Peel and eat shrimp recipe is like summer captured in a shell. That juicy and ocean-like flavour can beat anything. But that flavour comes from more than just swinging the spoon.
There are some tricks to make it perfect. One thing that always happens is that you leave them in boiling water too long, and they turn into rubber bands.
The problem is nobody tells you that you can cook shrimp in literally two minutes. You don’t need hours to spend in front of your stove.
In this article, I’ll tell you a simple recipe that calls for Old Bay seasoning. It is the go-to for boiled shrimp along the East Coast.
Why Shell-On Shrimp Work Better?
Shells act as a buffer between the meat and boiling water. This means the shrimp cook more gently and evenly, whereas peeled shrimp are hit by that boiling water directly and get overcooked.
On the other hand, shells contain flavor compounds that leach into the cooking liquid. This penetrates the shrimp. You get a deeper, more complex taste than peeled shrimp absorbs.
There’s also the practical aspect. Peel-and-eat shrimp are an interactive food.
How to Cook ‘Peel-and-Eat Shrimp’ with Old Bay?
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp(shell-on, deveined, 16-20 count per pound)
- 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 12 oz beer (optional)
- Water to fill the pot
Cooking Process With Simple Steps
- Shrimp Squad Ready!
First, rinse shrimp under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Now, set aside.
- Bubble & Spice Party
Fill a large pot with two-thirds full of water. Add Old Bay, lemon halves, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
You need to boil it for 5 minutes so the flavors mix.
NB: Pour in beer if using (or extra water). The broth should taste bold and salty.
- Dive Into the Hot Tub
When the water is boiling hard, add all the shrimp now. Stir it, so they go underwater.
After that, set the timer for exactly 2 minutes. Watch the shrimp. They’ll turn pink and curl into a C shape.
NB: If they curl into an O, they’re overcooked.
Tips: When the timer goes off, turn off the oven. Don’t wait even 30 seconds, they’ll keep cooking.
- Chill Out Time
Now the critical part. Take a bowl of ice water, then dump. Then, drain the shrimp. Stir them around. This stops the cooking instantly.
Let them sit in that ice water until they’ve cooled down.
- Shrimpy Grand Finale
Alright, now strain the shrimp from the ice water and spread them out on your serving platter. Grab some extra Old Bay and sprinkle it over the top. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice all over them.
Pro Tips
- Use shrimp that are the same size. It helps to cook them evenly.
- Before adding shrimp, taste the boiling liquid first. It should be aggressively seasoned and salty enough that you wouldn’t drink it. Shrimp need intense flavor because they’re only in there for 2 minutes.
- Making more than 3 pounds? Cook in batches.
How to Serve Them?
- Put the newspaper down, pile the shrimp in the middle, give people a bowl for shells, and some napkins. Done.
- Dipping sauce? Cocktail sauce works. Melted butter with garlic works. More lemon works. Hell, they’re pretty good plain if you season the water right.
- Got leftovers? They’re great cold the next day, right out of the fridge. Or peel them and toast them into pasta, fried rice, whatever.
Peel and Eat Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Large Shrimp Shell-on, deveined
- 1/4 Cup Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 Lemons Halved
- 4 Garlic Cloves Smashed
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns
- 1 Tbsp Salt
- 12 Oz Beer Optional
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp, pat dry, keep shells on.
- Fill a large pot two-thirds full with water.
- Add Old Bay, squeezed lemons, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, and beer.
- Bring to a rolling boil, let boil 5 minutes.
- Add all shrimp, stir to submerge.
- Wait for the water to return to a boil.
- Cook exactly 2 minutes after the boil resumes.
- Drain immediately.
- Transfer to an ice water bath for 2 minutes.
- Drain and place on a platter.
- Sprinkle with more Old Bay and lemon juice.
- Serve with cocktail sauce and melted butter.
Nutrition
Wrap-up
This was all about the peel-and-eat shrimp recipe. It is one of the easiest and delicious recipes. It’s a time-saving and everyday go-to recipe. Just boil the water and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes.
The whole thing is just the time. As soon as you get it, you’ll never go back to rubbery shrimp again. Just bear in mind: pink and C-shaped means shrimp is done. That’s the only job. So, make it like a pro and surprise your guests.
FAQS
Can You Put Old Bay on Shrimp?
Absolutely, you can. Old Bay is a classic combo for shrimp. It gives the shrimp a zesty flavour.
Which Seasoning is Best for Shrimp?
Shrimp is tasty if you cook it simply. Black pepper, cayenne, paprika, and salt are the best seasonings for shrimp. Herbs like thyme, dill, and basil go amazingly with shrimp.
How to Prevent Shrimp From Getting Rubbery?
Follow the C and O rule. If your shrimp is C and pink while cooking, it means it’s done. On the other hand, if it’s an O look-alike, then it’s overcooked.
