shrimp Perfectly Every Time

Jumbo shrimp are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be prepared in endless ways. Their sweet briny flavor pairs well with a variety of seasonings and cooking methods. While shrimp cooks quickly knowing how to select, prep, and cook jumbo shrimp properly ensures tender, juicy results every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook jumbo shrimp to perfection From deveining and peeling to sautéing, baking, grilling and more, we’ve got you covered with simple tips and step-by-step instructions Let’s dive in!

Selecting Jumbo Shrimp

The first step to cooking great shrimp is choosing high-quality fresh or frozen jumbo shrimp. Here’s what to look for:

• Size – Jumbo shrimp are typically defined as those that contain 15-20 shrimp per pound. The bigger the shrimp, the sweeter the flavor.

• Color – Raw jumbo shrimp should have a translucent, grayish tone. Avoid shrimp with black/brown spots or yellowing color.

• Smell – Raw jumbo shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy or ammonia-like. This indicates freshness.

• Texture – Jumbo shrimp flesh should be firm. The shell should be tight on the body and not detached.

• Labeling – Look for information on origin, sustainability, and fresh/frozen date. Opt for wild-caught or sustainably farmed.

Ideally, choose jumbo shrimp the day you plan to cook and use within 1-2 days. If buying frozen, make sure they are solidly frozen with no signs of thawing.

Prepping Jumbo Shrimp

Before cooking, jumbo shrimp need to be prepped by peeling, deveining, and rinsing:

Peeling

• For cooking methods like sautéing, baking or grilling, you’ll want to peel the shrimp first.

• To peel, grasp the legs and gently pull off the shell. Try to keep the tail intact if desired.

• You can leave the tail shell on for presentation or symbolic value (it resembles a scorpion’s stinger).

Deveining

• The vein running along the back of the shrimp is actually the intestinal tract. It should be removed.

• Use a paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp.

• Use the tip of the knife to lift out the vein. Rinse under cool water.

• Alternatively, peel the shrimp with shell scissors for easy deveining.

Rinsing

• Give peeled and deveined shrimp a quick rinse under cool running water.

• Gently pat dry with paper towels.

That’s it! Your shrimp are now ready to season and cook as desired. Let’s look at some of the most popular cooking methods.

Stovetop Sautéing

One of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare jumbo shrimp is to sauté them in a pan on the stovetop. Here’s how:

• Pat shrimp dry and season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices desired.

• Heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• When oil shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.

• Cook 2-3 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until opaque and pink.

• For extra flavor, cook chopped garlic for 1 minute before adding shrimp.

• Squeeze fresh lemon over shrimp when done cooking.

Sautéed shrimp cooks very quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking. Serve shrimp sautéed in garlic lemon butter over pasta, salad, or as an appetizer.

Pan Frying

Pan-frying locks in moisture and flavor beautifully:

• Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, etc.

• Coat shrimp lightly in flour, cornstarch, or breadcrumbs.

• Heat 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• When oil shimmers, add shrimp in a single layer.

• Fry 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

• Drain fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate.

Pan-fried shrimp is especially delicious served with cocktail or tartar sauce for dipping.

Baking

Roasting shrimp in the oven is hands-off and infuses tons of flavor:

• Toss peeled shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings.

• Spread seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer.

• Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until opaque and pink.

• Squeeze lemon juice over baked shrimp before serving.

Baking allows you to cook shrimp along with complementary flavors and vegetables. Try roasted shrimp tacos or sheet pan meals.

Grilling

Grilling shrimp infuses a delicious charred flavor:

• Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper.

• Oil grill grates and preheat grill to medium-high.

• Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until charred and opaque.

• Sprinkle grilled shrimp with lime juice and chopped cilantro.

The smoky char flavor of grilled shrimp is fantastic in shrimp tacos, burritos, salads, and more. You can also grill shrimp in a grill basket or skewers.

Boiling

Boiling peeled shrimp results in plump, tender texture:

• Fill a pot with enough salted water to cover the shrimp.

• Add seasonings like Old Bay, lemon, and garlic.

• Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.

• Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until pink and curled.

• Shock in an ice bath to stop cooking.

Boiled shrimp is perfect for shrimp cocktails and dips, shrimp salad, seafood pasta, gumbo, and etouffee.

How to Tell When Shrimp is Cooked

It’s important not to overcook shrimp or it can become tough and rubbery. Follow these visual cues:

• Color – Shrimp will turn from grayish to opaque and pink when fully cooked.

• Texture – Cooked shrimp flesh will be firm yet still moist and juicy when gently pressed.

• Curl – As shrimp cooks, it will begin to curl into a C-shape.

• Opacity – Shrimp is done cooking when just opaque throughout. Translucent flesh means undercooked.

An instant-read thermometer inserted into shrimp should read 145°F when done. Jumbo shrimp takes just 2-4 minutes to cook through depending on preparation method.

Seasonings for Jumbo Shrimp

One of the best parts of cooking shrimp is experimenting with global flavors. Consider these tasty seasoning ideas:

• Lemon, garlic, paprika, parsley
• Chili powder, cumin, lime
• Jerk spice blend
• Italian herbs (oregano, basil, parsley)
• Old Bay seasoning
• Curry powder, ginger, garlic
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic
• Harissa and garlic
• Cajun spice blend
• Chili garlic sauce
• Rosemary, garlic, lemon

Mix and match herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, oils, sauces and more to create your own signature shrimp seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Jumbo shrimp are so versatile they can be served in endless ways. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Shrimp tacos or burritos
• Shrimp salad (seafood salad)
• Shrimp pasta or risotto
• Shrimp skewers
• Shrimp cocktails
• Shrimp pizza, flatbread or bruschetta
• Shrimp tempura
• Coconut shrimp with mango salsa
• Shrimp fried rice or stir fry
• Garlic shrimp scampi over pasta
• Blackened shrimp wraps or sandwiches
• Shrimp fajitas or quesadillas
• Shrimp and grits
• Shrimp ceviche
• Shrimp po’ boy sandwich

You really can’t go wrong when cooking up a batch of juicy jumbo shrimp! Follow these tips for selecting, prepping, seasoning, and cooking shrimp and you’ll have restaurant-quality results easily at home. Let your creativity run wild with global flavors and fun serving ideas. Enjoy!