How to Cook Shrimp on the Stove
Shrimp is a seafood staple for a reason. It's delicious, versatile, and cooks up incredibly fast. Whether you're whipping up a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer, mastering the art of cooking shrimp on the stovetop is a valuable skill.
In this post, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to cook perfect shrimp, every single time. We'll cover everything from choosing the right shrimp to different cooking methods and even explore some easy shrimp recipes to get you started.
Selecting the Best Shrimp for Your Dish
Your first step starts at the grocery store. When selecting shrimp, there are a few things to consider:
Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh shrimp is a great option for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp can be just as delicious and is often more readily available. Look for frozen shrimp that's flash-frozen for the best quality.
Size: Shrimp come in a variety of sizes, from tiny "cocktail shrimp" to jumbo shrimp. The size you choose will depend on your recipe. Jumbo shrimp are great for grilling or serving as a main course, while smaller shrimp are perfect for pastas, salads, or stir-fries.
Deveined or Undeveined: Deveined simply means the dark vein running down the back of the shrimp has been removed. This can be a personal preference, but some people find the vein unpleasant in texture. Most grocery stores will offer both deveined and undeveined options.
Here's a handy tip: Wild-caught shrimp are generally considered to be more flavorful and sustainable than farm-raised shrimp. Look for labels that specify the origin of the shrimp.
Thawing Frozen Shrimp (the Right Way!)
If you're using frozen shrimp, thawing them properly is crucial. Here are two safe and effective methods:
Cold Water Thawing: Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and submerge them in a large bowl of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the shrimp are thawed. This method usually takes about 30-45 minutes for a pound of shrimp.
Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen shrimp in a covered container in the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. This is the safest method, but it takes the longest.
Important Note: Never thaw shrimp at room temperature. This can create an environment for bacteria to grow.
Prepping Your Shrimp for Cooking
Once your shrimp are thawed (or if you're using fresh shrimp), you'll want to prep them for cooking. Here's what you need to do:
Rinse: Briefly rinse the shrimp under cool running water to remove any surface impurities.
Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the shrimp dry. Excess moisture can prevent them from searing properly.
Devein (Optional): If your shrimp are not already deveined, you can do this yourself using a small, sharp knife. Make a shallow incision along the back of the shrimp and remove the vein.
Different Methods for Cooking Shrimp on the Stove
There are several ways to cook shrimp on the stovetop, and each method offers slightly different results. Here are the three most common methods:
Sautéing: This is my favorite way to cook shrimp by many! Sautéing creates beautifully browned and flavorful shrimp with a juicy interior. Heat a large skillet with olive oil or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer (don't overcrowd the pan!) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Boiling: Boiling is the most popular way to cook shrimp for shrimp boils or salads. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Simmering: Simmering is a gentler cooking method that's great for preserving the delicate texture of shrimp. Bring a pot of water or flavorful broth (like chicken broth) to a simmer. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, add a few lemon wedges, garlic cloves, or pepper flakes to the water while simmering the shrimp.
Additional Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
Don't Overcook! Shrimp cook very quickly. The key to tender, juicy shrimp is to avoid overcooking them. Once they turn pink and opaque, they're done!
Cooking Time Variations: The exact cooking time for shrimp will depend on the size of the shrimp and the cooking method used. For smaller shrimp, you might only need 1-2 minutes per side, while jumbo shrimp may take 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on your shrimp and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Seasoning is Key: Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! Some great options for shrimp include salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill can add a wonderful fresh flavor to your shrimp. Add them to the pan towards the end of cooking for the best results.
Storing Leftover Shrimp
Cooked shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until warmed through.
Leftover tip: Leftover cooked shrimp can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, or stir-fries.
Easy Shrimp Recipes to Get You Started
Now that you've mastered the basics of cooking shrimp, here are a few easy recipes to put your newfound skills to the test:
Garlic Butter Shrimp:This classic dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic, then deglaze the pan with lemon juice and white wine (optional) for a touch of acidity. Serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Tacos: Impress your family or friends with my quick and easy shrimp tacos. Packed with flavor and a refreshing cilantro-lime slaw, they're perfect for a weeknight meal! You can find the recipe here!
Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Take your shrimp scampi to the next level with a touch of heat! Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. Deglaze the pan with white wine and add lemon juice, butter, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve over pasta for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Perfect for summer cookouts, shrimp skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy shrimp. Marinate your shrimp in your favorite marinade (Italian dressing, teriyaki sauce, etc.) for at least 30 minutes. Thread the shrimp onto skewers with colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions. Grill over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or until the shrimp are cooked through.
Prefer An Air Fryer? Try My Air Fried Shrimp Recipes!
While pan-searing is a fantastic method for cooking shrimp, there's a whole world of possibilities out there! If you're the proud owner of an air fryer, these recipes are a great way to experience the versatility of shrimp:
Air-Fried Argentinian Shrimp: This recipe uses your air fryer to create a healthier version of a flavorful shrimp dish. Perfect with Trader Joe's ingredients and Green Goddess sauce. Here's the recipe!
Air Fryer Buffalo Shrimp: This recipe is a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack! The spicy buffalo sauce and crispy texture make it a versatile option for different meals. Find the recipe here!
Shrimp is not only delicious but also a good source of lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It's low in calories and fat, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal to prepare, consider cooking some shrimp on the stovetop. With a little practice, you'll be whipping up perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp dishes in no time!
