Boil Frozen Raw Shrimp
Some people will tell you boiling frozen shrimp is a crime. They’re wrong. They probably also think pineapple on pizza is evil. Ignore them. Chefs do this all the time—especially for shrimp cocktails or quick boils. The key is just not overthinking it.
How Long to Boil Raw Frozen Shrimp: The Ultimate No-Thaw Cooking Guide
But here’s the secret to avoiding mush: don’t crowd the pot. If you dump in five pounds of frozen shrimp at once, the water temperature plummets. They’ll steam instead of boil, and you’ll get sad, mealy shrimp. Do it in batches if you’re feeding a crowd.
Pro Tip: Season the Water Like the Ocean
Don’t be shy with salt. Shrimp are little sponges, and they soak up flavor fast. Add a tablespoon of salt per quart of water. Yes, that much. You can also toss in a few black peppercorns, a bay leaf, or a halved lemon. But plain salted water? Still delicious.