Although you do not need to devein shrimp prior to cooking, it certainly improves their appearance. Once you complete this step, cooking in a way that preserves the nutritional value of shrimp is the next order of business. In addition to being low in fat, shrimp is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, phosphorous, potassium, selenium and iron. Cooking methods that do not rely heavily on oil are the healthiest ways to cook shrimp.
Boil Shrimp
Step 1
Fill a large saucepan or soup pot with 4 cups of water for each pound of shrimp. Bring the water to a full boil over high heat.
Step 2
Reduce heat to medium, add the shrimp to the boiling water using a large slotted spoon and cover the pan.
Step 3
Cook the shrimp just below boiling point until it turns pink. Medium-size shrimp cook in three to four minutes, large shrimp take five to seven minutes and jumbo shrimp cook in seven to eight minutes.
Step 4
Empty the cooked shrimp in a colander to drain and serve.
Grill Shrimp
Step 1
Preheat a gas grill for 30 minutes with all burners on a medium-high heat setting and a charcoal grill until the coals turn a white ash color.
Step 2
Soak the skewers in warm water for 20 minutes.
Step 3
Secure the shrimp on skewers by pushing the shrimp onto the skewer at the tail end first and then the head end.
Step 4
Brush both sides of each shrimp with a thin coating of olive oil.
Step 5
Grill the shrimp for two minutes on each side. Remove the cooked shrimp as soon as they turn bright pink.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are boiling shrimp to add as an ingredient in another dish, transfer the shrimp to a bowl of cold water immediately after they finish cooking. This will stop the shrimp from cooking any further and becoming tough.
Things You'll Need
- Saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Colander
- Wooden skewers
- Basting brush
- Olive oil
Member Comments