High in protein and incredibly versatile, shrimp can be piled high on pasta or greens, served over grits, or eaten cold with your favorite cocktail sauce. But for many, cooking them can be intimidating. Fortunately, the perfect preparation doesn't have to be difficult. To learn how to cook delicious, juicy shrimp every time, consider the tips below.

How to Cook Shrimp

1. Defrost & Devein

While available fresh, shrimp are typically sold frozen to ensure their freshness and texture. If yours are frozen, remove them from your freezer and allow them to gradually defrost in the fridge for 24 hours before you plan to cook. When pressed for time, shrimp can be defrosted in less than an hour by placing them in a water-tight bag and submerging them in cold water.

Before cooking, be sure to clean them by removing the dark-colored vein located along its back. This can be done easily by making a shallow slit down the middle of the back, then lifting it out with the point of a paring knife. 

2. Cook Hot & Fast

Once completely defrosted, pat dry with a paper towel and apply your desired seasonings. There are many ways to cook shrimp, but one of the easiest and most fool-proof methods is searing them over high heat. This supplies plenty of flavor and texture without making them chewy.

Pre-heat a skillet on high, adding butter or oil to prevent sticking. Once the skillet has heated up, place them in the pan in a single layer. Make sure to avoid crowding, as this can cause them to steam rather than sear.

3. Let Them Sit

Depending on their size, allow shrimp to cook for one to two minutes per side undisturbed. Direct contact from the heat of the skillet provides flavor and texture. Moving them too soon can cause them to stick or release liquids and steam, making them stringy or chewy.

After two minutes, flip all shrimp to their opposite sides. If any stick to the pan, allow them to cook for another 20-30 seconds until they release on their own. Be sure to keep a close eye on them once flipped, removing them from the skillet as soon as the thickest part of the flesh turns from translucent to opaque.

Now that you're ready to cook like a professional, be sure to choose the finest ingredients from Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour, AL. Offering a wide variety of shellfish, including shrimp, oysters, and crab, this high-quality seafood market proudly provides the freshest fish and shellfish at affordable prices. Contact them today at (251) 949-6288, or visit them online to learn more about their delicious products and convenient shipping services.