Old Bay Steamed Shrimp: A Classic Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Steamed shrimp seasoned with Old Bay is a quintessential seafood dish, particularly popular along the East Coast of the United States. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of shrimp, enhanced by the iconic blend of spices that is Old Bay. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp every time.

## Why Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is a Winner

* **Quick and Easy:** Steaming is a fast cooking method, and this recipe requires minimal prep time.
* **Flavorful:** Old Bay seasoning provides a complex and savory flavor profile that perfectly complements shrimp.
* **Healthy:** Steaming preserves the nutrients in the shrimp, making it a healthy and delicious option.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it as an appetizer, a light meal, or as part of a larger seafood feast.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This recipe is always a hit at parties and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Shrimp:** 2 pounds of large or jumbo shrimp, shell-on (either fresh or frozen, thawed)
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** 2-4 tablespoons, depending on your spice preference
* **Water:** 1-2 cups
* **Lemon:** 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
* **Optional additions for the steaming liquid:**
* 1/2 cup beer (adds a subtle depth of flavor)
* 1/4 cup white wine
* 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
* 1 bay leaf
* Several sprigs of fresh parsley or thyme
* 1/2 onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Hot sauce (a few dashes, for a spicy kick)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot with Lid:** Big enough to hold the shrimp in a single layer.
* **Steamer Basket or Colander:** That fits inside the pot without touching the bottom.
* **Tongs:** For transferring the shrimp.
* **Serving Bowl:** For serving the cooked shrimp.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Steaming Shrimp to Perfection

### Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

* **Thaw the Shrimp (if frozen):** Place the frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water until fully thawed. Alternatively, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
* **Rinse the Shrimp:** Rinse the thawed shrimp under cold water to remove any debris.
* **Optional: Devein the Shrimp:** While not strictly necessary, deveining the shrimp can improve the texture. To devein, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Remove the dark vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers. You can devein the shrimp with the shell on or off, depending on your preference.

### Step 2: Prepare the Steaming Liquid

* **Pour Water into the Pot:** Add 1 to 2 cups of water to the large pot. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pot and steamer basket. Make sure the water level is below the bottom of the steamer basket.
* **Add Flavor Enhancers (Optional):** This is where you can get creative! Add any of the optional ingredients listed above to the water. Beer, white wine, vinegar, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, onion, garlic, and hot sauce can all contribute to the overall flavor of the shrimp.
* **Bring to a Boil:** Place the pot on the stovetop over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.

### Step 3: Season the Shrimp

* **Place Shrimp in Steamer Basket:** Place the shrimp in a single layer in the steamer basket or colander. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* **Generously Sprinkle with Old Bay:** Liberally sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp, ensuring that each shrimp is well-coated. The amount of Old Bay you use will depend on your personal preference, but 2-4 tablespoons is a good starting point. Don’t be afraid to be generous – the Old Bay is what gives the shrimp its signature flavor.

### Step 4: Steam the Shrimp

* **Place Steamer Basket in Pot:** Carefully place the steamer basket or colander with the seasoned shrimp into the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.
* **Cover and Steam:** Cover the pot tightly with a lid. This is crucial for trapping the steam and cooking the shrimp properly.
* **Steam for 3-6 Minutes:** Steam the shrimp for 3 to 6 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque and curl into a C shape. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp. Smaller shrimp will cook faster than larger shrimp. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough and rubbery.
* **Check for Doneness:** To check for doneness, remove one shrimp from the basket and cut into it. The shrimp should be pink throughout and no longer translucent. If it’s still translucent, continue steaming for another minute or two.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

* **Remove from Heat:** Once the shrimp are cooked through, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot using tongs.
* **Transfer to Serving Bowl:** Transfer the steamed shrimp to a serving bowl.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Old Bay steamed shrimp immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped scallions for added visual appeal.

## Tips for Perfect Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp:** The quality of the shrimp will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for fresh, firm shrimp with a pleasant smell. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are properly thawed before cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Steamer Basket:** Overcrowding the steamer basket will prevent the shrimp from cooking evenly. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on the shrimp while they are steaming and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
* **Adjust the Old Bay Seasoning to Your Liking:** The amount of Old Bay seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if desired.
* **Experiment with Different Flavor Enhancers:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor enhancers in the steaming liquid. Beer, white wine, vinegar, bay leaf, parsley, thyme, onion, garlic, and hot sauce can all add complexity to the dish.
* **Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauces:** While Old Bay steamed shrimp are delicious on their own, they are also great with dipping sauces. Some popular options include cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, and garlic butter.
* **Keep it Simple:** Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest. Don’t feel like you need to add a million different ingredients to make delicious steamed shrimp. The key is to use fresh, high-quality shrimp and a generous amount of Old Bay seasoning.

## Serving Suggestions

Old Bay steamed shrimp can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

* **Appetizer:** Serve as a classic appetizer at parties and gatherings. Provide small plates and napkins for easy eating.
* **Light Meal:** Enjoy as a light and healthy meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
* **Seafood Boil:** Incorporate into a larger seafood boil with other seafood favorites like crab legs, mussels, and clams.
* **Shrimp Cocktail:** Chill the cooked shrimp and serve them with cocktail sauce for a refreshing shrimp cocktail.
* **Shrimp Salad:** Use the cooked shrimp to make a delicious shrimp salad.
* **Tacos or Wraps:** Add the shrimp to tacos or wraps for a flavorful and easy meal.

## Variations

* **Spicy Old Bay Shrimp:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the Old Bay seasoning for a spicy kick.
* **Garlic Old Bay Shrimp:** Mince a few cloves of garlic and add them to the steamer basket with the shrimp.
* **Lemon Pepper Old Bay Shrimp:** Add a teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning to the Old Bay seasoning.
* **Cajun Old Bay Shrimp:** Substitute Cajun seasoning for some of the Old Bay seasoning for a spicier, more robust flavor.
* **Grilled Old Bay Shrimp:** Instead of steaming, grill the shrimp on skewers after seasoning them with Old Bay.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before steaming.

**Q: Do I need to devein the shrimp?**

A: Deveining is optional, but it can improve the texture of the shrimp. If you choose to devein, use a small paring knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein.

**Q: How long do I need to steam the shrimp?**

A: The steaming time will depend on the size of the shrimp. Smaller shrimp will cook faster than larger shrimp. Steam for 3-6 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl into a C shape. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

**Q: How do I know when the shrimp are done?**

A: The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a C shape. To be sure, remove one shrimp from the basket and cut into it. The shrimp should be pink throughout and no longer translucent.

**Q: Can I use other seasonings besides Old Bay?**

A: While Old Bay is the classic choice for steamed shrimp, you can experiment with other seasonings if you like. Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder are all good options.

**Q: What do I serve with Old Bay steamed shrimp?**

A: Old Bay steamed shrimp are delicious on their own, but they are also great with dipping sauces. Some popular options include cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, remoulade sauce, and garlic butter. You can also serve them with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or as part of a seafood boil.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 150-200
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 2-5g
* Carbohydrates: 0-2g

*(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)*

## Conclusion

Old Bay steamed shrimp is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a light meal, or as part of a larger seafood feast, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the taste of the ocean with every bite!