This Old Bay Shrimp Boil is a classic, quick-cooking shrimp recipe that's perfect for summer cookouts, seafood lovers, and tailgate parties. With tender juicy shrimp simmered in a flavorful blend of Old Bay, apple cider vinegar, and water, recipe comes together in just minutes.
It's a go-to favorite when I need a protein-packed meal that doesn't take much effort. The flavors remind me of gatherings where we'd serve shrimp with dishes like my Seafood Lasagna with Old Bay Alfredo Sauce for a full seafood spread.
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Why You'll Love This Old Bay Shrimp Boil
Quick to make: The shrimp is fully cooked in under 5 minutes.
Nutritious: Each serving has 23 grams of protein and just 2 grams of fat.
Perfect for gatherings: It's easy to serve chilled or warm and pairs well with other simple summer sides.
Ingredients You'll Need
Raw Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, tails on. Perfect for picking up and eating as finger food.
Old Bay Seasoning: A bold blend of celery salt, black pepper, red pepper, and paprika.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and enhances the shrimp flavor.
Water: The base for the boil mixture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay for a spicier flavor.
Swap the apple cider vinegar with beer or seafood stock for a deeper flavor.
Use garlic powder (1 tbsp), salt (1 tsp), and a bay leaf in place of Old Bay for a homemade option.
Variations
Add crab legs or langostinos to the boil
Include corn, red potatoes, and sausage to turn it into a full shrimp boil meal.
Serve hot or chill and serve cold as a shrimp cocktail platter.
Top Tips For Success
- Don't overcook shrimp. Remove as soon as they turn pink.
- For frozen shrimp, thaw under cold water in a colander (about 5 minutes).
- Buy pre-cleaned shrimp to save prep time.
- To serve shell-on shrimp, choose ones that are split and deveined.
Storage
Once cooked and cooled, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or gently reheat if preferred warm.
Serve with...
Make it a full seafood boil by adding grilled andouille sausage, corn on the cob, boiled red potatoes, and grilled onions. Dip the shrimp in melted butter or my Homemade Cocktail Sauce, or Homemade Tartar Sauce.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Old Bay Boiled Shrimp
Equipment
- Large stock pot
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Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp , raw, jumbo size preferred
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 Lemon , cut into wedges, optional
Instructions
How to Boil Shrimp with Old Bay
- Rinse and peel the shells from the shrimp, leaving the tails intact.
- Add the water, cider vinegar, and old bay seasoning to a large stockpot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water solution and simmer for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and is no longer opaque.
- Drain cooking liquid from the shrimp and allow to cool.
- Pour contents of pot onto a large platter and garnish with lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and sprinkle with additional old bay seasoning if desired.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Peter says
Is there a mistake in the recipe? I don’t understand how this can work with only 1-2 cups of liquid for all that shrimp.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Peter, the amount of liquid is correct. It will create a steaming action and is only cooked for a very short time.
Ed Dodson says
Old Bay is my go to seasoning for a lot of things, especially shrimp.
This was great. I followed the recipe exactly.
I also use Old Bay on Air Fryer Chicken - taste's great.
The only trouble I have had was when a recipe specified the liquid Old Bay. I added this to boiling waker and everybody had to leave the house because of burning eyes and choking from the fiumes. (It tasted great however).
I have several cans of Old Bay in the cabinet at all times.