How to Prepare and Cook Shrimp

Shrimp is a versatile and low-calorie seafood that is full of minerals and antioxidants. They are also very quick and easy to cook for when you need to whip up a convenient meal! Here are some must-know tips in how to prepare, cook and store shrimp.

Preparing the Shrimp

Frozen Shrimp

Did you know that frozen shrimp can be cooked straight out of the freezer without thawing? This can be very convenient if you need to prepare a meal last minute without much time to prepare. You can refresh frozen shrimp by soaking them in salted water, use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of water.

Chilled Shrimp

Leave the shell on if you are steaming or boiling the shrimp, for some stir-fry dishes, it helps to keep the juices and flavour in as well. Otherwise, peel off shells and devein the shrimp with a sharp tool like a knife, toothpick or just your fingers.

Thawing Shrimp

The best way to thaw shrimp is by putting them in the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to thaw gradually. If you need a quicker method, place them in a strainer under cold running water, do not use hot or boiling water. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess water before cooking.

Cooking the Shrimp

Thawed or Fresh Shrimp

Pan-frying (sauté)

1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel
2. In a pan, heat some olive oil or butter, spread the shrimp in one layer across the pan and let them sear for about 1- 2 minutes.
3. Once the exterior has seared and you can move the shrimp around easily, flip them over to the opposite side and sear for another 1 – 2 minutes.
4. Once cooked, remove them from the pan immediate to avoid overcooking.

Grilling

1. On a barbecue, grill the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side.

Frying

1. Boil some cooking oil that is deep enough to submerge the shrimp
2. Fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes and sieve

Frozen Shrimp

Steaming

1. Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and bring it to boil
2. Place a steamer basket with shrimp inside, cover and steam for about 5 minutes.
3. Take out and serve

Boiling

1. In a large pot, fill it with enough water to submerge the shrimp and bring it to boil
2. Add frozen shrimp to the pot, cover and cook for 2 – 5 minutes depending on size
3. Drain the shrimp and season.

How to tell if your shrimps are cooked?

• Shrimp in their natural raw state is greyish and translucent. When they are cooked, they become pinkish and opaque.
• The muscles will tighten and curve into a C shape

Storing Shrimp

How long can we store shrimp for?

• Fresh shrimp can be kept for 2 days from purchasing when chilled
• Frozen shrimp in tight packaging can last up to 6 months in a freezer
• Once defrosted, shrimp should be chilled in the fridge and consumed within 3 days.
• Cooked shrimp store in the refrigerator should be eaten within 2-3 days.

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