We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cooking

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Boiling Shrimp?

By Christian Petersen
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 11,004
References
Share

One of the most popular types of seafood all over the world, shrimp are often boiled. Boiling shrimp is an easy way to prepare these shellfish but, if not done with care, can result in the shrimp becoming rubbery. Following a few tips can help to ensure that boiling shrimp produces shrimp that are tender and delicious.

A large stockpot is best for boiling shrimp. A large pot is important because the shrimp will turn out better if the water does not stop boiling after the shrimp are dropped in. Putting cold or frozen shrimp into boiling water can briefly stop the water from boiling if the water level is too low. The water should be heated with the burner on high and should be at a rolling boil when the shrimp are added.

Seasoning the water is a good way to add subtle and delicious flavors to boiled shrimp, and many brands of shrimp, crab, or seafood boil seasonings are available at local grocery stores. Any of these will be good for cooking shrimp if the directions on the label are followed. The water for boiling shrimp should be salted as well, so if using a boil seasoning, check to see if it contains salt.

If the boil seasoning contains salt, adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of salt per quart (1 quart = 0.95 liters) of water should be sufficient. If not, about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of salt per quart of water is required. Pickling spice is another popular addition, and about 1 tablespoon per quart of water is sufficient.

Shrimp may be cooked with the shell on, or they may be peeled first. The cooking time will not change significantly for peeled or shell-on shrimp of the same size. Shrimp may be boiled when frozen, but thawing them first will yield better results. The shrimp may be thawed by placing them in a refrigerator overnight or in a large bowl of cold water for a few minutes.

Many different sizes of shrimp are available and cooking times will vary according to size. Large shrimp, of course, will take longer to cook than small shrimp, but even large shrimp should only require a few minutes. Tiny salad shrimp will cook in less than thirty seconds. Shrimp are done as soon as they have turned an opaque pink or whitish color and have lost their translucency. As soon as the shrimp are completely cooked, the entire contents of the pot can be poured into a large strainer in a clean sink.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By Rotergirl — On May 22, 2014

A low-country boil has to be the best recipe using boiled shrimp. Boil corn cobettes and halved new potatoes, along with some sausage and the shrimp, and there's nothing better outside of New Orleans!

You just have to make sure everything is seasoned enough. Bland potatoes, corn and shrimp are not good.

By Pippinwhite — On May 21, 2014

The main thing: Don't overcook the shrimp, or they will be rubbery. As soon as they get a nice pink color all over, get them out of the water. They're done.

I usually add a bag of crab boil, a lemon sliced in half, whole peppercorns and an onion, quartered, to the boil.

What you can do is peel the shrimp before cooking, reserving their shells and heads. Then, when the shrimp are boiled, dump all the heads and shells (and tails, if desired), into the water, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes. You now have a pot of lovely shrimp stock, perfect for gumbo or anything where fish stock is called for. Freeze it.

Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-are-the-best-tips-for-boiling-shrimp.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.