To boil shrimp properly, the general recommended cooking time is quite short to avoid overcooking and tough texture:
- For peeled and deveined shrimp, boil in salted water for about 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque
- For shrimp with shells on, add about 1 to 2 extra minutes, so roughly 3 to 5 minutes total depending on size
- Some recipes suggest boiling for up to 5 minutes, especially if covering the pot, but longer times (like 15-20 minutes) will overcook shrimp and make them rubbery
After boiling, it is common to immediately transfer shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep them tender
. In summary, boil shrimp for about 2-5 minutes depending on size and whether shells are on, until they are pink and opaque but still tender. Avoid overcooking by checking frequently and using an ice bath after cooking.
