Ultimate Seasoned Shrimp Delight
This flavorful boiled shrimp recipe is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick and tasty dish, whether for an elegant dinner party or a casual family meal. You can use either raw or precooked shrimp, and they're delicious served hot or cold. The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned boiling process that infuses the shrimp with robust flavors while ensuring they stay tender and juicy. This recipe allows for easy adjustments to ingredient amounts, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Serve them as a refreshing appetizer, toss them in a salad, or simply enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
jumbo shrimp
2 lbs (raw, fresh, deveined, shelled, tails on)
water
4 cups (just enough to cover the shrimp)
white vinegar
1/8 cup (adjust based on water volume)
Old Bay Seasoning
2 tablespoons (heaping)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
celery stalk & tops
1 (whole)
ice
as needed (for ice water bath)
water
as needed (for ice water bath)
Instructions
1
Prepare your cooking area and gather all ingredients beforehand. Ensure the shrimp are deveined and shelled with tails left on for presentation.
2
Measure out the water; you want just enough to cover the shrimp completely, which helps retain flavor. If you find you've added too much water, use a ladle to remove the excess.
3
In a large pot, combine the water, white vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, bay leaf, and celery stalk with its tops. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring gently to mix the seasonings thoroughly. Keep an eye to prevent any boil overs.
4
While waiting for the water to boil, prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl. This will be used to immediately chill the shrimp after cooking, stopping the cooking process.
5
Once the seasoned water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the shrimp to the pot. Maintain high heat and boil until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, about 5-7 minutes. The cooking time may vary based on the size of your shrimp.
6
Using a large slotted spoon, quickly remove the shrimp from the boiling water. Remember, do not rinse them; this is essential to keep all the delicious flavors intact.
7
Immediately transfer the hot shrimp into a double ziplock bag, sealing it tightly. Place the bag in the ice water bath. You may weigh the bag down with a plate to keep it submerged, ensuring the shrimp cool evenly. Gently turn the bag over a couple of times to promote cooling.
8
Let the shrimp chill in the ice water for at least 10 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator. For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to chill for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Seasoned Shrimp Delight?
It is a flavorful boiled shrimp recipe that uses a specific seasoning process to infuse shrimp with robust flavors while keeping them tender and juicy.
Can I use precooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either raw or precooked shrimp for this dish.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
Ensure the shrimp are deveined and shelled, but leave the tails on for a better presentation.
Should I serve these shrimp hot or cold?
These shrimp are versatile and delicious whether served hot or cold.
How much water is required for boiling the shrimp?
Use approximately 4 cups of water, or just enough to cover the shrimp completely to ensure maximum flavor retention.
What should I do if I add too much water to the pot?
If you have added too much water, simply use a ladle to remove the excess before adding your seasonings.
What seasonings are used in the boiling water?
The mixture includes white vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, a bay leaf, and a celery stalk with its tops.
What is the purpose of adding white vinegar to the boil?
White vinegar helps season the water and contributes to the overall flavor profile of the boiled shrimp.
How long do I need to boil jumbo shrimp?
Boil the shrimp for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Should I rinse the shrimp after they are finished boiling?
No, it is essential not to rinse the shrimp after boiling to keep the delicious seasonings intact.
What is the best way to stop the cooking process immediately?
Transfer the hot shrimp into a sealed bag and place them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process instantly.
How long should the shrimp stay in the ice water bath?
Let the shrimp chill in the ice water bath for at least 10 minutes.
How long should the shrimp be refrigerated before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the shrimp to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
Can I use this recipe for a salad?
Yes, these seasoned shrimp are excellent when tossed into a fresh salad.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this shrimp recipe is categorized as a low-carb and gluten-free dish.
What kind of seasoning is Old Bay?
Old Bay is a classic seafood seasoning blend that provides a robust, savory flavor to the shrimp.
How many pounds of shrimp does this recipe use?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of jumbo shrimp.
Can I adjust the ingredient amounts?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile and allows for easy adjustments to ingredient amounts to suit your needs.
Why leave the celery tops on the stalk?
The celery tops contain a lot of flavor which infuses into the boiling water and the shrimp.
How do I ensure the shrimp cool evenly in the ice bath?
Gently turn the bag over a couple of times while it is submerged in the ice water to promote even cooling.
Can I use a dipping sauce with these shrimp?
Yes, they are wonderful when enjoyed with your favorite seafood dipping sauce.
Is this recipe good for large parties?
Absolutely, it is a great choice for both casual family meals and elegant dinner parties.
What size shrimp work best for this recipe?
Jumbo shrimp are recommended for this recipe, though cooking times may vary if you use different sizes.
Do I need to stir the water while it is boiling?
Yes, stir gently as you bring the mixture to a boil to ensure the seasonings are thoroughly mixed.
What should I do if the bag of shrimp floats in the ice bath?
You may weigh the bag down with a plate to keep it submerged in the ice water.
Is the celery used for eating or just for flavor?
In this recipe, the celery is primarily used to flavor the boiling liquid.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is gluten-free.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to gather all ingredients and prepare your cooking area before starting.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, including the water and ice for the bath.
What is the texture of the shrimp after cooking?
When cooked correctly, the shrimp should be tender, juicy, and have a slight snap.