A bowl of crispy boiled whole shrimp garnished with lemon and herbs

Crispy Boiled Whole Shrimp: A Simple & Delicious Delight

Name: Crispy Boiled Whole Shrimp: A Simple & Delicious Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: seafood
Ingredients: 500 g Whole fresh shrimp with shells (medium size) - choose firm, odorless, and translucent fresh shrimp; 2 liters Water; 1 tbsp Salt; 2 pieces Bay leaves; 1 tsp Black peppercorns; 3 pieces Lemon slices; 2 tbsp Olive oil (for crispiness); 1 tsp Garlic powder (optional)

Home Page / Boiling Recipes / How to Boil Shrimp

easy

10 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories180kcal

Carbs1gram

Fat3gram

Protein20gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Whole fresh shrimp with shells (medium size) - choose firm, odorless, and translucent fresh shrimp500 g
Water2 liters
Salt1 tbsp
Bay leaves2 pieces
Black peppercorns1 tsp
Lemon slices3 pieces
Olive oil (for crispiness)2 tbsp
Garlic powder (optional)1 tsp

This recipe will guide you through boiling whole shrimp until they are perfectly cooked and crispy. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for beginners who want to enjoy seafood without fuss. The shrimp are boiled with flavorful seasonings and then lightly dried to enhance crispness. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $12 (10€ / £9 / ₹900) and the caloric content per serving is about 180 kcal. This recipe suits pescatarian diets, is easy in difficulty, and takes around 25 minutes total.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Boiling Water

1Pour 2 liters of water into a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and 3 lemon slices to the water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat; this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Add the Whole Shrimp

2Carefully add the whole shrimp with shells into the boiling water. Stir gently to ensure shrimp do not stick together. Boil for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, which means they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.

Drain and Dry the Shrimp

3Drain the shrimp immediately using a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat shrimp dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve crispiness.

Crisp the Shrimp

4Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the drained and dried shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon garlic powder if desired. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp shells become crisp and slightly golden.

Serve and Enjoy

5Transfer the crispy boiled shrimp to a serving bowl. Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your easy and delicious crispy boiled whole shrimp!

Cooking Tips

-To avoid cross-contamination, use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw shrimp and other foods, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw seafood.

-Do not overcook the shrimp as they become rubbery; they are done when they turn pink and the flesh is opaque.

-For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or herbs like dill to the boiling water.

-If you prefer, you can use frozen shrimp; just thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

-Drying the shrimp well after boiling is key to achieving a crispy texture when pan-frying.

Equipment needed

Large pot
Colander
Non-stick skillet or frying pan
Cooking spoons
Paper towels
Thermometer (optional but recommended)

Shopping List

[ ] Whole fresh shrimp with shells (500 g) – Choose shrimp that smell fresh, slightly salty like the sea, and have firm, translucent flesh without black spots.
[ ] Salt (1 tbsp) – Preferably sea salt or kosher salt for best flavor.
[ ] Bay leaves (2 pieces) – Fresh or dried bay leaves add a gentle aroma.
[ ] Black peppercorns (1 tsp) – Whole peppercorns release more flavor.
[ ] Lemons (3 pieces) – Fresh lemons with bright skin and firm feel.
[ ] Olive oil (2 tbsp) – Extra virgin olive oil for better taste.
[ ] Garlic powder (optional, 1 tsp) – Use fresh garlic powder for fragrance.

Estimated total cost: $12 (may vary by location).

FAQ

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are fully cooked when their flesh turns pink and opaque. The shells will turn red or pink. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should be at least 63°C (145°F).