Cooking shrimp recipes and not sure what temperature to use? Let these Shrimp Temperature Charts help guide you to perfectly cooked seafood every time!
Shrimp Temperature
Cooking shrimp is fast, but easy to mess up. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and dry, while undercooked shrimp can be unsafe to eat. Use these guides to nail the perfect internal temperature whether you’re sautéing, grilling, boiling, or air frying.
Whether you’re making a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Shrimp Francese these shrimp temperature charts can help you make perfectly cooked shrimp.
These chart works on any Shrimp Sizes you’re cooking.
Internal Temperature of Shrimp
The USDA recommends cooking shrimp to an internal temperature of 145°F.
| Doneness | Internal Temp (°F) | Texture | Notes |
| Undercooked | Translucent, slippery | Unsafe to eat | |
| Perfectly Done | 145°F | Opaque, firm, juicy | Slight snap when bitten |
| Overcooked | >145°F | Rubber-like, chewy | Dry and shrunken |
Color Guide To Check Doneness
Because shrimp are so small and cook quickly, most experienced home cooks and chefs use visual cues along with, or in place of, quick temperature checks. Here’s what to look for:
Raw Shrimp
- Shell: Gray, translucent, sometimes bluish or greenish
- Meat: Translucent with visible blue or orange veins depending on species
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
- Shell: Pink with bright red accents
- Meat: Opaque white with pink or coral edges
- Shape: Slight “C” shape – not tightly curled
Overcooked Shrimp
- Shell: Bright pink (no change)
- Meat: Chalky white, very firm
- Shape: Tight “O” curl (think rubber band)
Visual Guide To Check Doneness
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Opaque white flesh | Done, check temp |
| Slight “C” curl | Perfect doneness |
| Tight “O” curl | Overcooked, rubbery |
| Translucent gray center | Undercooked, return to heat |
Shrimp Recipes
Here are a few shrimp recipes to check out:
More Cooking Resources
Here are a few more free food temperature charts for you to download or print for quick reference.
Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions you may have! I’m here to help make your dinner less stressful!
