5 Unbelievably Easy Ways to Cook Frozen Raw Shrimp

The sweetness, versatility, and easy-to-prepare traits of shrimp make it a desirable dish. But this low-fat, protein-rich food can get spoiled, if prepared incorrectly. Since these are highly perishable, it is wise to buy frozen raw shrimp. The best way to prepare it is by poaching it in a skillet, or roasting it in an oven. Tastessence provides you with some detailed techniques to cook frozen raw shrimp.

The Shrimp Guide!

Curled C-shaped Shrimp – Perfectly cooked
Straight shrimp – Undercooked
O-shaped Shrimp – Overcooked

Shrimp plays the role of a centerpiece when creating a gourmet sea food meal. It can be paired with rice, bread, pasta, etc., truly, an excellent side dish. The good thing about shrimp is, they are quick to cook. But the not-so-good thing about it is, not many know to how to prepare it right. Frozen shrimp does require pre-planning which is time-consuming. We give you easy ways to cook these little, delicious packets of shrimp―the right way!

Frozen shrimp need not be raw; we get it pre-cooked as well. Check the label on the package before buying it. It is advisable to buy frozen raw shrimp as it has more room for flavors to be added when preparing it. Pre-cooked shrimp, also, at times, tends to get overcooked. Raw shrimp has a gray tone, and needs to be deveined.

Before cooking, clean the shrimp by rinsing it in cold water. You could peel the shells before cooking, if you desire to, but the shells help retain the flavor of shrimp. All the methods below call for deveining of shrimp with the shells left on it. Deveining is removing its vein (dark line) which is its digestive tract, lined from the head to the tail.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

► Place it overnight in a covered bowl or a tray in the coldest section of the refrigerator.
► In case you want an instant thaw, put wrapped frozen shrimp in a colander. Run cold water through it. Continue doing this until they become soft enough to bend.
► Thawed shrimp is slightly translucent and pliable.
► Never use warm water or the microwave as it will start to cook.

Ways to Cook Frozen Raw Shrimp

Sautéing

Requirements:

• Raw shrimp, 2 lbs (thawed, deveined)
• Garlic cloves, 4 (finely chopped)
• Butter or olive oil, 6 tbsp.
• Salt, ¼ tsp.
• Fresh parsley or celery, ⅓ cup (chopped)
• Skillet, 1 (large)

Procedure:

• Heat butter (or olive oil) in a skillet for about 30 seconds over medium-low heat.
• Add the thawed shrimp and garlic to the pan. Sauté until it turns pink.
• Now, add lemon juice and salt. Stir well to nicely coat the shrimp.
• Finally, add fresh parsley or celery, and transfer the dish from the skillet to a platter.
• Your sautéd shrimp is ready to be eaten immediately.

Go For It!
Tip: Shrimp tends to shed water, so do not overload it in the pan as this will result into steaming and not sautéing.

Poaching

Requirements:

• Raw shrimp, 2 lbs (thawed)
• Water or sauce (as required)
• Skillet, 1
• Colander, 1

Procedure:

• Prepare simmering liquid in a pan by using water or sauce.
• Place thawed shrimp in this liquid, and let it heat until it comes to a full, rolling boil. This may take about 2 – 3 minutes.
• If you notice it turning pink with curled tails, transfer it to a platter by draining it through a colander. You don’t need to do this if you’re simmering it in sauce.
• If you want to serve it cold, either rinse it in cold water, or place it on ice.

Serve it Hot or Cold!
Tip: Poached shrimp makes a great ingredient for green salad.

Roasting

Requirements:

• Raw shrimp, 2 lbs. (thawed, deveined)
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp.
• Salt, ½ tsp.
• Pepper, ½ tsp.
• Lemon juice, ½ tsp.
• Baking sheet
• Oven

Procedure:

• Preheat oven to 400°F with a rack placed in the middle of it.
• Place a large baking sheet into the oven.
• Toss the shrimp in with some olive oil and season with salt, lemon juice, and pepper.
• Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the sheet.
• Bake until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. This will take about 8 – 10 minutes.

All Set and Ready!
Tip: Serve hot with pasta, rice, or fresh bread.

Frying

Requirements:

• Raw shrimp, 2 lbs. (thawed, deveined)
• Flour batter
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp.
• Frying pan, 1

Procedure:

• Prepare a batter using all-purpose flour (or coconut flour). Dip the shrimp in this batter.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Put the battered shrimp in a frying pan and cook until it turns golden brown.
• Remove the shrimp from the pan and drain on a paper towel. Serve hot.

Lip Smacking, ain’t it?
Tip: Toss in some vegetables for a quick shrimp meal.

Grilling

Requirements:

• Raw shrimp, 2 lbs. (thawed, deveined)
• Olive oil, 1 tbsp.
• Salt, ½ tsp.
• Pepper, ½ tsp.
• Grill

Procedure:

• Firstly, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes before threading the shrimp. This would not let them burn while they are grilled.
• Preheat the grill. The grill grate should be oiled well to avoid the shrimp from sticking to it.
• Lightly brush the shrimp with olive oil. Season it with salt and black pepper.
• Thread the oil-marinated shrimp onto skewers through both ends of each shrimp.
• Place the skewers on grill. On a medium heat, cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes till it starts turning pink on each side.
• Remove from heat when the shrimp turns bright pink, and the flesh seems opaque.
• Take off the skewers. Serve hot.

What Are You Waiting For?
Tip: Squeeze fresh lemon over the top of grilled shrimp.

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