Are you ready to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality appetizer that's surprisingly simple to make? Our Cold Boiled Shrimp recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines succulent seafood, zesty seasoning, and a touch of culinary magic. Whether you're hosting a summer party, planning a quick elegant starter, or craving a protein-packed snack, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and have everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Appetizer
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Cocktail sauce for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough room to prevent overflow when adding shrimp. Add Old Bay seasoning and lemon slices to the water to create a flavorful poaching liquid.
- Bring the seasoned water to a rolling boil over high heat. The water should be vigorously bubbling and steaming.
- Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the boiling water. Ensure they are spread out and not overcrowded to allow even cooking.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
- Immediately remove the shrimp from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain a crisp texture.
- Let the shrimp chill in the ice bath for 2-3 minutes, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the chilled shrimp on a serving platter, garnish with additional lemon slices if desired, and serve with cocktail sauce on the side.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always select high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't Overcook: The key to tender shrimp is precise cooking time. 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot - any longer and they'll become tough.
- Ice Bath is Crucial: The ice water bath immediately stops the cooking process and helps maintain a crisp, tender texture.
- Season Generously: Old Bay seasoning adds incredible flavor, but you can experiment with other seafood seasonings.
- Drain Thoroughly: Pat the shrimp completely dry to prevent watery cocktail sauce and ensure a perfect presentation.
- Serve Chilled: These shrimp are best served cold, making them a perfect make-ahead appetizer for parties and gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 200mg