If you’re craving a seafood dish that’s both effortless and bursting with flavor, this Quick and Easy Boiled Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes just minutes to prepare yet delivers that perfect tender texture and savory, garlicky punch that shrimp lovers go wild for. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or preparing an impressive appetizer, this shrimp recipe promises simplicity without sacrificing taste, making it a staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building that signature taste and aroma while keeping the preparation refreshingly simple. From aromatic spices to fresh shrimp, every component ensures you get a deliciously balanced dish without any fuss.
- 1.15 lbs raw shrimp shell-on: Using shrimp with shells helps lock in flavor during boiling while giving you the option to peel before or after cooking.
- 8 cups filtered water: Clean water is essential as it forms the base for your flavorful shrimp boil.
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt (Lawry’s recommended): This seasoning infuses the shrimp with a perfect garlicky kick and saltiness without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth that balances the shrimp’s sweetness beautifully.
- 1-2 bay leaves: Bay leaves lend an herbal note that gently enhances the broth and shrimp alike.
How to Make Quick and Easy Boiled Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Shrimp
Start by deciding how you want to serve your shrimp—either with the shells on for a rustic feel or peeled and deveined for a cleaner bite. Peeling the shrimp before cooking allows the shells to be used to flavor the boil, creating a rich broth that makes every bite extra tasty.
Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Broth
Place the shrimp shells in a large saucepan and add garlic salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Pour in filtered water and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. This broth is the secret ingredient that imparts a deep, savory foundation to your shrimp, so let those shells and spices work their magic.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Once your broth is roaring with bubbles, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Simmer gently until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color, usually about 2 to 3 minutes depending on their size. Overcooking can toughen shrimp, so keep an eye on them. After cooking, drain the shrimp and transfer them to a bowl of cold water—this stops the cooking instantly and keeps the texture perfectly tender.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Boiled Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika really bring out the shrimp’s vibrant color and enhance the flavor with a fresh, zesty touch. Don’t underestimate the power of a bright garnish to make your dish pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The light, garlicky flavor of the shrimp makes it versatile enough to complement a variety of accompaniments, so feel free to get creative with what’s in season!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your boiled shrimp chilled over a bed of ice with cocktail sauce for dipping—a party favorite. Alternatively, toss the shrimp into a fresh seafood pasta or fold them into tacos with avocado and tangy slaw for a more casual, crowd-pleasing dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making for a quick snack or effortless addition to salads and wraps the day after.
Freezing
While boiled shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For the best texture, consume within one month after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, dunk your shrimp briefly in hot (not boiling) water or steam them for just a minute to warm through without drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can easily overcook shrimp and ruin that delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Quick and Easy Boiled Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking so they cook evenly and don’t water down the broth.
What types of shrimp work best for boiling?
Medium to large shell-on shrimp are ideal—they hold up well during cooking and the shells add great flavor to your broth.
Should I peel the shrimp before or after boiling?
Either way works, but peeling before boiling allows you to use the shells to flavor the water, creating a richer taste. Peeling after boiling keeps the shrimp super juicy with more hands-on flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
When the shrimp turn a bright pink color and curl into a loose “C” shape, they are done. Cook them quickly to keep them tender and avoid a rubbery texture.
Can I add other seasonings to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding a splash of Old Bay seasoning, a pinch of cayenne for heat, or even some fresh herbs like dill or thyme for your own personal twist.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Boiled Shrimp Recipe is a total game changer for anyone who loves simple, flavorful seafood dishes. It’s quick to make, wonderfully versatile, and sure to impress whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes your go-to shrimp recipe that friends and family keep asking for!
Print
Quick and Easy Boiled Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 lb cooked shrimp
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and easy boiled shrimp recipe that yields perfectly cooked shrimp in just minutes. Using simple ingredients like garlic salt, black pepper, and bay leaves, this method enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor while providing a delicious, juicy texture ideal for snacks, salads, or seafood dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.15 lbs raw shrimp shell-on (yields about 1 lb cooked shrimp)
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt (e.g., Lawry’s brand)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1–2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, but keep the shells aside as they will be used to create the flavorful boil base.
- Make the Boiling Broth: Place the shrimp shells in a large saucepan along with 1 tablespoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 to 2 bay leaves. Add 8 cups filtered water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to extract the shells’ flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately 2 to 3 minutes depending on their size.
- Cool the Shrimp: Immediately drain the shrimp and transfer them to a bowl of cold water or ice bath. This stops the cooking process and helps the shrimp maintain a firm texture and sweet flavor. Let them cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Keeping the shells for the boil intensifies the shrimp flavor in the cooking water.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on shrimp size; avoid overcooking as shrimp can become tough.
- These boiled shrimp can be served chilled or warmed and are perfect for salads, cocktails, or as a snack.
- Use fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp for best results.
- Seasonings can be adjusted to taste, and additional spices like Old Bay or lemon slices can be added to the boil for extra flavor.
