Knowing how to tell if shrimp is cooked is essential for ensuring food safety and optimal taste. Properly cooked shrimp should have an opaque, pearly white flesh that is firm to the touch. It should curl into a “C” shape and the shell should turn from a translucent gray to a bright pink or orange-red.
Undercooked shrimp can harbor harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. Overcooked shrimp, on the other hand, becomes tough and rubbery. Therefore, it is important to cook shrimp to the correct doneness.