Poaching shrimp is a really easy and foolproof way to cook shrimp. Although the technique is very simple it is often difficult to know when the shrimp is done cooking. Here are some tips using a color and shape guide:
COLOR: The color of raw shrimp starts out with a translucent flesh. Once cooked the shell turns pink, the tail turns red and the flesh turns white. Make sure you take the shrimp out of the water before it gets too white. When flesh is super white then usually means it is overcooked.
SHAPE: The shrimp is perfectly cooked when it curves into an ‘C’ shape. If it cooks even further it will curve itself into an ‘O’ shape and this usually means it is overcooked. (C for cooked. O for overcooked). To avoid overcooking make sure to immerse in a bowl of ice water.
My favorite way to enjoy poached shrimp is by dipping them into tangy tart cocktail sauce or adding them to salads, poke bowls or even sushi! When you can poach shrimp the possibilities become endless…
Poached Shrimp
Poaching shrimp is a super easy and foolproof way to cook shrimp. Enjoy them with some cocktail sauce or add them to a salad.
Ingredients
- 500g shrimp (deveined and easy peel)
- 2 quarts water
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 bunch fresh parsley or dill
- 2 teaspoons salt
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- (For additional flavor you can also add in 1 tablespoon peppercorns, 1 cup white wine, 1 bay leaf).
Directions
- Step 1 In a medium-large pot add water and everything else on the ingredient list EXCEPT the shrimp.
- Step 2 Bring to a boil. Then set heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Then bring water back to a rolling boil.
- Step 3 Add shrimp, cover with lid, turn off heat. (The residual heat will gently poach the shrimp. The shrimp cooks through with less chance of overcooking.) It will take about 3-5 minutes, or until they are opaque in color. *See above text for more info on how to know when shrimp is ready.
- Step 4 Transfer immediately into a bowl of ice water. This helps stop the cooking process.
- Step 5 Peel shrimp (tails on or off) and enjoy.