"How Can I Cook Tender Shrimp, and How Can I Keep Them from Curling?
"How Can I Cook Tender Shrimp, and How Can I Keep Them from Curling? is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 100 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 36 min
Cost: $12.75 total, $3.19 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on optional, completely dry)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (for poaching water)
- 4 cups Water (enough to cover shrimp for poaching)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high smoke‑point oil recommended for pan‑frying)
- 1 fruit Lemon Wedges (for serving with pan‑fried shrimp)
Instructions
Rinse and Dry Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a colander, rinse under cold water, then pat completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Make Shallow Cuts (Optional for Flat Shrimp)
On a cutting board, using a sharp knife, cut a shallow slit about 1/4 inch deep on the underside of each shrimp, spacing the cuts about ½ inch apart.
Time: PT5M
Poach Shrimp for Cocktail or Soup
Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tbsp kosher salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the shrimp, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 5–10 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: boiling
Shock and Dry Poached Shrimp
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the poached shrimp to a bowl of ice water for 1 minute, then remove and pat dry.
Time: PT3M
Pan‑Fry Shrimp for a Quick Sear
Heat the skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, then add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink, opaque, and just firm to the touch.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: high heat
Serve
Arrange poached shrimp on a chilled platter with cocktail sauce, or serve pan‑fried shrimp drizzled with lemon juice.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 100
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 1g
- Fat
- 2g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Shellfish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Shrimp: Peeled and deveined prawns
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Lemon Wedges: Lime wedges
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Slotted Spoon
- Bowl of Ice Water
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not overcook shrimp—1‑2 minutes per side for pan‑frying and 5‑10 minutes off‑heat for poaching.
- Make shallow cuts on the underside to keep shrimp flat for spring rolls or tempura.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat shrimp completely dry before pan‑frying for maximum Maillard browning.
- Add a splash of lemon juice at the end of pan‑frying for bright flavor.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp are rubbery and overcooked
Reduce cooking time; shrimp should turn opaque and just firm, not hard.
Shrimp curl up while cooking
Make the shallow cuts on the underside or score the shrimp before cooking.
Shrimp are not fully pink after poaching
Make sure the water was at a rolling boil before adding shrimp and let them sit the full 10 minutes off‑heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Do not leave shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Poach shrimp up to a day ahead and keep them chilled; re‑heat briefly in a hot pan or add to soup just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of shrimp in American cuisine?
Shrimp have long been a staple of coastal American cooking, from New England clam shacks to Southern shrimp boils. Their quick cooking time and sweet flavor made them popular for both casual appetizers and hearty main dishes.
What are traditional regional variations of shrimp dishes in the United States?
In the Gulf Coast, shrimp are often boiled with Cajun spices; in the Pacific Northwest, they appear in light salads and sushi; in the South, shrimp are fried in a cornmeal batter for "shrimp and grits" or served cold in shrimp cocktail.
How is poached shrimp traditionally served in American cocktail culture?
Classic American shrimp cocktail features chilled poached shrimp served on a glass platter with a tangy ketchup‑horseradish sauce, often garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
What occasions or celebrations is shrimp commonly associated with in American cuisine?
Shrimp are popular at summer barbecues, holiday seafood boils, and as a festive appetizer for weddings and cocktail parties because they can be prepared quickly and look elegant on a platter.
What makes this shrimp preparation special compared to other America’s Test Kitchen shrimp recipes?
This recipe emphasizes three versatile techniques—pan‑frying, gentle poaching, and the shallow‑cut method—allowing home cooks to use the same shrimp for multiple dishes without overcooking, a common pitfall highlighted by America’s Test Kitchen.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pan‑fried shrimp?
The biggest mistakes are overcrowding the pan, using a pan that isn’t hot enough, and cooking the shrimp too long. Overcrowding steams the shrimp instead of searing, and insufficient heat leads to a rubbery texture.
Why does this recipe recommend making shallow cuts on the underside of the shrimp for spring rolls?
The shallow cuts sever the muscle that causes shrimp to curl when heated, allowing them to lie flat and fit neatly inside spring rolls or tempura batter.
Can I make the poached shrimp ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, poach the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, cool them quickly in ice water, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay tender and can be added to salads or soups later.
What does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen specialize in?
America’s Test Kitchen focuses on rigorous recipe testing, scientific cooking techniques, and detailed equipment reviews, delivering reliable, fool‑proof recipes for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel America’s Test Kitchen’s approach to seafood cooking differ from other cooking channels?
America’s Test Kitchen emphasizes precise timing, temperature control, and troubleshooting tips, often providing multiple methods (like poaching and pan‑frying) so viewers can choose the technique that best fits their kitchen setup.
Last updated: August 14, 2026
