What is the best way to cook frozen shrimp?

The best method depends on your goal, but sautéing in garlic butter is a fan favorite. It’s quick, flavorful, and lets the shrimp caramelize beautifully. Steaming or air frying are also top choices if you're learning how to cook frozen shrimp with minimal fat.

Can you cook shrimp straight from the freezer?

Absolutely. In fact, you can cook frozen shrimp without thawing and still get great texture. Just increase your cooking time slightly and use high heat to avoid sogginess.

Do you let frozen shrimp thaw before cooking?

Not always. Many people think you have to thaw first, but cooking frozen shrimp straight from the bag works perfectly if you follow the right steps. For sautéing or boiling, direct-from-freezer is often better.

How do you cook frozen shrimp without making it rubbery?

Time and temperature matter. Learn how to cook frozen shrimp quickly over high heat and stop cooking as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking — it’s the fastest way to ruin them.

Can I air fry frozen raw shrimp?

Yes! It’s one of the most underrated ways of cooking shrimp from frozen. Air fry at 390°F for 9–10 minutes with a flip halfway through.

Can you steam frozen shrimp?

Definitely. Steaming is a healthy, gentle way to cook frozen shrimp without drying them out. Just steam for 7–8 minutes and season after.

How do you know if frozen shrimp is cooked all the way?

Perfectly cooked shrimp are pink with white, opaque flesh and a loose “C” curl. It’s a visual test, and crucial if you're still learning how to cook frozen shrimp without guessing.

What should you NOT do when cooking shrimp?

Avoid overcooking, overcrowding the pan, or skipping seasoning. Want pro tips? Mastering how to cook frozen shrimp means avoiding shortcuts and cooking smart.

How to cook frozen raw prawns?

Use the same techniques as shrimp! You can cook shrimp from frozen by sautéing, boiling, or air frying raw prawns with delicious results.

How To Cook Frozen Shrimp: The Best 9 Methods Always Work

Name: How to Cook Frozen Shrimp (Without Drying It Out!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American / Global
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen shrimp (raw or pre-cooked, peeled and deveined); 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp lemon juice or zest; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Optional: paprika, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb frozen shrimp (raw or pre-cooked, peeled and deveined)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp lemon juice or zest
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: paprika, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

Instructions

Instructions:

Sautéed Frozen Shrimp:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add frozen shrimp directly (no thawing needed).
- Stir and cook for 6–8 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in the last 2 minutes.
Boiled Frozen Shrimp:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add frozen shrimp and boil 4–5 minutes.
- Drain and toss in lemon and seasonings.
Steamed Frozen Shrimp:
- Place frozen shrimp in a steamer basket.
- Cover and steam over boiling water for 6–7 minutes.
- Season after steaming.
Air-Fried Frozen Shrimp:
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Spray frozen shrimp lightly with oil and season.
- Cook for 9–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes

No need to thaw shrimp before cooking. Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size and type.

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
Method: Sauté, Boil, Steam, Air Fry
Cuisine: American / Global

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 120
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: how to cook frozen shrimp, sauté shrimp, boiled shrimp, steamed shrimp, air fried shrimp, quick shrimp recipe