Shrimp is a popular seafood that is widely enjoyed for its delicate flavor and tender texture. Although shrimps are super easy to cook, the main question is whether to cook them with shells. You might always cook shrimp without shells, but cooking them with the shell on is also possible and very easy. So if you are wondering how to cook raw shrimp with shell on…read ahead and find out!
Can You Cook Raw Shrimp with Shell On?
Yes, you can cook raw shrimp with the shell on. In fact, It is a common and traditional method of preparing this delicious seafood. The shell not only protects the delicate flesh of the shrimp but also imparts additional flavor and texture to the dish. However, cooking raw shrimp with the shell on can be tricky. It requires precision and careful timing to get it just right. So you might need to be extra careful and patient.
How to Cook Raw Shrimp with Shell On
Here are a few ways of cooking raw shrimp with the shell on:
- Stove Top: One of the most common methods for cooking raw shrimp with the shell on is stovetop cooking. You’ll need a large skillet or pot filled with enough water to cover the shrimp completely. You can either sauté them or boil them until they turn pink.
- Air Fryer: Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular for those looking for healthier alternatives when cooking their food. You can easily cook them in an air fryer. It is super quick and easy.
- Oven: Another great way to cook raw shrimp with the shell on it in an oven. All you have to do is Bake for 8-10 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
- Grill: For those looking for that classic grilled flavor, grilling is another great way to cook raw shrimp with intact shells. It adds a smoky flavor to the shrimp.
Tips to Remember
Here are some important tips to consider when cooking raw shrimp with the shell on:
- It’s important to note that the cooking time for shrimp depends on the starting point – raw, precooked, with the shell on or off. The shrimp is fully cooked when the meat is opaque, turns bright pink, and begins to curl slightly. At this point, it’s important to remove the shrimp from the heat immediately.
- If using precooked shrimp, the goal is to warm it up, so it’s best to lower the temperature and let it heat slowly.
- If thawing the shrimp, remove it from the bag and drain it well before cooking, as adding the juice from the thawing process can affect the taste and texture of the dish. To thaw shrimp, place it in the refrigerator the night before or in a bowl of cool water, changing the water every 20 minutes until it is fully thawed.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the shrimp. Leave enough space between each shrimp to allow for even cooking and browning.
Variation Ideas
Here are a few ways you can enjoy shrimp with shells on:
- Shrimp: There are many types of shrimp available in the market today. Some popular varieties include white, brown, pink, and tiger shrimp. When selecting your shrimp for cooking with shells on, it’s important to choose fresh ones that have not been frozen or treated with preservatives.
- Seasoning: When seasoning your raw shrimp, be sure to use a light hand, as too much seasoning can overpower the delicate flavors of the seafood. Popular seasonings for raw shrimp include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, thyme, and other herbs or spices in your pantry.
- Vegetables: Try adding diced vegetables such as onions or peppers into your butter mixture before brushing overcooked shrimp – this creates a delicious stir fry-style dish!
- Asian-inspired: For an Asian-inspired twist, try marinating your shrimp in soy sauce or fish sauce before coating them in butter.
- Smoky flavor: For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder into your butter mixture – this will make for an incredibly flavorful dish!
Serving Ideas
Here are some of the best sides that go perfectly with shrimp cooked with the shell on.
- Salads: Salads are a great way to add freshness and crunch to your meal. They can also provide a good balance to the richness of the shrimp. Try combining crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and peppers for a light yet flavorful salad. You can also add in some nuts or cheese for extra flavor.
- Grains: Grains such as rice or quinoa make an excellent side for shrimp cooked with the shell on. They provide a strong base for all the flavors in the dish and are filling enough that you won’t need much else.
- Vegetables: Another great option when pairing with shrimp cooked with its shell on are vegetables. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions all pair nicely with this dish.
- Sauces & Dips: Sauces and dips are always welcome when serving shrimp cooked with its shell on. Whether you choose something creamy like tartar sauce or acidic like cocktail sauce, they pair wonderfully with this dish.
How to Cook Raw Shrimp with Shell On
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. old bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tbsp. red wine
Instructions
- If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator a day before preparing them.
- Place a cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- When the pan is hot, add the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, old bay, salt, and pepper, and cook until the butter melts.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir continuously until the shrimp are fully cooked or when the flesh becomes opaque, turns bright pink, and the tails start to curl.
How to Cook Raw Shrimp with Shell On
Preparation time: 5 minutes; Cooking Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb. shrimp
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. old bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 tbsp. red wine
Instructions
- If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator a day before preparing them.
- Place a cast iron skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- When the pan is hot, add the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, old bay, salt, and pepper, and cook until the butter melts.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir continuously until the shrimp are fully cooked or when the flesh becomes opaque, turns bright pink, and the tails start to curl.