Effortless Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Are you craving succulent, flavorful shrimp but short on time? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This recipe for Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp is not only incredibly easy and fast, but it also delivers perfectly cooked shrimp every single time. Forget boiling or steaming – the Instant Pot method infuses the shrimp with incredible flavor and ensures a tender, juicy texture that will have you hooked.

This recipe is perfect for a quick appetizer, a light lunch, or even a satisfying dinner. Serve them chilled with your favorite cocktail sauce, hot with melted butter, or add them to salads, pasta dishes, or tacos. The possibilities are endless!

## Why Use an Instant Pot for Peel and Eat Shrimp?

You might be wondering, “Why use an Instant Pot for something as simple as shrimp?” Here are a few compelling reasons:

* **Speed:** The Instant Pot cooks shrimp in literally minutes! Forget waiting for a large pot of water to boil.
* **Flavor:** The pressure cooking method infuses the shrimp with the flavors of the broth and seasonings more effectively than boiling.
* **Texture:** Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant. The Instant Pot, with its precise timing, ensures perfectly cooked, tender shrimp every time.
* **Ease of Use:** It’s a hands-off approach. Simply add your ingredients to the pot, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do its magic.
* **Less Mess:** One pot means less cleanup! No more large pots to scrub.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is customizable, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Here’s a basic list of ingredients to get you started:

* **2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, shell on, deveined (thawed if frozen):** Using shrimp with the shell on adds extra flavor and helps prevent them from overcooking. Deveining is optional but recommended.
* **1 cup water or broth (chicken or vegetable):** The liquid creates the steam necessary for pressure cooking. Broth will add even more flavor.
* **2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning:** This classic seafood seasoning is a must-have for peel and eat shrimp. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
* **1 tablespoon lemon juice:** Adds brightness and acidity to balance the flavors.
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder:** Provides a savory, aromatic element.
* **1/2 teaspoon onion powder:** Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **1 lemon, cut into wedges:** For serving.
* **Cocktail sauce or other dipping sauce (optional):** For serving.

**Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:**

* **Shrimp:** Use large or jumbo shrimp (21-30 count per pound or larger) for the best results. Smaller shrimp may overcook. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure frozen shrimp is fully thawed before cooking.
* **Broth:** Chicken or vegetable broth adds more flavor than water. You can also use seafood stock or even beer for a unique twist.
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** If you don’t have Old Bay seasoning, you can substitute it with a blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and dry mustard.
* **Lemon Juice:** Fresh lemon juice is always best, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
* **Garlic and Onion Powder:** You can substitute fresh garlic and onion, but be sure to mince them finely. Add them to the pot with the other seasonings.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of heat, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp:

1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s fully thawed. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-thaw method by placing the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes, changing the water every 10 minutes. Devein the shrimp if desired.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In the Instant Pot, combine the water or broth, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
3. **Add the Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the Instant Pot in a single layer. If you have a lot of shrimp, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
4. **Pressure Cook:** Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Cook on high pressure for **0 minutes**. Yes, you read that right – zero minutes! This might seem counterintuitive, but the residual heat and pressure in the pot will perfectly cook the shrimp. This ensures they are tender and juicy, not overcooked and rubbery. (Note: the Instant Pot needs time to come to pressure which usually takes about 10 minutes, this will be the cooking time).
5. **Quick Release:** Immediately release the pressure using the quick release method. Be careful, as steam will escape rapidly. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
6. **Remove the Shrimp:** Carefully remove the shrimp from the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will also help them cool down quickly.
7. **Serve:** Drain the shrimp and serve them chilled or at room temperature with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, such as cocktail sauce, remoulade, or melted butter.

## Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp

* **Don’t Overcook:** The most important tip is to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cooking for 0 minutes on high pressure might seem strange, but it’s the key to achieving perfectly cooked, tender shrimp. The residual heat and pressure will do the trick.
* **Use a Quick Release:** Always use a quick release to stop the cooking process immediately. A natural pressure release will result in overcooked shrimp.
* **Ice Bath:** Placing the cooked shrimp in an ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process and preventing them from becoming rubbery. It also helps them cool down quickly, making them ready to serve.
* **Adjust Seasonings:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, or other spices to create your perfect flavor profile.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking.
* **Use a Steamer Basket (Optional):** While not necessary, using a steamer basket in the Instant Pot can help keep the shrimp from sitting directly in the liquid. This can result in slightly less watery shrimp.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Get creative with your seasonings! Try adding other spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme.

## Serving Suggestions

Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve chilled with cocktail sauce, remoulade, or other dipping sauces.
* **Main Course:** Add to salads, pasta dishes, or tacos.
* **Shrimp Boil:** Serve with corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage for a classic shrimp boil.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Use as a filling for tacos, lettuce wraps, or spring rolls.
* **Salads:** Top a green salad, Caesar salad, or pasta salad with the shrimp.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Add to pasta with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or marinara sauce.
* **Gumbo or Jambalaya:** Add the shrimp to your favorite gumbo or jambalaya recipe.

## Variations

Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spicy Shrimp:** Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
* **Garlic Shrimp:** Increase the amount of garlic powder or add minced fresh garlic to the pot.
* **Lemon Pepper Shrimp:** Add lemon pepper seasoning to the seasoning blend.
* **Cajun Shrimp:** Use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay seasoning.
* **Beer Steamed Shrimp:** Substitute beer for the water or broth in the recipe.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can cook the shrimp ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store them in an airtight container.
* **Storage:** Cooked shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
* **Freezing:** While you can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s not recommended as the texture can become rubbery. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp**

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 0 minutes (plus time to come to pressure)
**Total Time:** 15 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, shell on, deveined (thawed if frozen)
* 1 cup water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving
* Cocktail sauce or other dipping sauce (optional), for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s fully thawed. Devein the shrimp if desired.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the Instant Pot, combine the water or broth, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
3. Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the Instant Pot in a single layer.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and seal the valve. Cook on high pressure for 0 minutes.
5. Quick Release: Immediately release the pressure using the quick release method.
6. Remove the Shrimp: Carefully remove the shrimp from the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
7. Serve: Drain the shrimp and serve them chilled or at room temperature with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

**Notes:**

* Don’t overcook the shrimp! Cooking for 0 minutes is the key to tender, juicy shrimp.
* Use a quick release to stop the cooking process immediately.
* Place the cooked shrimp in an ice bath to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
* Adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* Don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.

## Conclusion

Instant Pot Peel and Eat Shrimp is a game-changer for seafood lovers. It’s quick, easy, and delivers perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Whether you’re looking for a simple appetizer, a light meal, or a flavorful addition to your favorite dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, dust off your Instant Pot and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!