How To Cook Shrimp: 4 Quick & Delicious Techniques

Shrimp is a go-to ingredient for many occasions, but mastering how to cook shrimp correctly is essential for achieving the delicious results you desire. 

With the four foolproof methods below, you can forget about rubbery, overcooked shrimp and say hello to delectable dishes that are bound to impress.

From the sizzling sear of a sauté to the delicate tenderness of baked shrimp, we cover four ways to cook shrimp that offer a spectrum of flavors and textures. We'll cover everything from simple skewers and stovetop techniques to flavorful oven preparations. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite seasonings and sauces to personalize each method!

Table of contents:

• How to cook shrimp on the stove
• How to cook shrimp on the grill
• How to cook shrimp in the air fryer
• How to cook shrimp in the oven
• How to tell when shrimp is done cooking
• Tips for cooking shrimp
• Shrimp prep FAQ

How to cook shrimp on the stove

Are you craving seafood or cooking for a pescatarian friend tonight? A wide variety of shrimp recipes are at your fingertips, but boiled shrimp and sautéed shrimp are some of the most popular options. All you need is a skillet, pan or pot, and you’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp in minutes.

Boiled shrimp

Boiling shrimp is a quick and easy method that results in tender, succulent shrimp. It's a great option for shrimp cocktail, salads or pasta dishes.

1. Prep the shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before peeling and deveining them.
2. Boil the water: Fill a large pot with water (at a ratio of about 8 cups per pound of shrimp) and bring it to a rolling boil. Add salt and any other desired seasonings, such as lemon slices, bay leaves or paprika.
3. Cook the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling water. Do not overcrowd the pot.
4. Watch for doneness: Shrimp cook very quickly, so don’t leave the pot unattended. You can tell they’re done when they turn pink and opaque, usually within two to three minutes.
5. Drain and cool: Remove the shrimp from the pot with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Alternatively, you can remove the pot from the burner, drain the water and let the shrimp cool at room temperature.
6. Enjoy! Serve the shrimp warm or chilled with cocktail sauce, or incorporate them into another dish.

Sauteed shrimp

Sautéed shrimp offer a rich, caramelized flavor, making them perfect for beloved dishes like shrimp scampi or stir fry.

1. Prep the shrimp: Thaw, peel, and devein your shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly.
2. Heat the pan: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon or two of oil or butter.
3. Season the shrimp: Season the shrimp first with salt, pepper and whatever other spices or herbs you prefer. Garlic powder, paprika and red pepper flakes are popular choices.
4. Sauté the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
5. Cook until pink: Sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Carefully turn them over to cook each side.
6. Add flavorings: During the last minute of cooking, it’s optional to add more flavorings, such as garlic, shallots or white wine.
7. Enjoy! Remove from heat and serve immediately with fresh herbs, garlic butter or lemon. Enjoy atop a bed of greens or rice.

How to cook shrimp on the grill

Grilling shrimp gives it a smoky, charred flavor. Try it for yourself and discover why shrimp skewers are a popular option for summer cookouts.

1. Prep the shrimp: Thaw, peel and devein the shrimp. Marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour in a mixture of oil, lemon juice, garlic and herbs adds flavor.
2. Thread onto skewers: Thread the shrimp, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions or zucchini if desired. This also makes it easier to turn and cook them evenly. Be careful to leave small gaps between each piece.
3. Brush and season: Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and other spices of your choice.
4. Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the shrimp: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. The grilled shrimp should look pink, opaque and slightly charred.
6. Add sauce: If desired, brush the shrimp with sauce during the last minute of cooking.
7. Enjoy! Serve your skewers immediately with a drizzle of lemon juice or a dipping sauce.

How to cook shrimp in the air fryer

Air fryer aficionados, get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner! Air frying shrimp is a quick method for crispy, flavorful shrimp without the need for excessive oil.

1. Prep the shrimp: Thaw, peel and devein your shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
4. Cook the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in small batches and never overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
5. Cook until pink: Cook the shrimp for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
6. Enjoy! Serve air fryer shrimp immediately with a dipping sauce or over salad.

How to cook shrimp in the oven

With a tender, juicy texture and rich flavor, baked shrimp are a great addition to pastas and salads. This hands-off approach is also perfect for meal prepping and multi-tasking.

1. Prep the shrimp: Thaw, peel and devein the shrimp.
2. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
3. Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with oil, salt, pepper and any other seasoning, such as garlic, lemon juice or herbs.
4. Bake the shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a baking dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until the shrimp are pink, opaque and cooked through.
5. Enjoy! Serve immediately or add to recipes like shrimp scampi or shrimp tacos.

How to tell when shrimp is done cooking

The key to perfect shrimp is to avoid overcooking, which can leave them rubbery and tough. Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s important to know the three signs of doneness:

• Color: Raw shrimp are translucent and gray. Cooked shrimp turns pink and opaque.
• Shape: Raw shrimp are straight or slightly curved. Cooked shrimp curl into a “C” shape. They are likely overcooked if they curl into an “O” shape.
• Texture: Cooked shrimp should be firm but tender to the touch.

Tips for cooking shrimp

No matter which method you choose, there are a few tips that can help you cook perfect shrimp:

• Thaw shrimp properly: If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or sit them under cold running water for 15 minutes. Do not thaw them at room temperature.
• Pat shrimp dry: Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding a pan with shrimp can cause them to steam instead of sear, resulting in uneven cooking.
• Use a timer: Shrimp cook very quickly, so use a timer to avoid overcooking them.
• Experiment with flavors: Shrimp absorb flavors well, so don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings, sauces and marinades.
• Use fresh herbs and seasoning: Fresh herbs can add vibrant flavor to any shrimp dish.
• Add acidity: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine adds brightness to shrimp dishes.
• Cook shrimp last: Shrimp cook quickly, so add them to your dish last to avoid overcooking.

Shrimp prep FAQ

Still have questions on how to cook shrimp? We’ve whipped up some answers below!

What’s the quickest way to cook shrimp?

The fastest way to cook shrimp is to sauté them in a skillet or use an air fryer. Both methods take less than 10 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for fast and delicious meals.

How long does it take to cook shrimp?

How long it takes to cook shrimp will vary depending on which of the above methods you choose, but shrimp generally cook very quickly. Boiling, sautéing and grilling usually take 2 to 3 minutes per side, while air frying and baking take 6 to 10 minutes. Always keep an eye on color and texture to avoid overcooking.

Should I use fresh shrimp or frozen shrimp?

Both fresh and frozen shrimp have their pros and cons. Fresh shrimp are generally considered to have a better flavor and texture but are more expensive and time-sensitive. Frozen shrimp is more convenient but may have a slightly softer texture.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen shrimp?

The best way to thaw frozen shrimp is overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw them quickly, place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold running water for 30 to 60 minutes.

How do I peel shrimp?

To peel shrimp, start by removing the head. Hold the shrimp by the tail and gently pull the shell away from the body, starting at the legs. To devein the shrimp, make a small slit along the back and pull the dark vein out. Rinse under cold water before cooking.

What’s the best way to store shrimp?

Store shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Raw shrimp should be used within 1 to 2 days, while cooked shrimp can last for 3 to 4 days. For prolonged storage (around 3 months), freeze shrimp in an airtight container.

How long does cooked shrimp last in the fridge?

Leftover shrimp can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.

Cook delicious shrimp dishes at home

There are many reasons to learn how to cook shrimp scampi, how to cook shrimp for alfredo and other delicious dishes. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein meal to prep or planning a romantic anniversary dinner at home, shrimp recipes are always great to have on hand.

These four techniques are essential shrimp cooking methods, but the real magic happens when you step into the kitchen and try them for yourself. Order shrimp through Instacart and start your next culinary adventure!