Shrimp are a common ingredient in appetizers, salads, and chowder. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and can be found in most grocers all year round. They can be fried, sauteed, broiled, or boiled.

Cooking shrimp the right way is important to avoid undercooked or overcooked seafood. Undercooked shrimp will be soft and raw inside, while overcooked shrimp will have a rubbery texture.

Learn to determine the doneness of your shrimp by watching for its shape: uncooked shrimp will be straight, whereas cooked shrimp will curl into a loose “C” shape. You can also use a food thermometer to tell if they are ready; the thickest part of the shrimp will change color and turn opaque (see photo).

Preparing and cooking shrimp correctly is essential for ensuring you get perfectly tender, juicy results every time. The key is to watch for the shrimp’s internal temperature as it cooks, and be sure to transfer them immediately to a serving dish after they have reached their optimal state.

Start by removing the shells of the shrimp, reserving the tails for later use if desired. Then peel back the skin to reveal the squirming, meaty interior.

Deveine the shrimp before you begin cooking them: To devein your shrimp, use a sharp knife to make a shallow slit next to the dark intestinal vein that runs down the back of the shrimp. Pull out the vein with the tip of your knife. If necessary, rinse the shrimp under cold running water to remove any debris.

Depending on the size of the shrimp, it should take between 2-4 minutes to cook. During this time, they will start to curl on the bottom and turn pink. Once they’ve turned pink, quickly flip them over and cook until they are curled again and have developed a loose “C” shape, another 1 to 2 minutes.

To serve, drain off any excess oil and place the shrimp on a platter. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some crushed red pepper to add a little heat.

Southern Fried Shrimp:

For an authentic southern experience, try these delicious fried shrimp that are breaded with panko breadcrumbs and deep fried until golden brown. This recipe is quick and easy to make and is perfect for family meals or entertaining!

*This recipe makes a pound of shrimp. You can vary the amount of ingredients to suit your taste and preference. For a different flavor or texture, swap out all or part of the cornmeal with fine dry breadcrumbs or panko.

Buttermilk and Spicy Seasonings:

This recipe features buttermilk as a tenderizing agent for the shrimp, but it’s easy to substitute regular milk or sour cream. You can also use hot sauce instead of the salt and pepper to kick up the heat. This makes for an extra-crispy, extra-spicy fried shrimp!