5 Simple Shrimp Cooking Techniques

Despite their small size, shrimp pack a powerful punch of flavor. Here are three great reasons to love these tiny yet mighty seafood morsels:

They add a touch of elegance to any dish — think of them as lobster, but at a fraction of the cost.
They're incredibly versatile and easy to prepare in countless ways.
They cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknight meals.

Nicole McLaughlin, known as NicoleMcmom, is here to share five of her go-to shrimp cooking methods. Be sure to watch the video above and scroll down for her expert tips and recipes to try at home.

Note: Before you head to the store, take a moment to learn how to choose the best shrimp (fresh or frozen?) and the right size for your recipe by checking out our helpful shrimp buying and cooking guide.

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

A close-up of succulent, sweet and spicy grilled shrimp, skewered and served on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro.

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Grilled shrimp are a fantastic choice for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This recipe for Sweet and Spicy Grilled Shrimp requires just three simple ingredients and cooks in under 10 minutes. Prepare the shrimp by threading them onto soaked skewers in advance, then refrigerate until you're ready to grill. In just 5 to 10 minutes, they're ready to serve. Jumbo or extra-large shrimp (16 to 20 per pound) work wonderfully for this recipe. Discover more grilled shrimp recipes for inspiration.

2. Pickled Shrimp

A close-up of the best pickled shrimp, served on a plate with tangy pickled peppers and onions.

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This zesty Southern classic is a perfect, refreshing appetizer for warm summer days. Nicole loves to prepare a big batch of her Best Pickled Shrimp recipe using large shrimp, keeping it in the fridge for easy snacking whenever the mood strikes. Watch the video above for Nicole's simple trick for deveining shrimp using kitchen shears. Explore more shrimp appetizer recipes for more delicious ideas.

3. Shrimp Boil

A vibrant shrimp boil featuring shrimp, sausages, potatoes, corn, lemons, and brussels sprouts.

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Planning the ultimate summer ? A classic shrimp boil is the perfect communal dish to bring everyone together. This recipe for Dave's Low Country Boil swaps in large shrimp instead of crab (or use both!) for a flavorful feast. Nicole loves adding Brussels sprouts to her boil, as they soak up all the delicious flavors and make the perfect bite-sized treat. Learn how to cook and host a shrimp boil for your next gathering.

4. Pan-Seared Shrimp

A close-up of tender garlic shrimp served over a bed of pasta noodles.

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This Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe shows just how easy it is to cook shrimp at home. Start with medium shrimp (about 36 to 40 per pound), clean and devein them, then cook them quickly in a hot skillet with garlic and red pepper flakes. Add butter and lemon juice to create a flavorful sauce, and serve the shrimp over pasta. Explore more shrimp and pasta recipes for fresh ideas.

5. Crispy Fried Shrimp

A side view of a delicious shrimp po' boy sandwich, packed with crispy fried shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce on a French roll.

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Fried shrimp are delicious on their own with a side of dipping sauce, but Nicole’s favorite way to enjoy them is in a classic Shrimp Po' Boy sandwich. Coat and fry large shrimp (about 26 to 30 per pound) until golden and crispy. For the po' boy, slice French rolls in half, spread with a flavorful remoulade sauce, top with sliced tomatoes and fresh lettuce, and pile on the fried shrimp. Try this recipe for Japanese-Style Deep-Fried Shrimp for a unique twist.

You can find Nicole on Dinogo as NicoleMcmom and follow her on Instagram at @nicolemcmom.

Discover more tips, tricks, and inspiration from Nicole: