This Old Bay Boiled Shrimp appetizer recipe is simmered on the stove in a vinegar and old bay solution infusing the flavor from the old bay seasoning into the shrimp, making them perfect to enjoy on their own or dipped into a homemade shrimp cocktail sauce.

This boiled shrimp recipe is a delicious appetizer to serve family and friends for a summertime meal outdoors or as part of an appetizer table for game day gatherings. Old Bay Boiled Shrimp is delicious served warm or cold!

5 Minute Seafood Appetizer Recipe 

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.

What You Need To Make Old Bay Boiled Shrimp

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Raw shrimp, I like to buy raw 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. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Water

Large Pot

Tips and Substitutions

• If the shrimp you buy is frozen, to thaw quickly, place the shrimp in a colander and run it under cold water until thawed. This will take about 5 minutes.
• To serve the old bay boiled shrimp with shell on, be sure to buy raw shrimp with the shell split and deveined.
• Give the shrimp some hop and substitute beer for the apple cider vinegar
• Substitute a cajun seasoning for the old bay seasoning
• Remove the old bay seasoning and use 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf.

Sauces to serve with Old Bay Boiled Shrimp

We love to dip our shrimp in sauce! These are just a few of our favorites.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Thousand Island Salad Dressing

Roasted Chipotle Strawberry Sauce

More Shrimp Appetizer Recipes To Try

Champagne Marinated Shrimp

Chili Lime Shrimp

Crispy Shrimp

Deviled Eggs with Shrimp and Bacon

Easy Shrimp Po’Boy Sliders

Garlicky Shrimp with Pancetta Olive Oil

Roasted Shrimp Tasting Spoons

Shrimp Cakes with Chipotle Spice

*If you made this Boiled Shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning recipe, please give it a star rating*

Boiled Shrimp

Shelby Law Ruttan

Fresh shrimp boiled in an old bay vinegar solution for a super flavorful appetizer.

4.34 from 21 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Course Fish Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 123 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb raw shrimp
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
• Lemon wedges optional

Instructions

 

• Rinse and remove the shells from the shrimp. Leaving the tails intact.
• Add the water, cider vinegar, and old bay seasoning to a large pot 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 turns pink.
• Remove shrimp from boiling water and allow to cool. Chill until ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Tips and Substitutions

• If the shrimp you buy is frozen, to thaw quickly, place the shrimp in a colander and run it under cold water until thawed. This will take about 5 minutes.
• To serve the old bay boiled shrimp with shell on, be sure to buy raw shrimp with the shell split and deveined.
• Give the shrimp some hop and substitute beer for the apple cider vinegar
• Substitute a cajun seasoning for the old bay seasoning
• Remove the old bay seasoning and use 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf.

Nutrition

Calories: 123kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 23gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 286mgSodium: 884mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 53IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Boiled Shrimp, Old Bay

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