Many people love shrimp, but almost not everyone knows how to cook shrimp on the stovetop properly. So, if you want to cook shrimp perfectly every time, read this article of mine, and don’t waste your time with the lengthy posts from other cooking sites.
1. FAQs When Cooking Shrimp on Stove
1.1. What Should You Look For When Buying Shrimp?
Freshness: Look for shrimp that appear fresh and have a mild, oceanic smell. Avoid shrimp that smell overly fishy or have a strong ammonia-like odor, as it could indicate spoilage.
Appearance: The shrimp should have a translucent appearance and a natural sheen. Avoid shrimp that are discolored, dull, or have dry spots.
Firmness: Gently press the shrimp with your finger. It should feel firm and spring back slightly. Avoid shrimp that are mushy or have a slimy texture.
Shell: If purchasing shrimp with the shell intact, check for shells that are intact, clean, and without any black spots or discoloration. Shells that are cracked or damaged may indicate mishandling or deterioration.
Size: Shrimp are commonly categorized by size, such as large, medium, or small. Choose the size that suits your recipe or personal preference. Keep in mind that larger shrimp tend to have a meatier texture.
1.2. How To Thaw Frozen Shrimp?
If you do buy frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
Cut your bag of frozen raw shrimp and put them in a large bowl. Place the bowl in the kitchen sink, under the tap.
Open the tap and let the water flow slowly on the bowl of frozen shrimp for 5-10 minutes.
Once you notice the frozen shrimps have changed from white to translucent, you can bend them and turn off the tap.
Drain the water and set them aside for prepping/cooking.
1.3. How Do You Know When Shrimp Is Done?
When the raw translucent shrimp turns pinkish, with opaque & slightly whitish flesh, and a vibrant reddish tail, it shows that it is cooked to perfection.
However, the way to know for sure that the shrimp is cooked is when you see the shrimp bend back to look like a half-circle, that’s when the shrimp has just arrived.
2. How To Cook Shrimp on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 10 – 12 fresh shrimps or frozen shrimps ( thawed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
Step 1: First, cut off the shrimp head with scissors, next straighten the scissors and cut along the shrimp’s back to cut the shell in half.
Then remove the black thread on the back of the shrimp. Finally you take your hand to peel the shrimp shell cut from the shrimp body.
Noted skip this step if using frozen shrimp ( deveined and peeled or deveined and easy peel )
Step 2: Heat the pan on the stove over a medium-high flame. Next, add the butter, and let it melt. Then add the prepared shrimp
Step 3: Stir fry the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side and adjust the flame to medium-low heat.
Step 4: Add the salt, black pepper powder, and garlic powder. Sauté for 2 minutes then transfer them to the serving plate!
3. What To Serve With Sauteed Shrimp
Rice: Serve the sautéed shrimp over steamed white rice or fluffy jasmine rice. You can also opt for fragrant basmati rice or even wild rice for added variety.
Pasta: Toss the sautéed shrimp with cooked pasta of your choice, such as linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair. Add a simple garlic and olive oil sauce or a light cream-based sauce to enhance the flavors.
Salad: Create a refreshing salad by combining the shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado slices. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy dressing.
Grains: Consider serving the shrimp alongside grains like quinoa, couscous, or bulgur wheat. These grains provide a hearty and nutritious base for the dish.
Vegetables: Sauté or roast a medley of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli. Serve them alongside the shrimp for a well-balanced meal.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: Prepare a quick stir-fry by sautéing shrimp with an assortment of vegetables like snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and bok choy. Season with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish.
Sautéed Spinach or Greens: Sauté fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard in olive oil and garlic until wilted. Place the sautéed shrimp on top for a nutritious and vibrant side.
Bread or Baguette: Toast slices of crusty bread or serve a warm baguette on the side to soak up the delicious juices from the sautéed shrimp.
Salsa or Dipping Sauce: Prepare a zesty salsa with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños. It can serve as a side dish or a tangy dipping sauce for the shrimp.
Fruit Salsa: Create a tropical twist by combining diced pineapple, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Serve this fruity salsa alongside the sautéed shrimp for a burst of flavors.
Above is how to cook shrimp on stovetop. Although shrimp is not too difficult to prepare and cook, you need to prepare all the accompanying ingredients mentioned above; we hope that you will get excellent delicious sauteed shrimp for your dinner after reading this post.
