Wondering how to cook frozen shrimp? Boiling up a batch is perfect for shrimp cocktail and results in tender and juicy shrimp every time. Boiled shrimp may not be your first thought when it comes to cooking shrimp, but trust me, it’s really good. The most popular way to enjoy boiled shrimp is for shrimp cocktail, but you can use it in any recipe that calls for cooked shrimp. Plus, boiled shrimp can be kept at room temperature, making it a great choice for entertaining. So, let’s dive into how to cook frozen shrimp using a simple method.
The Simple Method: How to Boil Shrimp
First things first: how long do you boil shrimp? The cook time is just 2 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. It’s as quick as cooking shrimp on the stove, but you’ll need to factor in the time to boil a large pot of water. If you’re using shrimp with the shell on (which I recommend), you’ll need to remove the shells after cooking. The overall time it takes for the entire process is about 15 to 20 minutes.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to boil shrimp:
- 1 pound of large shrimp (see more on specifics in the section below)
- Kosher salt
- Lemon
To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil with some fresh lemon juice. Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and are cooked through, which takes about 2 minutes. After cooking, remove the shrimp and place them in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will ensure that the shrimp remain perfectly tender. If you cooked the shrimp with the shell on, you can remove it before serving, but leaving the tails on adds an attractive touch. Add some kosher salt and lemon to taste, and your boiled shrimp is ready to go!
What are the Calories in Boiled Shrimp?
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be pleased to know that shrimp are a low-calorie food. Here’s a breakdown of the calories in boiled shrimp:
- 1 medium shrimp = 7 calories
- 1 jumbo shrimp = 14 calories
Choosing the Right Shrimp for Boiling
The type of shrimp you choose depends on how you plan to use it. For an impressive presentation in shrimp cocktail, opt for large shrimp with the tail on. The shrimp size 16 to 20 count works well for this purpose. It’s best to boil shrimp with the shell on to maximize flavor. Also, look for shrimp that has already been deveined to save time. If you’re unsure how to devein shrimp, check out our guide on “How to Devein Shrimp.”
Boiling Frozen Shrimp
You may be wondering if you can boil frozen shrimp. The answer is yes! Both fresh and frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. While fresh shrimp has a shorter shelf life of a few days, frozen shrimp can last for several weeks. Contrary to the myth that “fresh is best,” freezing actually preserves the quality of the shrimp. For the best results, thaw frozen shrimp before boiling. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or, on the day of serving, place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water with a small trickle of water running to keep it moving. The shrimp will defrost in about 15 minutes.
Buying Sustainable Shrimp
If you’re concerned about sustainability, follow these tips when buying shrimp:
- Look for wild-caught shrimp, preferably from the US if you live there. Imported seafood carries the risk of overfishing, unfair labor practices, and environmentally harmful farming methods.
- Pay attention to the fishing methods used. Hook and line fishing is more sustainable than bottom trawling, which is considered harmful and unsustainable.
Want a Shrimp Cocktail Sauce?
If you’re craving shrimp cocktail, we have a killer cocktail sauce recipe for you! Shrimp cocktail makes a fantastic appetizer for holidays and special occasions. Check out our delicious Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce recipe on our website!
Want a Shrimp Boil Recipe?
If you’re looking for a different way to enjoy shrimp, try a shrimp boil. It’s the same cooking method, but a shrimp boil combines shrimp, potatoes, corn, and spices (usually Old Bay) in one pot. We’re working on a recipe for a shrimp boil that you can use for entertaining or weeknight dinners. Stay tuned for more!
Looking for More Shrimp Recipes?
If you’re a shrimp lover like me, here are some of our favorite shrimp recipes to try:
- Perfect Grilled Shrimp
- Shrimp Marinade
- Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Sauce
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos
- Shrimp Taco Sauce
- Best Shrimp Dinner Ideas
- Quick Shrimp Couscous
- Easy Paella Recipe with Shrimp
- Seafood Paella Recipe on an Open Fire
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Mango Salad with Grilled Shrimp
- Roasted Tomato Shrimp and Polenta
- Baked Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes
Learn more about cooking and explore our recipes at Ekilove.
