How To Boil Shrimp

Learn the best method for how to boil shrimp to produce the perfect and delicious cooked shrimp every single time without any fuss.

Course Appetizers, Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine All

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings 4 oz servings

Calories 161kcal

Fill a medium pot with enough water to cover the shrimp. Add the salt and bring to a rolling boil.
Add the shrimp. Tip: Adding them slowly helps maintain the boil.
The cooking time for shrimp varies based on their size. Generally, smaller shrimp take about 2-3 minutes to cook, while larger ones may take 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them – overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
When done, the shrimp will be pink and opaque.
Drain: As soon as the shrimp have turned pink, drain them immediately. Plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Select a pot large enough to comfortably hold the shrimp without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.