Learning to cook frozen raw shrimp in various methods is a lifesaver, especially when you forget to defrost it. The convenience of going straight from the freezer to cooking perfect, tender shrimp offers a delicious and protein-rich dish in no time. This versatile seafood can be combined with various dishes, such as tacos, rice, or vegetable kabobs. With these helpful tips and tricks, cooking frozen shrimp in the oven, air fryer, stove, grill, or Instant Pot has never been smoother.
In this friendly guide, we will share easy-to-follow steps and clever kitchen hacks that make cooking shrimp an enjoyable experience. No need to worry about forgetting to defrost; together, we can create quick, mouthwatering shrimp dishes that never compromise on taste or quality.
Key Takeaways
Cooking frozen shrimp can be fast and easy using methods like the oven, air fryer, stove, grill, or Instant Pot.
Frozen shrimp can be incorporated into various dishes for a quick, low-carb, and high-protein meal.
Simple tips and tricks will make the cooking process hassle-free, perfect for those forgetful moments.
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp in the Oven
To make a quick and delicious meal, take your frozen shrimp and preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). You don’t need to worry about defrosting, as cooking from frozen is just as delightful. In the meantime, prepare a baking sheet with a non-stick coating. Lay your shrimp out evenly, avoiding overlap.
Drizzle a touch of olive oil over the shrimp to ensure they don’t dry out. You can also add a spritz of lemon for a zesty twist. Pop your shrimp in the oven for about 5 minutes, making sure to keep a close eye on them. When your shrimp turn opaque, this signals that they’re properly cooked.
Feel free to enhance your dish with other flavors and serving suggestions. Enjoy your perfectly cooked frozen shrimp!
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp
When you only have frozen shrimp on hand, don’t worry—you can still make a delicious meal without getting hangry. Gather a baking sheet if you’re using an oven, and prepare the following ingredients:
12-16 oz of frozen shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined, and medium size)
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
Melted butter or olive oil as an alternative
For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan plant-based butter substitute, which works great for many dishes, even baking. These can usually be found alongside other butter products at the store, or simply use oil instead.
Remember, there’s no need to feel frustrated when dealing with frozen shrimp; with these steps and ingredients, you can easily prepare a tasty meal in no time. Enjoy your cooking journey!
Cook Shrimp From Frozen in the Oven
First, always choose raw shrimp over pre-cooked for any recipe. By doing so, you avoid the risk of overcooking. For oven-baked frozen shrimp, follow these steps:
Preparation: Ensure your shrimp pieces aren’t overlapping on the baking sheet. Combine the frozen shrimp with your chosen seasonings and set aside.
Preheat: Put a baking sheet in the oven and set the broiler to high heat. Allow it to preheat for 10 minutes.
Arrange the shrimp: Carefully remove the heated baking sheet from the oven and arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on the sheet. Expect some sizzling and steam as you place the frozen shrimp onto the hot surface.
Broil: Place the baking sheet back in the oven, about 6-8 inches away from the broiler coils. Broil the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, or until they turn opaque and pink with a slight curve.
Serve: Remove the shrimp from the oven and transfer them onto a serving plate.
For a finishing touch, you can use a pastry brush to apply melted butter on top of the shrimp and add more seasoning if desired. To ensure perfectly cooked shrimp, look for an opaque, pink color and a slightly crinkling tail. This indicates that the shrimp are cooked, tender, and delicious.
Enjoy your oven-baked shrimp, prepared to perfection, using these simple steps!
How to Cook Raw Frozen Shrimp on Your Stovetop
To cook raw frozen shrimp on your stove, start by thawing them, then pat them dry with paper towels. Toss the shrimp in some olive oil and your preferred seasonings. Heat a pan over medium heat.
For cooking shrimp that’s still frozen, add 1/4 cup of water to the warm pan, along with the desired amount of shrimp. Cover the pan with a lid and let the shrimp cook for about 2 minutes on each side, rotating until they’re thawed. Once thawed, drain the excess liquid from the pan.
Next, add 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, season the shrimp again, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn a vibrant pink color. Feel free to add more seasonings, such as Old Bay, once they’re cooked. Serve the shrimp and enjoy your stovetop creation!
Raw Frozen Shrimp in Air Fryer
Experience a delightful twist to your favorite shrimp dish with your air fryer! Your frozen shrimp will have the perfect balance of a crispy exterior while retaining tender insides. Give our air fryer frozen shrimp instructions a go; you’ll adore the result!
Frozen Raw Shrimp in Instant Pot
You’ll be amazed that cooking frozen raw shrimp in your Instant Pot doesn’t take any longer than if they were thawed! In just one minute, medium-sized, shelled shrimp turn perfectly pink, indicating they’re ready to eat. For added flavor, try including corn and potatoes to create a delicious Instant Pot shrimp boil. Simply place the shrimp and other ingredients in a steamer basket inside the Instant Pot, and enjoy a quick and tasty meal.
What is the Ideal Method for Thawing Frozen Raw Shrimp?
Thawing frozen raw shrimp can be a breeze if you follow this simple and swift technique. Make certain that you first remove any deveined shrimp before proceeding. Gently place the shrimp in a bowl filled with cold water and allow them to rest for about 15 minutes. It’s crucial to avoid using hot liquids as this could initiate the cooking process, leading to an odd texture and heightened bacteria risk.
Once your shrimp are properly thawed, feel free to pair them with your favorite ingredients and cook as desired. A few exciting options include serving them alongside vegetables, dipping them in shrimp cocktail sauce, or even covering them in a tasty bang bang shrimp sauce.
Should you find yourself with leftover shrimp, allow them to cool before storing them in sealed freezer bags and refrigerating for a maximum duration of 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 45 seconds.
Combine the frozen shrimp with the spices in a mixing bowl and set aside. Preheat the oven's broiler on high with a baking sheet inside for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the spiced shrimp onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Be mindful of any sizzling or steaming that may occur as the shrimp contacts the hot surface.
Place the baking sheet back into the oven, ensuring that it is about 6-8 inches away from the broiler coils. Broil the shrimp for 5-6 minutes, or until they become opaque, pink, and slightly curved.
Take the baking sheet out of the oven and transfer the shrimp to a serving plate. Use a pastry brush to apply melted butter onto the cooked shrimp.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
