Do you love shrimp? If so, you’re definitely not alone. This delicious seafood is enjoyed by people all over the world. But how do you know when it’s done cooking? In this blog post, we will discuss three different methods for how to tell when shrimp is done. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make sure your shrimp turns out perfectly every time!
How to Tell When Shrimp is Done?
The best way to tell if shrimp is done is to look at the color. Shrimp is done when it turns pinkish-orange. You can also check by inserting a sharp knife into the thickest part of the shrimp. The shrimp is done when the flesh is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
How To Prepare Shrimp?
1. Steaming
Steaming seafood is a popular method of cooking, especially for the more delicate flavors of fish and shellfish. Placing food in water that has been heated using steam releases heat into the food faster than dry heat cooking methods like baking or frying. Shrimp can be steamed on an indoor stovetop or in an electric cooker, such as a rice steamer, but they also work well when prepared on top of pans placed over outdoor grills.
2. Boiling
Boiling seafood draws out flavor while reducing or eliminating the risk of contamination because pathogens aren’t able to survive at temperatures above 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius). Shrimp can be boiled using a stovetop pot with a lid and a large enough diameter to avoid crowding, which causes them to stick together during cooking. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Add shrimp, cover the pan and remove from heat until cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes after boiling begins.
3. Grilling
Grilled seafood provides a taste sensation similar to other dry heat and open flame cooking methods like roasting and barbecuing. Shrimp can be grilled using an outdoor gas or charcoal grill as well as an indoor countertop electric grill. The most important factor in grilling shellfish is the thickness of the meat, which should not exceed 1 1/2 inches (or else it will overcook as it cooks). Lay shrimp on a clean surface. Brush with oil, salt, and pepper before grilling. Lightly oil the grate unless using a Teflon grid. Place shrimp on the grate, and cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side.
4. Sauteeing
Sauteeing is a method of cooking food in a frying pan with a small amount of oil or butter over high heat. Shrimp can be sautéed using many types of fats depending on the chosen flavor profile, including olive oil, butter, lard, and bacon grease. The most important factor in sautéing shellfish is the temperature at which it is cooked, as lower temperatures preserve more vitamins and minerals. Heat one tablespoon of fat to medium-high until smoking before adding shrimp. Sear each side for approximately 90 seconds before serving warm.
5. Microwaving
Shrimp can be microwaved quickly and easily to provide a variety of hot dishes, such as salads and rubs. Use microwavable plastic wrap to avoid leaving behind squirted butter or other fats on the microwave table. Place shrimp in a single layer within 1/4 inch (6-7mm) of each other across the center. Add salt and spices to taste before covering with plastic wrap and microwaving at full power for 2 minutes per pound of shrimp. Allow shrimp to sit covered for 1 minute before serving warm.
What To Look For When Cooking Shrimp
1. Thawing Your Shrimp
Whether you plan on grilling them or simply saéing them for dinner it is important that your shrimp be completely thawed before cooking. Shrimp are caught in the wild but are then frozen for transport. The freezing process actually imprisons the water inside the cells of the shrimp making it more difficult for heat to get inside of it during cooking, leading to tougher meat. By taking out all of the excess ice you allow your shrimp to cook faster and become tender when cooked properly.
2. Flash Frozen Shrimp
If not already, always choose flash frozen instead of previously frozen shrimp. Thawing takes too long for some people’s liking, especially on busy weeknights when you don’t have time to wait 30 minutes or an hour after arriving home from work before starting dinner. So companies started flash-freezing shrimp after catching it. This process actually preserves more of the flavor and freshness that a shrimp has because it quickly chills a shrimp right away after being caught, locking in maximum flavor.
3. Fresh Shrimp
If you have time to thaw let your shrimp get down to room temperature before cooking them up instead of eating them cold out of the freezer. Thawed frozen shrimp will always be colder than ice cold but if you leave them out for about 1 hour they should be at a good “drained” temp which brings me to my next point.
4. Draining Your Shrimp
Before cooking your shrimp take a paper towel or even better a clean dish rag and drain ALL of its liquid. If you have an excess amount of moisture in your shrimp it will lead to a longer cooking time. The extra liquid in the pan will also steam the inside of your shrimp instead of allowing the outside to get crispy when sautéed or grilled.
5. Cooking Times
Different people have different preferences when it comes to how their shrimp is cooked. Some people like their shrimp completely pink on the inside, while others want them white all the way through with no translucent parts left at all. Either preference is fine just be sure that you know what you are getting into before starting so they aren’t overcooked. If in doubt cut one open after cooking and see if it’s done! It’s impossible to save over-cooked shrimp so it’s better to know sooner than later.
Delicious Recipes That Include Shrimp
1. Shrimp Cocktail
This appetizer recipe is very famous because of its clean and refreshing flavor. The best part about this recipe is that it takes 15 minutes maximum to make one dish for 4 people! You will only need the following: 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, 16 ounces cooked cocktail shrimp (or raw if you prefer), 2 cups ketchup (if you want your cocktail sauce to be spicy, you can add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper), and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce. Mix all these ingredients together, make sure it is well mixed, and let the flavors blend for 10 minutes. Now you’re ready to serve!
2. Coconut Shrimp
This recipe will surprise you because it’s delicious and healthy at the same time! You will need 16 ounces of shrimp (peeled and deveined), 3 tablespoons coconut milk, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon garlic powder or minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste, ½ cup flour (you can mix half cornstarch with half flour as well), ¼ teaspoon baking soda, enough coconut flakes so each shrimp is completely covered, and vegetable oil to fry. Mix milk and ketchup in a bowl, add coconut flakes if you’re using them, and then put your shrimp in the mixture one by one. You should be able to coat the shrimp perfectly with the mixture (add more if necessary).
Season your flour with salt and pepper, add baking soda, mix it well so there’s no clump left inside of it, and put each shrimp inside of it. Now fry each shrimp for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot with any sauce or dip!
You can prepare this recipe without frying as well: just heat some oil in your pan and cook your shrimp for 5-7 minutes until they’re ready. It’s healthier this way, and it’s just delicious!
3. Shrimp Tacos
This recipe is also very simple to make, and you can use any kind of taco shell you want (hard or soft). It will only take you 25 minutes to prepare 8 tacos for your family. You will need 16 ounces of shrimp (peeled and deveined), 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 16 ounces salsa (your favorite one), 8 taco shells (hard or soft), 1 tablespoon olive oil, shredded cheese of your preference (we recommend Cheddar cheese), sour cream if desired, chopped tomatoes if desired, some lettuce leaves cut into small pieces or diced cucumber slices.
First mix together chili powder, garlic salt, cumin powder, olive oil, salsa, and shrimp. Let it marinate for 15 minutes so the flavors blend together. Afterward, you can use this mixture to fill up your taco shells. Add cheese if desired, sour cream if desired, tomatoes or cucumbers to garnish your tacos with. It’s that simple!
4. Shrimp Salad
This recipe is perfect for hot summer days because it turns a common healthy meal into something extraordinary! You will need 16 ounces of salad shrimp (cooked), 2 cups lettuce leaves cut into small pieces or diced cucumber slices chopped into cubes, 1 tablespoon olive oil or mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon lemon juice or ketchup, 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or more if desired), and salt to taste.
First, cut your lettuce into small pieces or cube the cucumber slices, then combine olive oil or mayonnaise with lemon juice or ketchup, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Add shrimp and mix it well so all ingredients are blended together. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra black pepper on top before serving! Your healthy salad is now ready to be served!
5. Shrimp Skewers
This is the last but definitely not least recipe you should try this summer. It’s perfect for parties because it will make your guests impressed! You will need 16 ounces of shrimp (peeled and deveined), 8 bamboo skewers soaked in water for an hour, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, or minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste (both optional).
First, wash your shrimp, then make sure you cut off the tails. Now take each shrimp and make a slit diagonally on one side of it so you can fill it with spices later. Make another slit towards the tail end of the shrimp but not all the way through it. Repeat this process for all 8 skewers before putting them in a pot filled with water (make sure they’re completely submerged). Leave them like that for at least 30 minutes. This will allow your skewers to pick up some flavor from the water! Afterward, skewer each piece of shrimp, ensuring that you leave about ½ inch between each shrimp so they cook evenly when grilling. Combine olive oil with garlic powder or minced garlic, salt, and pepper (optional) in a bowl before brushing the mixture onto each shrimp skewer. You can now either grill your skewers or cook them in a pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the shrimp is pink. Your skewers are now ready to be served!
