Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp (tail on or off, your choice)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee (depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional for an added savory touch)
Instructions
- Clean, Dry, and Season the Shrimp
Begin by rinsing the shrimp in a colander to remove any remaining bits of shell or debris. If the shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, take the time to do so. You can leave the tails on for a more rustic presentation or remove them for easier eating. Once cleaned, place the shrimp on a paper towel and pat them completely dry on both sides. Dry shrimp will sear much better and develop that beautiful golden crust.
In a large bowl, season the shrimp with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Gently toss the shrimp until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Set them aside and prepare for cooking. - Heat the Pan and Cook the Shrimp
Place a large cast iron or stainless-steel skillet on the stovetop and heat it over medium-high heat. You’ll know the pan is ready when it feels hot to the touch. Add 1-2 tablespoons of your chosen oil (or ghee) and swirl the pan to ensure it’s evenly coated.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid steaming them. Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes on each side. The shrimp should develop a slight caramelization and turn opaque in the center. Be sure to flip the shrimp carefully with tongs to avoid tearing. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the shrimp are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and transfer them to a serving plate. Serve immediately, and enjoy the simple yet delicious flavor of these pan-seared shrimp.
Notes
- How to tell if the shrimp are cooked: The shrimp will turn from translucent to opaque and will curl into a “C” shape when done. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- Cooking time: Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the size of the shrimp and how many you’re cooking at once. Jumbo shrimp typically take 1-2 minutes per side. Smaller shrimp will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the shrimp are too close together, they’ll steam instead of sear. If you’re cooking a large batch, it’s best to do it in two or more batches to ensure each shrimp gets that beautiful seared exterior.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes