Pan-Seared Shrimp Perfection: A Quick, Easy Guide

Pan-sauteed shrimp is a quick and easy dish that can be served as a main course or added to grain salads, stir-fries, and more. The key to cooking shrimp is to not overcook them, as they will become rubbery. Shrimp are done when they turn from grey and translucent to pink and opaque, and curl slightly. They should also form a 'C' shape when cooked through.

Characteristics of Pan-Sautéed Shrimp

How to choose the right shrimp

When it comes to choosing the right shrimp for your pan sauté, there are a few factors to consider: freshness, size, shell, and sustainability.

Freshness

While fresh shrimp is ideal, it can be challenging to find unless you live near a coast. Most shrimp has been previously frozen, and both fresh and frozen options are equally fresh. If you opt for frozen shrimp, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking. You can thaw shrimp by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method.

Size

Shrimp are typically sold by size, with labels like small, medium, large, or jumbo. These labels can vary between brands and markets, so it is helpful to know the count per pound. Here's a general guide:

• Small: 51/60 per pound
• Medium: 41/40 per pound
• Large: 31/35 per pound
• Extra Large: 26/30 per pound
• Jumbo: 16/20 per pound
• Colossal: 13/15 per pound
• Super Colossal: U-12 (under 12 per pound)

For pan sautéing, medium to large shrimp are ideal. They are less likely to overcook and provide a good balance of juiciness and snap.

Shell

You can choose between peeled or unpeeled shrimp. Peeled shrimp are more convenient and reduce cooking time, while unpeeled shrimp with the tail on can look nicer for presentation. If you buy unpeeled shrimp, you can easily remove the shell before cooking, leaving the tail intact if desired.

Sustainability

If you want to make a sustainable choice, opt for U.S. wild-caught or U.S. farmed shrimp, which are typically a "good choice" from an ecological perspective.

By considering these factors, you can select the perfect shrimp for your pan sauté. Remember to look for fresh or properly thawed shrimp, choose the right size and shell option, and consider sustainability when making your purchase.

How to season shrimp

When it comes to seasoning shrimp, there are a few simple steps to follow that will ensure your shrimp are flavorful and delicious. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Seasonings

The first step is to decide on the seasonings you want to use. You can go with a basic combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with other spices and herbs. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as kosher salt or garlic salt.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Before seasoning, make sure your shrimp are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. If they are frozen, be sure to thaw them beforehand. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method. Rinse the shrimp with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Toss the Shrimp with Seasonings

Place the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl. Add your chosen seasonings and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Toss the shrimp until they are evenly coated with the seasonings. You can also add minced garlic at this step for extra flavor.

Step 4: Heat the Cooking Fat

Choose a cooking fat such as olive oil or butter. Heat about a tablespoon of your chosen fat in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking. Cast iron, aluminum, or copper skillets work best for searing and caramelizing the shrimp.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot pan. Make sure to leave some space between each shrimp to ensure even cooking. Cook the shrimp for about 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on their size. For example, large shrimp will take about 2 minutes per side, while jumbo shrimp may take up to 4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Finish with Additional Seasonings

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat. This will prevent overcooking. At this point, you can add a splash of lemon juice, lemon zest, or fresh herbs like parsley. Give the shrimp a final toss to coat them with the additional seasonings.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Shrimp are best served immediately after cooking. You can serve them as a main course or add them to grain salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes. Enjoy your delicious and perfectly seasoned shrimp!

How to cook shrimp

Ingredients

• Butter or olive oil
• Shrimp (fresh or frozen)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Parsley (optional)

Method

• If using frozen shrimp, defrost them in your refrigerator or by running cold water over them in a colander.
• Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
• If using garlic, sauté it for 1 minute before adding the shrimp.
• Add the shrimp to the pan, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them.
• Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
• Cook the shrimp for 2-4 minutes, stirring or flipping them halfway through so that both sides cook evenly. The shrimp are done when they are opaque and pinkish-white, with a slightly pink center.
• Remove the shrimp from the heat and stir in any additional ingredients, such as lemon juice, lemon zest, or parsley.

Tips:

• For best results, use a cast-iron, aluminum, or copper skillet.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
• Shrimp are cooked when they form a "C" shape. If they curl up too much and form an "O" shape, they are overcooked.

How to know when shrimp is cooked

There are several ways to tell if your shrimp is cooked:

• Look at the colour: Raw shrimp is generally grey and translucent. When it's cooked, it should be an opaque white with pops of pink or red. You shouldn't be able to see into the shrimp anymore.
• Evaluate the shape: Raw shrimp tends to be straight. When it's cooked, it will be curled into a "C" shape. Overcooked shrimp will resemble an "O" shape.
• Feel the texture: Undercooked shrimp will feel fleshy and pliable, while overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Perfectly cooked shrimp will be firm but will still have a slight give.
• Take the temperature: The internal temperature of fully cooked shrimp is 120°F (48.8°C).

Remember, shrimp cooks quickly, so it's best to keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it's done to avoid overcooking.

What to serve with shrimp

Sautéed shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a delicious and well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with shrimp:

Carbohydrates

Rice, couscous, quinoa, millet, and polenta are all great options to accompany shrimp. For a more indulgent option, try creamy polenta with ricotta and parmesan cheese. If you're serving shrimp tacos, a side of tortilla chips is a fun choice.

Vegetables

Asparagus, broccoli, spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts are all healthy and tasty vegetable sides. You can also try corn on the cob, or a corn salad with zucchini and tomatoes. For a more indulgent option, try air fryer zucchini fries with lemon tarragon aioli.

Salads

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance out a richer shrimp dish. You could also try a Greek salad, a Caesar salad, or a potato salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, a tortellini pasta salad or a macaroni salad are great choices.

Proteins

Shrimp is often served with other seafood, such as crab, scallops, or lobster. You can also combine it with chicken, sausage, or beef to create a surf and turf-style meal.

Frequently asked questions