Hey there seafood fans! I’ve been cooking with Old Bay for years, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like perfectly seasoned shrimp with this classic spice blend. Today, I’m gonna share all my tips and tricks for getting that mouth-watering Old Bay shrimp you’ve been craving!
What You’ll Need
- Raw shrimp (shell-on or peeled)
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Olive oil or butter
- Lemon wedges
- Optional: Additional seasonings like garlic, black pepper
Choosing Your Shrimp
Before we dive into seasoning, let’s talk about picking the right shrimp:
- Size Matters: I usually go for large or jumbo shrimp (21-30 per pound). They’re easier to work with and make for better presentation.
- Fresh vs Frozen: Both work great! If using frozen, just make sure to thaw completely.
- Shell On or Off: Keep shells on while cooking for more flavor, or remove for easier eating.
Basic Old Bay Seasoning Method
Here’s my foolproof way to season shrimp with Old Bay:
- Clean and pat dry your shrimp
- Place shrimp in a bowl
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter
- Sprinkle generously with Old Bay (about 2-3 tablespoons per pound)
- Toss until evenly coated
- Let marinate for 15-30 minutes (optional but recommended!)
Cooking Methods
1. Boiling Method
- Fill pot with 4 quarts water- Add 1/4 cup Old Bay- Bring to boil- Add shrimp- Cook 2-3 minutes until pink- Drain and serve2. Grilling Method
- Preheat grill to medium-high- Thread seasoned shrimp on skewers- Grill 2-3 minutes per side- Brush with butter while grilling3. Sautéing Method
- Heat pan over medium-high heat- Add butter or oil- Cook seasoned shrimp 2-3 minutes per side- Don't overcrowd the pan!Pro Tips
Y’all here are some tricks I’ve learned over the years
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook super quick! They’re done when they turn pink and form a “C” shape.
- Season in Layers: Add some Old Bay before cooking AND after for maximum flavor.
- Save the Shells: If peeling before cooking, save shells to make awesome seafood stock.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I love serving my Old Bay shrimp:
- Classic style with cocktail sauce
- Over a bed of rice
- Tossed in pasta
- In tacos with slaw
- On a seafood boil platter
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keep leftover cooked shrimp for 3-4 days
- Freezer: Store up to 3 months in airtight container
- Reheating: Warm gently to avoid rubbery texture
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much seasoning (start light, you can always add more!)
- Overcooking the shrimp
- Not patting shrimp dry before seasoning
- Skipping the marinating time
Bonus Recipe: Ultimate Old Bay Shrimp Boil
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds large shrimp
- 1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 quarts water
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- Lemon wedges
- Extra Old Bay for serving
Instructions:
- Combine water, vinegar, and Old Bay in large pot
- Bring to boil
- Add shrimp
- Cook until tender (2-3 mins)
- Drain and toss with extra Old Bay
- Serve with lemon wedges
Wrapping Up
There ya have it, folks! Everything you need to know about seasoning shrimp with Old Bay. Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your taste. Whether you’re throwing a seafood party or just craving some good ol’ shrimp, these tips will help you nail it every time!
Got questions about seasoning shrimp with Old Bay? Drop ’em in the comments below – I’d love to help ya out!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article?
How to Make Smoked Old Bay Shrimp
First, pat a pound of jumbo shrimp dry and put them in a bowl.
I went the lazy route and got mine already peeled and deveined.
Then add a tablespoon each Old Bay seasoning, garlic paste, and lemon juice.
You could also use finely minced garlic, but I love the convenience of the paste… plus I feel like it coats the shrimp more evenly.
Toss the shrimp until it’s all combined.
Next, set your smoker or pellet grill to 225 degrees.
And place the shrimp right on the grates.
The shrimp will smoke for 30 to 40 minutes, and flip them halfway through.
While the shrimp were doing their thing on the smoker, I made an Old Bay aioli for dipping.
Just combine 2/3 cup mayo and a teaspoon each Old Bay, lemon juice, and garlic paste.
A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce as well
Serve Smoked Old bay Shrimp with the aioli for dipping!
This would be a great appetizer, or served as a meal with a few side dishes.
Plump, Juicy Old Bay Shrimp
FAQ
What is the best thing to season shrimp with?
Garlic Butter. Garlic butter is a go-to seasoning for many shrimp fans. Butter and garlic are a perfect mix of sweet and savory. Cooking lean meat, like shrimp, in butter is ideal since it gives the meat a richer flavor.
How do you use old bay seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning, a blend of 18 herbs and spices, is incredibly versatile and can be used on a wide variety of foods beyond just seafood.
How much old bay seasoning to use in a shrimp boil?
For a classic Old Bay shrimp boil, a good starting point is ½ cup of Old Bay seasoning for every gallon of water. You can adjust the amount to your preference, adding more for a spicier or saltier flavor.
How long to marinate shrimp in Old Bay seasoning?
OLD BAY® Seasoning, 6 oz
Place shrimp in large resealable plastic bag. Add marinade; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 15 minutes. (Marinate seafood no longer than 30 minutes.)
How do you cook shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning?
Combine the Shrimp and Old Bay: In a large bowl, add your cleaned shrimp and sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over them. Make sure to coat them evenly. You can also add minced garlic if you prefer. Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors penetrate the shrimp effectively.
How do you marinate old bay shrimp?
To infuse your shrimp with robust flavors, marinate them: Combine the Shrimp and Old Bay: In a large bowl, add your cleaned shrimp and sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over them. Make sure to coat them evenly. You can also add minced garlic if you prefer. Let It Rest: Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes.
How do you cook old bay shrimp?
There are some additional tricks to take your Old Bay shrimp to the next level: Soak it up – Let shrimp marinate in the seasoned water for 5-10 minutes before turning up the heat. This allows maximum Old Bay absorption. Spice it up – Add extra Old Bay, crab boil, or cayenne pepper for an extra flavor and heat kick.
How do you eat Old Bay steamed shrimp?
Chop up any extra Old Bay steamed shrimp, then toss with mayonnaise, a splash of apple cider vinegar, some diced shallot, a pinch of cayenne, and a little extra Old Bay seasoning. Season to taste, then dig in! A simple shrimp salad the whole family will love. Or toss it with boiled red potatoes for a quick shrimp and potato salad!
Can you cook frozen shrimp with Old Bay?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be used for steaming with Old Bay and can provide great results if handled properly. When using frozen shrimp, it’s crucial to thaw them first for even cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What does old bay shrimp taste like?
Please see our disclosure policy. This lightning-fast Old Bay shrimp highlights the flavorful seafood seasoning along with tangy lemon, savory Worcestershire, a kick of Tabasco, and fresh thyme, all in a delicious pan sauce perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.