Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

These juicy Old Bay Steamed Shrimp are quick and easy to make! Here’s how to steam shrimp until they’re tender and flavorful.

Here’s a fun way to cook shrimp without all the hassle of cooked shrimp: give it a try Old Bay Steamed Prawns! Truth be told, this method is a combination of boiling and steaming: but it yields beautifully juicy, flavorful shrimp. Understand: the cooking time is only 2 to 3 minutes! This easy prep is fun and makes for a really easy dinner recipe. Pair it with cornbread and sautéed peppers and you’ve got a meal!

The type to buy for steamed shrimp

When shopping for shrimp for this steamed shrimp recipe, there are a few things to look for. There are many options when you go to the store, so here are some things to look out for:

• Shell on is the best. The shell retains moisture and flavor when you steam. lesson ? You have to take it off when eating, which can be difficult and messy. But it’s worth it for the taste!
• Look for the shell of the deveined shrimp. Try to find shrimp that have already been deveined but still have their shell.
• The tail works too. See the tips below to learn how to steam shellless shrimp.
• Wild fishing is a sustainable choice. Wild fish caught in your country is generally a sustainable choice. There are also quality options at well-regulated farms; see Seafood Watch consumer guide.

How to steam shrimp

This method for Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is a combination of cooking and steaming. You don’t even need a steamer basket! You use less liquid than a traditional shrimp boil, but you still flavor the water to give the shrimp a tangy, savory flavor. Here’s what to do (or jump straight to the recipe below for the quantities):

• Boil 2 cups of water with the spices: In a large saucepan, add water, butter, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay, and lemon wedges. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Boil 2 minutes: Add the shrimp, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Cook until shrimp is cooked through and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately!

Steamed shrimp with shell

One rule about shrimp: when you cook shrimp in their shells, you get perfectly juicy shrimp! It makes this recipe look like a shrimp cook where you peel off the shells before eating. But if you prefer to cook without the shell, that’s also possible. Here’s what you need to know:

• Preparing shelled steamed shrimp makes it easier to eat, especially for children. It’s also easier to find peeled shrimp at the store.
• Pay attention to the cooking time, as the shrimp can be cooked a little earlier than with the torso. If you cook them too long you run the risk of getting a gummy texture. You won’t get as wet, but this method works too!

Learn more about the old bay

Old Bay is an American spice blend invented in Maryland and used to flavor shrimp, crab, clam chowder, and other seafood dishes. You can make steamed shrimp without Old Bay, but this classic spice mix really hits the spot (in our opinion!). Old Bay’s ingredients are a protected secret, but the strongest flavors are paprika, celery salt, and black pepper.

• Where can I find the old bay? In the United States, you’ll find most grocery stores in Old Bay in the spice department. Or you can buy Old Bay online.
• Is there a replacement for Old Bay? Yes: you can do it at home! Try our Old Bay House condiment. You will need paprika, celery salt, celery seed, dry mustard, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

Do you have any shrimp left?

Leftover steamed shrimp will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. We prefer to turn leftover shrimp into a recipe. Try this shrimp salad or these delicious classic shrimp rolls!

Sides to serve with Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

What to serve with Old Bay Steamed Shrimp for a meal? There are many options that complement this meal. Here are some side dishes to go with the shrimp: