How Long To Cook Shrimp? Tips and Recipe for Sauteed Shrimp!

Discover the ideal time to cook shrimp and learn how to prepare a delicious sautéed shrimp. Tips to avoid rubbery texture and incredible sauce suggestions!

Introduction

Shrimp is a seafood enjoyed worldwide for its delicate flavor and versatility in the kitchen. But a common question among cooks, whether amateur or experienced, is: how long to cook shrimp? The cooking time is crucial to ensure the shrimp is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, without becoming rubbery. In this article, we will reveal the secrets of shrimp cooking time, considering different methods and sizes. Also, you’ll learn a practical sautéed shrimp recipe and receive valuable tips to prepare delicious dishes with this delicacy. Shall we?

How Long to Cook Shrimp? The Right Answer Depends!

There is no single universal time to cook shrimp. The ideal time to cook shrimp varies according to several factors:

• Shrimp size: Larger shrimp need more cooking time than smaller ones.
• Cooking method: Boiling, grilling, baking, or sautéing require different times.
• With or without shell: Shrimp with shells take a little longer to cook.
• Temperature: The heat intensity or oven temperature also affects the cooking time.

However, a general rule is to watch the color and texture change of the shrimp. The shrimp is ready when:

• The flesh becomes opaque and white, with pinkish tones.
• The shrimp’s body shrinks and curves into a “C” shape (avoid the “O” shape, which indicates overcooking).
• The texture is firm, yet tender to the touch.

Estimated Times to Cook Shrimp Using Different Methods

To help you get it right, here are some estimates of shrimp cooking times, considering different methods and sizes (shell removed and cleaned):

Boiling:

• Large shrimp (about 21-25 per pound): 2 to 3 minutes.
• Medium shrimp (about 31-35 per pound): 1 to 2 minutes.
• Small shrimp (about 41-50 per pound): 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Grilling:

• Large shrimp: 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
• Medium shrimp: 1 to 2 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
• Small shrimp: 30 seconds to 1 minute per side over medium-high heat.

Baking at 200°C (392°F):

• Large shrimp: 8 to 10 minutes.
• Medium shrimp: 6 to 8 minutes.
• Small shrimp: 4 to 6 minutes.

Sautéing in a Pan:

• Large shrimp: 2 to 3 minutes over high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Medium shrimp: 1 to 2 minutes over high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Small shrimp: 30 seconds to 1 minute over high heat, stirring occasionally.

Remember: These times are only estimates. Ideally, watch the shrimp and remove them from heat as soon as they are cooked to avoid rubbery texture.

Sautéed Shrimp Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

Now that you know how long to cook shrimp, how about a practical and tasty recipe to put your knowledge into practice? Sautéed shrimp is a quick, versatile option that everyone enjoys. Check it out:

Ingredients:

• 500g medium shrimp, cleaned, peeled with tails on (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method:

1. Dry the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown well in the pan.
2. Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the garlic: Add the chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, without browning too much.
4. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Sauté the shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until they turn opaque, pink, and are fully cooked. Do not overcook to avoid rubbery texture.
6. Finish with lemon and parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the shrimp with lemon juice. Mix well.
7. Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Sautéed Shrimp

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even browning and to avoid them releasing too much water.
• Use high heat: High heat helps seal the shrimp quickly, keeping them juicy.
• Don’t stir too much: Stir the shrimp only as needed to cook evenly. Excessive stirring can make them release water and become rubbery.
• Add lemon at the end: Adding lemon juice at the end preserves its fresh flavor and prevents the shrimp from overcooking due to acidity.
• Vary the seasonings: Besides garlic, you can add other seasonings to sautéed shrimp, like grated ginger, chopped chili pepper, sweet or smoked paprika, fresh herbs (cilantro, thyme, rosemary), among others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Z9h2g_0CA

Sauce Suggestions to Accompany Shrimp

A good sauce can transform your sautéed shrimp into an even more special meal. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.
• White Wine Sauce: After sautéing the shrimp, deglaze the pan with dry white wine, scraping the bottom to release the residue. Let it reduce by half, add a little cold butter, and season with salt and pepper.
• Lemon and Herb Sauce: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, chopped garlic, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill, basil), salt, and pepper.
• Tartar Sauce: A classic that combines mayonnaise, chopped pickles, chopped onion, capers, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Spicy Sauce: For spicy food lovers, a pepper-based sauce is a great option. You can use chili pepper, malagueta, jalapeño, or others of your choice.
• Oriental Sauce: Mix soy sauce (shoyu), honey, grated ginger, chopped garlic, and a little toasted sesame oil.

How to Use Shrimp Heads?

Don’t throw away the shrimp heads! They are full of flavor and can be used to make a delicious broth or a flavorful oil.

• Shrimp Broth: Boil shrimp heads and shells in water with onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and seasonings for about 30 minutes. Strain and use the broth in soups, risottos, sauces, and other dishes.
• Shrimp Oil: In a pan, sauté shrimp heads and shells in oil until bright red. Cover with more oil and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes. Strain and use the oil to finish dishes or to add a special touch to salads and pasta.

Conclusion

Now you know how long to cook shrimp and have all the tips to prepare perfect sautéed shrimp, tender and juicy. Remember that the secret is to cook shrimp quickly over high heat and watch for color and texture changes. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of cooking shrimp and enjoy delicious, sophisticated meals in minutes. Try the recipe, vary the seasonings, sauces, and sides, and discover new ways to savor this seafood delicacy!

Do you have any special tips for cooking shrimp? Share your suggestions and favorite recipes in the comments!

Image Source: loja.cestanobre