Shrimp, oh how I adore its tender, juicy bites! This quick and easy boiled shrimp recipe is my go-to for impromptu gatherings or when I’m just craving something light yet satisfying. Imagine a summer breeze—fresh and invigorating—right on your plate. Whether you’re reminiscing about beach days or just need a speedy dinner fix, this dish delivers pure delight.
Steps
- In a large saucepan, combine the shrimp shells, garlic salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Pour in 8 cups of water and set the heat to medium-high until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink based on their size.
- Drain the shrimp and immediately move them to a bowl of cold water to halt further cooking. Allow them to cool before serving or using in other dishes.
Ingredients
- 1.15 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (keep the shells)
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 bay leaves
FAQ
- How do you prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery when boiling?
- To avoid rubbery shrimp, remove them from the boiling water as soon as they turn pink, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Can I leave the shells on when boiling shrimp?
- Yes, you can leave the shells on if you prefer to serve them that way. However, if you plan to peel them, keep the shells as they can be used to enhance the flavor of the boiling water.
- What ingredients do I need for boiled shrimp?
- You will need 1.15 lbs of raw shrimp, 8 cups of filtered water, 1 tablespoon of garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1-2 bay leaves.
- How long does it take to cook shrimp by boiling?
- Boiling shrimp takes approximately 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.
- What can I do with boiled shrimp?
- Boiled shrimp can be served with cocktail sauce or used in various recipes such as shrimp salsa or a cheesy shrimp casserole.
Tips
- Ensure you monitor the shrimp closely when cooking, as they can turn rubbery quickly. They typically only need about 2-3 minutes to become pink and fully cooked, depending on their size.
- To enhance the flavor of your shrimp, use the shells during boiling. This will infuse the cooking water with a rich, savory taste that will transfer to the shrimp.
- After cooking, immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of cold water. This will halt the cooking process and help maintain the shrimp’s tender texture.
- Consider using the cooked shrimp in a variety of dishes such as shrimp and avocado salsa or a cheesy shrimp casserole, beyond the classic cocktail sauce pairing.
Equipment
- Large saucepan – If you don’t have a large enough saucepan to boil water and shrimp, you might consider purchasing one.
- Strainer or colander – Useful for draining the shrimp after boiling.
- Bowl for cold water – A large mixing bowl that can hold enough cold water to cool the shrimp quickly.
