Poaching shrimp in butter is a simple yet delicious way to cook shrimp. The butter helps keep the shrimp moist while adding tons of flavor. Follow this easy guide to learn how to poach shrimp in butter perfectly every time.
What is Poaching?
Poaching is a moist-heat cooking method where food is submerged in a liquid that is held at or just below the boiling point. This gentle cooking method allows food to cook evenly without overcooking the exterior.
Poaching shrimp in butter employs this moist gentle cooking while infusing the shrimp with rich, nutty butter flavor.
Why Poach Shrimp in Butter?
Poaching shrimp in butter has several advantages
- Butter adds rich flavor to the shrimp.
- The butter helps the shrimp stay juicy and moist as it cooks.
- Poaching cooks the shrimp evenly without overcooking.
- It’s a simple “one pot” cooking method.
- Poached shrimp can be used in various dishes like pasta, salads, tacos, etc.
How to Choose Shrimp for Poaching
You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for poaching. Here are some tips:
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Size: Choose medium to large shrimp. Small shrimp overcook too quickly. Go for 16-20 or 21-25 size shrimp.
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Shell Peel and devein the shrimp for easy eating, Leave the tails on for presentation
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Fresh vs frozen: Both work well. Thaw frozen shrimp before poaching.
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Raw vs cooked: Use raw shrimp. Already cooked shrimp will be overdone.
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Seasoned vs unseasoned Go for unseasoned shrimp, Season it yourself after poaching
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this simple step-by-step guide for perfect poached shrimp every time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium raw shrimp, peeled, deveined with tails on
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup water or stock
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Once melted, add the water or stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
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Let the shrimp poach for 2-3 minutes, then flip over and poach for another 1-2 minutes until pink and cooked through.
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Turn off heat. Add the lemon juice and taste for seasoning. Add more salt/pepper if needed.
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Garnish with chopped parsley.
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Enjoy the poached shrimp as is, or use in your favorite dishes like pasta, tacos, salad, etc.
Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Poach shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook over gentle heat. High heat will overcook the exterior.
- Poach just until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- Add any extra flavorings at the end. Simmering will diminish flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Poached Shrimp
Storage
- Drain any excess butter after poaching.
- Store poached shrimp in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Can be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
Reheating
- Microwave poached shrimp gently with a splash of water or butter to reheat.
- Or quickly sauté in butter or oil to reheat.
- Do not overcook previously poached shrimp.
Serving Ideas for Poached Shrimp
Poached shrimp are very versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve as an appetizer with lemon and parsley.
- Toss with pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, spinach.
- Make tacos with corn tortillas, avocado, cotija cheese.
- Add to salads, grain bowls, flatbreads, pizza.
- Make shrimp cocktail with poached shrimp.
- Add to soups, stews, chowders.
Get creative with how you use the easy poached shrimp!
Common Questions
Can I poach frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can poach thawed, raw frozen shrimp just as you would fresh shrimp. Make sure they are fully thawed before poaching.
How long does it take to poach shrimp?
It takes just 2-4 minutes to poach raw shrimp depending on size. Jumbo shrimp may take a minute or two longer.
What liquid can I use to poach shrimp?
Water, stock, wine, beer, juice, and butter all work well. Stick to 1-2 cups of poaching liquid.
Can I bread and fry poached shrimp?
Absolutely! Poached shrimp are great for breading and frying to make appetizers like coconut shrimp or shrimp scampi.
Make Perfectly Poached Shrimp at Home
Now you’re ready to poach up some butter shrimp! Use this easy method to cook shrimp evenly and infuse them with delicious flavor. Poaching shrimp opens up endless possibilities for using the shrimp in recipes. Have fun trying different flavor variations and serving methods. Enjoy your perfectly poached shrimp!
