Learn how to make boiled shrimp quickly and easily. This is our preferred way to prep shrimp for anything from shrimp cocktail to shrimp tacos. This no-fail method results in perfectly cooked shrimp each time.
Frozen shrimp is boiled straight from the freezer eliminating the need to thaw, making our recipe super simple. With minimal ingredients, effort and time, you can create a nutrient dense recipe to turn into a favorite entree, appetizer or side dish.
Boiling shrimp is one of the best ways to cook shrimp. There is no need to be concerned with rubbery, overcooked shrimp when using this method. Poached shrimp is also a simple preparation method.
Boiled shrimp is great for dinner during the week or when entertaining friends and family. Keeping a bag of shrimp in the freezer as a stable is a great way to be prepared.
If you ever have unexpected guests arrive, you can quickly throw together this recipe. It is also a great option for holiday festivities any time of the year.
Serve shrimp plain, dipped in sauce or seasoned to perfection (find suggestions below!).
For more recipes featuring seafood, check out Air Fry Frozen Fish Fillets, Gluten Free Crab Cakes, and Salmon Buddha Bowl.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen shrimp we used 16/20 or fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How Boil Shrimp From Frozen
Fill a large stockpot with water. Add the salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil.
Add the shrimp
Carefully add the shrimp. Boil for 4 minutes for frozen shrimp or 2 minutes for fresh shrimp.
Place in an ice bath
Immediately place the shrimp in the prepared ice bath by using a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the boiling water.
Let chill for 3 minutes. Skip the ice bath if you plan to use the shrimp hot.
Serve
Serve with cocktail sauce or in your favorite recipe.
Seasoning Shrimp
- Old bay seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Cocktail sauce
- Garlic butter
- Blackened seasoning
- Coconut Shrimp Dipping Sauce
- Tamari sauce
- Lemon juice
- Lemon pepper
Serving Shrimp
Shrimp tacos topped with coleslaw, broccoli slaw or fresh shredded brussels sprouts is one of our favorite ways to serve shrimp. The flavors along with the crunch of the fresh veggies makes the best combination.
This shrimp can also serve as a main entree paired with rice, gluten-free pasta or potatoes alongside any vegetable side.
Toss boiled shrimp into a stir fry with gluten-free noodles, veggies and Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce.
Turn into an appetizer by serving with cocktail sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for shrimp.
Last by not least, serve shrimp incorporated into a recipe.
Delicious Cooked Shrimp Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
If cooking from frozen, boil for 4 minutes. Fresh shrimp only requires a 2-minute cooking time.
Thawing is definitely not required for this recipe; however, you may thaw in the fridge overnight or under cool running water until defrosted.
The best way to know if shrimp is safe to eat is by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Cooked shrimp will also turn white with red and pink highlights instead of grayish in color.
Storage Instructions
Store raw shrimp in the freezer until ready to cook. Store leftover cooked shrimp in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
We do not recommend reheating as the shrimp can before rubbery and overcooked. Instead, enjoy chilled shrimp dipped in a sauce or incorporated into a recipe like ceviche or orzo salad.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Adding salt and pepper to the water prior to cooking will add flavor to the cooked shrimp.
- Set a timer in the kitchen to 4 minutes for frozen shrimp or 2 minutes for fresh shrimp to prevent overcooking.
- An ice bath will stop the cooking process and chill shrimp quickly. An ice bath is also a great idea for Deviled Eggs.
More Boiled Recipes
- Boiled Chicken Tenders
- Chocolate Boiled Icing
- Old Fashioned Boiled Chicken and Rice
- Hard-Boiled Egg Recipe Ideas
- Can You Boil Frozen Chicken?
- How To Boil Chicken Legs
- How To Boil Chicken Breasts
- How To Boil A Whole Chicken
- How To Boil Chicken Thighs
- Homemade Boil In the Bag Omelets
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Boiled Shrimp
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen shrimp we used 16/20 or fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
Instructions
- ⭐️ Boil water. Fill a large stockpot with water. Add the salt and pepper. Cover and bring to a boil.1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- ⭐️ Add the shrimp. Carefully add the shrimp. Boil for 4 minutes for frozen shrimp or 2 minutes for fresh shrimp.2 pounds frozen shrimp we used 16/20
- ⭐️ Place in an ice bath. Immediately place the shrimp in the prepared ice bath by using a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the boiling water. Let chill for 3 minutes. Skip the ice bath if you plan to use the shrimp hot.
- Serve. Serve with cocktail sauce ✅ or in your favorite recipe.
Notes
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store cooked shrimp in the fridge for up to 3 days. We do not recommend reheating as the shrimp can before rubbery and overcooked. Instead, enjoy chilled shrimp dipped in cocktail sauce or incorporated into a recipe like ceviche or orzo salad. CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination. The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.Nutrition
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