How do you know when boiled shrimp is fully cooked?

Boiled shrimp that is fully cooked has a pink, opaque appearance, and the meat feels firm to the touch. It usually takes one to three minutes to thoroughly cook shrimp in boiling water, but exact times differ depending on the size of the shrimp.

Prior to the boiling process, it is common to devein shrimp by making a shallow cut in the shrimp's body to remove the intestinal tract. It is also common to remove the shells from the shrimp before boiling, though some prefer to leave the shells on, as they help make the flesh tastier. Some cooks boil shrimp in a pot of plain or salted water, but they may also use other liquids or seasonings for extra flavor.