old bay shrimp boil recipe
The Best old bay shrimp boil recipe
Classic Old Bay Shrimp Boil
A flavorful and traditional Southern-style boil featuring succulent shrimp seasoned with Old Bay spice blend, served with corn, potatoes, and a tangy lemon butter sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp (peeled, deveined)
- 1/2 cup Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 cup smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 gallon water
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/2 cup black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup mustard seeds
- 1/4 cup celery seeds
- 1/4 cup coriander seeds
- 1/4 cup whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 large ears corn, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium red potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large bowl, combine shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and half of the chopped parsley. Mix well to coat shrimp evenly. -
2
In a separate large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil. Add salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, celery seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, and bay leaf. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors. -
3
Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 3–4 minutes until pink. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon, reserving the broth. -
4
In a separate pot, boil corn and potatoes in the reserved broth for 10–12 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside. -
5
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in remaining chopped parsley and green onions until fragrant. Pour over shrimp and potatoes. Toss gently to coat. -
6
Transfer shrimp and potatoes to an oven-safe serving dish (if using) and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes to warm through. Serve hot with lemon wedges.
🔧Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Slotted spoon
- Oven-safe serving dish (optional)
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers to the boiling water.
- Use a mix of shrimp sizes for a more authentic boil experience.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste if you prefer milder heat.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Substitutions
- Substitute Old Bay seasoning with a mix of 1 tbsp each of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a homemade blend.
Watch Video Of How Classic Old Bay Shrimp Boil Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Bay Shrimp Boil
What is the traditional method for preparing the old bay shrimp boil recipe?
The traditional method involves boiling shrimp in a large pot with a mix of water, salt, Old Bay seasoning, and other spices like black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. The shrimp are typically boiled in their shells for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink. After boiling, they are often served with corn on the cob, potatoes, and a side of hot sauce or butter.
How long should I boil the shrimp for in an old bay shrimp boil?
For shrimp boiled in an Old Bay shrimp boil, you generally want to cook them for about 3–5 minutes. The exact time can vary slightly depending on the size of the shrimp, but they should turn bright pink and flake easily when pierced with a fork. Overboiling can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
What are the best types of shrimp to use in an old bay shrimp boil?
The best shrimp for an Old Bay boil are fresh, large shrimp (typically 1–1.5 inches in length) like peeled and deveined pink shrimp, white shrimp, or even jumbo shrimp. Smaller shrimp may not cook evenly, while very large ones can become tough. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them first and pat them dry before boiling.
Can I use frozen shrimp in an old bay shrimp boil, and if so, how do I prepare them?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but preparation is key! Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat them dry thoroughly before boiling. This prevents excess moisture from steaming instead of cooking them. You can also peel and devein them ahead of time for convenience.
What other ingredients should I include besides shrimp in an old bay shrimp boil?
A classic Old Bay shrimp boil includes:
– Corn on the cob (grilled or boiled)
– Potatoes (diced and boiled)
– Hot sauce (like Louisiana-style or Tabasco)
– Butter (for tossing shrimp and corn)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– Additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or a splash of vinegar or beer (optional)
Some versions also include bacon bits or red potatoes for extra flavor!
