Perfectly Boiled Whole Shrimp - Healthy and Delicious
Nutritional value per serving
Calories150kcal
Carbs1gram
Fat2gram
Protein20gram
Ingredients
- Whole raw shrimp (with shells and heads) - fresh or thawed from frozen. Choose shrimp that smell fresh, like the sea, without any strong fishy odor.500 g
- Water2 L
- Sea salt (or kosher salt)2 tbsp
- Lemon slices (optional, for added flavor)5 pieces
- Bay leaves (optional)2 pieces
- Black peppercorns (optional)1 tbsp
This recipe teaches you a simple and healthy method to boil whole shrimp, preserving their natural sweetness and texture. Boiling shrimp whole helps lock in flavor while keeping it light and nutritious. Total cost of ingredients is approximately $15, €14, £12, ₹1100. The dish contains about 150 kcal per serving, ideal for a low-calorie, high-protein diet. Difficulty is easy, and the total cooking time is about 15 minutes. Follow the safety tips and cooking instructions to ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked and safe to eat every time.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the boiling water
1Pour 2 liters of water into a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of sea salt, 5 lemon slices, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns to the water. Bring it to a full rolling boil over high heat. Adding salt and aromatics enhances the shrimp's flavor.
Add the shrimp
2Carefully add the whole raw shrimp into the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Boil the shrimp
3Once the water returns to a boil, cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn opaque, pink, and the tails curl. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F) for safety and best texture.
Drain and cool
4Immediately drain the shrimp in a colander. Optionally, transfer them to an ice bath (bowl of ice water) to stop cooking and cool quickly, which helps retain texture.
Serve and enjoy
5Serve the boiled shrimp hot or chilled with your favorite dipping sauce or salad. Enjoy a healthy, protein-rich treat!
Cooking Tips
-Always buy fresh or properly frozen shrimp and store them cold to reduce risk of foodborne illness.
-Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw shrimp.
-If you buy shrimp with heads on, remove heads after cooking if preferred, but cooking with heads on retains flavor.
-Use an instant-read food thermometer to check that shrimp reach 63°C (145°F) internal temperature for safety.
-You can add other aromatics like garlic cloves or herbs to the boiling water for extra flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling water
- Colander or strainer
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Instant-read food thermometer (recommended)
- Bowl for ice water (optional)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Whole raw shrimp, 500g (~$12): Look for shrimp that are firm, with a fresh sea smell and no slimy texture.
- [ ] Sea salt, 2 tbsp (~$0.50): Use coarse sea salt or kosher salt for best flavor.
- [ ] Lemon, 1-2 (~$1.00): Choose bright, firm lemons without soft spots.
- [ ] Bay leaves, small pack (~$1.50): Dried bay leaves for adding aroma.
- [ ] Black peppercorns, small jar (~$1.00): Fresh whole peppercorns for better flavor.
Total estimated cost: $15.00
FAQ
Can I boil frozen shrimp directly without thawing?
Yes, you can boil frozen shrimp directly, but it's better to thaw them first in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for even cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when their flesh is opaque and pink with curled tails. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F) for safety.
Is it safe to eat shrimp with shells on?
Yes, cooking shrimp with shells on is safe and helps retain moisture and flavor. Just ensure they are properly cooked and fresh.
Can I reuse the shrimp boiling water?
It's best to discard the shrimp boiling water after use to avoid any risk of contamination from raw seafood.