Shrimp Internal Temp and Doneness
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The Ideal Internal Temperature for Shrimp
When cooking shrimp, reaching the correct internal temperature is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and safety. According to the USDA, the proper internal temperature for cooking shrimp is 145°F (62.8°C). Once they reach this temperature, you’ll see how juicy, tender, and flavorful your shrimp are.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
But how would you know the shrimp has reached an internal temp of 145°F without using a meat thermometer? You will see that your shrimp is becoming opaque and firm to the touch. At this point, you need to be extra careful since overcooking can turn them dry or rubbery if you overshoot the cooking temperature.
As a tip, we would recommend you always have a meat thermometer by your side to check the shrimp’s internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
Why Internal Temperature Matters for Shrimp
Now you must be wondering why exactly the internal temperature for shrimp matters. Here’s why it is crucial.
Food Safety
First and foremost, you need to be careful with your health. Raw and uncooked shrimp can harbor harmful bacteria such as vibrio, causing foodborne diseases. We all want to stay away from that. Right? In that case, cook your shrimp to 145°F to ensure all the bacteria are destroyed.
Read: Food Safety Temperature: Eat Safe and Avoid Food Danger Zone
Texture and Juiciness
After food safety, our next priority is to have our food cooked to perfection. Since shrimp are high in lean protein content, they become tough and rubbery quickly if they’re overcooked. So, if you stick to the right internal temperature for shrimp they’ll always stay soft and juicy.
Consistency in Cooking
Although you can see your shrimp turning opaque as the right temperature hits, using a meat thermometer is recommended. This prevents guessing, which often leads to overcooking or undercooking. With a meat thermometer, you’ll stay consistent with your cooking, resulting in better, more reliable meals.
Why the ThermoPro Lightning is Perfect for Cooking Shrimp
Are you looking for the perfect companion to cook your shrimp to the right temperature every time? Then the ThermoPro Lightning One-Second Instant-Read Meat Thermometer is your best bet! It enables you to measure the internal temperature of shrimp in one second.
Key Features:
- Fast and Accurate Readings: The ThermoPro Lightning offers ultra-fast temperature reading (within 1 second) ensuring you can check the internal temperature of shrimp without delay. Moreover, it has an accuracy of ±0.5°F (±0.3°C) which helps you avoid overcooking or undercooking.
- 180° Rotating Display: The large 2″ auto-rotating, backlit display is ambidextrous, making this meat thermometer suitable for left-handed users and usage at tricky angles.
- Easy-to-Read Backlit Display: The large, clear backlit screen makes it easy to check the temperature, even in low light or outdoor conditions. Perfect for evening BBQs or indoor cooking without squinting at tiny numbers.
- Durable Waterproof Design: The ThermoPro Lightning is waterproof, making it ideal for kitchen and outdoor use. It’s easy to clean under running water and tough enough to withstand drops.
- Battery-Saving: With an automatic shut-off after 90 seconds of inactivity, you can save battery power without the need to turn it off manually.
How Long to Grill Shrimp?
Well, now that you know how to cook shrimp to a specific temperature, it’s time to see how they’re grilled. At first, it might seem easy and straightforward to grill shrimp, but it’s crucial to get the timing straight to achieve the perfect balance between a tender, juicy interior and a flavorful exterior.
If you set the temperature to medium-high heat (around 375°F–450°F (191°C–232°C), it will take your shrimp 2-3 minutes per side to get ready. Moreover, the size of your shrimp also affects how long you’ll need to grill them. For instance, if you have extra large shrimp (16-20 per pound), you need to grill for an average of 2-3 minutes per side. As a side note, we would recommend you preheat your grill to 350°F to 400°F before placing the shrimp on the grill.
But how would you know when your shrimp are ready? When fully cooked, they will turn pink and opaque. Also, when they turn into a “C” shape they are cooked, and when they curl into an “O” shape, you must know that they’re overcooked.
Tips for Grilling Shrimp
Grilling shrimp is quick, easy, and delicious, but it requires attention to detail to avoid overcooking or drying them out. Here are some expert tips to ensure you achieve perfectly grilled shrimp every time you cook.
Choose the Right Shrimp
When grilling shrimp, a large size (16-20 per pound) works best. They’re easier to handle and less likely to overcook quickly. Moreover, there are also shell-on or peeled shrimp. Shell-on shrimp protects the meat and locks in flavor, while peeled shrimp can soak up marinades better.
Marinate for Flavor, But Don’t Overdo It
Shrimp usually absorbs flavor more quickly than you can imagine. It takes only 15-30 minutes for them to get ready for cooking. A little more than that can lead to overdoneness that can destroy your dinner. Also, we recommend not going over and beyond with your marinating. This is especially the case with keeping away from acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar since they can make your shrimp go into the cooking phase before actual cooking starts.
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