This Old Bay Shrimp Boil recipe is a delicious seafood appetizer simmered in a pot with old bay seasoning and vinegar. Serve it warm or cold to family and friends in a large serving bowl alongside a serving of homemade shrimp cocktail sauce.
Boiled Shrimp is perfect for summer gatherings and tailgate parties!
5 Minute Seafood Boil
Shrimp cooks very quickly. So, once the vinegar, water, and seasoning has come to a boil, the shrimp is added to the boiling water and simmer over medium heat until the shrimp have turned pink.
It shouldn't take any longer than 3 minutes for the shrimp to be ready. Once the shrimp has turned pink, remove it from the solution. Allowing the shrimp to cook longer than it should will cause it to be rubbery.
How To Know Your Fresh Shrimp Is Fresh
- Fresh shrimp is usually found with the heads still attached. When shrimp are frozen, the heads are removed to prevent a mushy texture.
- Fresh shrimp will not have a fishy smell. It should smell like saltwater, or the sea.
- Press a finger into the shrimp. If it is plump and bounces back, it is fresh.
Ingredients for Boiled Shrimp
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Raw jumbo shrimp that is peeled and deveined with tails on. I like to leave the tails on so those I am serving the shrimp cocktail to can just pick the shrimp up by the tail to eat them as a finger food.
Old Bay Seasoning is one of my favorite ways to season seafood. It is a mixture of celery salt, black pepper, red pepper, and paprika.
Water
How to Boil Shrimp in Old Bay
Step 1:
- Rinse and peel the shells from the shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
Step 2:
- Add the water, cider vinegar, and old bay seasoning to a large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water solution and simmer for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and is no longer opaque.
Step 3:
- Drain cooking liquid from the shrimp and allow to cool.
- Pour contents of pot onto a large platter and garnish with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and sprinkle with additional old bay seasoning if desired.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Top Tips
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw it quickly, by placing the shrimp in a colander and run it under cold water for 5 minutes, or until thawed.
- For minimal prep time, buy raw, unfrozen shrimp that is already shelled and deveined.
- To serve the shrimp with shell on, be sure to buy raw shrimp with the shell split and deveined.
Variations
- Substitute a cajun seasoning for the old bay seasoning
- Substitute beer or seafood broth for the apple cider vinegar
- Use 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf in place of the old bay seasoning.
- Increase the amount of liquid and substitute the shrimp with crab or langostinos.
Serving Suggestions
- Make this a meal and serve the shrimp boil with roasted medium red potatoes, grilled andouille sausage or smoked sausage, fresh corn on the cob cut into 2-inch pieces, and grilled large onions.
- Serve with a side dish of melted butter and lemon wedges.
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Old Bay Shrimp Boil
Ingredients
- 16 oz shrimp , raw, jumbo size preferred
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 Lemon , cut into wedges, optional
Instructions
Step 1:
- Rinse and peel the shells from the shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
Step 2:
- Add the water, cider vinegar, and old bay seasoning to a large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water solution and simmer for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and is no longer opaque.
Step 3:
- Drain cooking liquid from the shrimp and allow to cool.
- Pour contents of pot onto a large platter and garnish with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and sprinkle with additional old bay seasoning if desired.
- Chill until ready to serve.
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