Once you’ve mastered the basic sear, the world is your oyster (or shrimp). Toss them into a bowl of pasta with olive oil and red pepper flakes for a 15-minute feast. Or throw them over a pile of greens with avocado for a lunch that makes coworkers jealous.
For a lazy nacho night, spread chips on a tray, add shredded cheese, and top with those pre-cooked shrimp. Bake until melty, then finish with hot sauce. Dinner doesn’t get more forgiving than that.
How to Cook Frozen Shrimp Perfectly in 15 Minutes
You can even throw them into a stir-fry with whatever veggies are wilting in your fridge. The frozen shrimp will save you from another sad takeout order.
The Secret to Avoiding Rubbery Shrimp
Here’s the golden rule: less is more. Shrimp are done when they’re firm to the touch and have lost their grayish translucency. If you can smell them from across the kitchen, they’re likely overdone.
When in doubt, cut one open. A perfectly cooked shrimp is opaque white with a hint of pink, not chalky or too springy. Trust your instincts—you’ve got this.