Tips

Boiling Shrimp: Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm Water? Many People Do It Wrong, Resulting in Dry and Fishy Shrimp

Whether to use cold, boiling, or warm water when cooking shrimp plays a crucial role in determining its taste, yet many people remain unaware of this.

Administrator

5 May, 2024

Shrimp is a popular seafood due to its delicious and sweet taste. It can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, stir-frying, deep-frying, garlic sautéing, braising, stewing, steaming, and boiling, with boiling being one of the most common methods. However, many people wonder why their boiled shrimp often has a fishy smell, dry texture, and unappetizing taste.

Experienced cooks explain that this is because the wrong type of water is used to boil the shrimp. Some use cold water, while others use boiling water. They advise against using these two types of water as they can make the shrimp dry and fishy. The ideal type of water to use is warm water at around 50 degrees Celsius.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to boil shrimp:

Firstly, when purchasing shrimp, examine their shells. High-quality sea shrimp typically have a bluish-white color, while male shrimp have a pale yellow hue. The shells should be bright and translucent, and the heads should be firmly attached to the bodies. Fresh shrimp are highly active and will jump around vigorously.

– Rinse the shrimp thoroughly after purchasing them. Prepare a pot of water and add some spring onions, ginger, or lemongrass. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the shrimp when boiled.

– Heat the water until bubbles form, and the temperature reaches around 50 degrees Celsius. Only add the shrimp once the water reaches this temperature.

– Continue boiling until the water reaches a rolling boil. Let the shrimp boil for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn a pinkish-red color and their bodies curl up. Avoid overcooking, as this will cause the shrimp to become rubbery, dry, and lose their sweetness.

Boiled shrimp tastes best when dipped in chili sauce or a lime-salt-mustard dipping sauce.

Note: While some people prefer to boil shrimp in boiling water, others use cold water from the beginning. If you happen to have already done so, don’t forget to add some seasonings like lemongrass, ginger, or even a splash of white wine. This is a tip to make the shrimp more flavorful and reduce the fishy smell.

Source: PhunuVietnam

Frequently asked questions

Look for high-quality sea shrimp with bluish-white shells and male shrimp with a pale yellow hue. The shells should be bright and translucent, and the heads firmly attached. Fresh shrimp are active and will jump around.

Firstly, rinse the shrimp and prepare a pot of water with spring onions, ginger, or lemongrass. Heat the water to 50°C, then add the shrimp. Continue boiling until the water reaches a rolling boil and let the shrimp cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pinkish-red and curl up. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture and sweetness.

Try chili sauce or a combination of lime, salt, and mustard for a delicious dip. You can also add seasonings like lemongrass, ginger, or a splash of white wine to the boiling water to enhance the shrimp’s flavor and reduce any fishy smell.