Overcooking your shrimp

The most common mistake people make when preparing shrimp is overcooking it. Shrimp is not the same as beef or chicken (or even other seafood). Normally, the color of a protein indicates when it is done cooking, but shrimp turn pink and stay pink whether they are perfectly cooked or overcooked. Using a thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure that your shrimp do not require any additional cooking time.

The ideal internal temperature for perfect shrimp is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a thermometer, you can tell when shrimp are done by their shape. Shrimp curls as it cooks. The shrimp are finished when they have curled into the shape of the letter "C". Although not as precise as a thermometer, this is still a good measurement. If the shrimp curls all the way to the shape of an "O", you've unfortunately reached the point of no return. Shrimp only takes two to three minutes to reach the ideal temperature, so keeping a close eye on your pan is the best way to avoid overcooking them. Once the shrimp are on the heat, patiently and attentively monitor their progress with a thermometer until it's time to check.