How to Make Poached Shrimp

the easiest poached shrimp on a large brown platter with lemon wedges

5 from 15 votes

Learn how to make the most tender poached shrimp every time. It is so easy to make poached shrimp at home with just a few easy steps. This is the perfect shrimp to make an amazing shrimp cocktail recipe.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword how to make shrimp cocktail, how to poach shrimp, shrimp poaching liquid

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

cooling time 10

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 121kcal

Author Eileen xo

Equipment

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Dutch Oven
Wire Mesh Strainer/Spider

Ingredients

1 pound extra large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined see note 1
5 cups cold water
10 whole black peppercorns see note 2
5 sprigs fresh parsley
1 large lemon, juiced
1 large lemon, cut in half
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 bay leaf
homemade cocktail sauce

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large pot, over medium-high heat, add water, black peppercorns, fresh parsley, lemon juice, lemon halves, Kosher salt, and bay leaf.
Bring the water to a rapid boil.
Add the shrimp to the water. Remove the pot from the heat and cover with a lid.
Let the shrimp poach in the liquid about 5 minutes. Shrimp will be cooked through and pink in color.
While the shrimp poaches, prepare a large bowl of ice water. Set aside.
Use a wire mesh strainer or slotted spoon to remove the shrimp to the bowl of ice water.
Let shrimp cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the ice bath with a slotted spoon.
Serve shrimp with a dipping sauce such as cocktail sauce, make shrimp salad, add to pasta salads, etc.

Notes

Note 1: I use extra large shrimp 26/30 size, which averages about 26 shrimp per pound.

Note 2: If whole black peppercorns are not available, use 1 teaspoon black pepper.

Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.

Storage: Cooked shrimp can keep in the refrigerator in an air tight covered container for up to 2 days.

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Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Weight Watchers 0 point

Nutrition