Methods for Stovetop Shrimp Cooking

Making shrimp is so simple that it’s difficult to come up with an excuse not to. A platter of sautéed shrimp can be on the table in a matter of minutes, even if you begin with a bag of frozen shrimp.

Discover the best shrimp to buy, how to cook it on the stovetop, and some delicious recipes by reading on.

How to Shop for Shrimp

• Fresh versus frozen: Unless you’re buying shrimp fresh off the boat, it’s most likely been frozen at some point. Even the “fresh” shrimp at most seafood counters has been thawed for display. If you buy this shrimp that’s been thawed, make sure to cook it within 2 days and do not refreeze. Frozen shrimp is the best choice because its simple to thaw exactly the amount needed on the day it’ll be cooked.
• Peeled or unpeeled: This stovetop method works with both peeled and unpeeled shrimp, but buying shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined makes putting dinner on the table so much faster. If the shrimp is peeled leaving the tails for presentation’s sake, save the shells for a quick seafood stock.
• Size: Shrimp are sold by size using descriptors like jumbo, large, and small and by how many pieces of shrimp are in a pound. This technique calls for large (16 to 20 count) shrimp, but works for smaller and larger shrimp too. The cooking time will be a bit shorter for smaller shrimp and slightly longer for larger shrimp.
• Sustainability: Most shrimp are a “good choice” from a sustainable seafood perspective — especially U.S. wild-caught or U.S. farmed shrimp.

How to Cook Shrimp on the Stove

• Thaw, if frozen. If your shrimp are frozen, quickly thaw them in a colander under cold running water until bendable. (No time to thaw? We can show you how to cook frozen shrimp.)
• Heat oil or unsalted butter. Melt butter or heat oil in a large frying pan until it coats the bottom of the pan and shimmers.
• Add shrimp. Shrimp should sizzle as soon as they hit the pan.
• Season the shrimp. Add kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, or other seasonings.
• Cook until done. Shrimp will turn from grey and translucent to pink and opaque, and curl slightly when done.

How Long Does Shrimp Take to Cook?

It takes 4 to 5 minutes for large shrimp to cook on the stovetop. Smaller shrimp may take slightly less time, while larger shrimp will need another minute or two.

How to Know when Shrimp Is Done

Most shrimp are translucent and grey when raw. They turn opaque and pink with bright red tails when cooked. The shrimp will curl into a spiral when cooked.