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Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

Super flavorful and fun to eat, this Peel and Eat Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is easy to make and is a great main dish or appetizer!

Shrimp is one of our favorite things to make here in the Life’s Ambrosia kitchen. I love making Shrimp Tacos, Popcorn Shrimp, Shrimp Linguine and Salt and Pepper Shrimp. There is not a shrimp dish that we won’t eat.

Steamed shrimp on a plate.

I love it because there are just so many different things that you can do with it. Shrimp, like chicken, is a great blank canvas to work with. Fried, sautéed, grilled and in this case steamed. All of it is good! Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is a personal favorite because not only is it easy to make and delicious but it’s also fun to eat! 

Let’s talk about everything you need to make it: 

Old Bay Steamed Shrimp Ingredients:

Old Bay Steamed Shrimp ingredients.
  • EZ PEEL SHRIMP: Shrimp are sold by how many there are in a pound. For this recipe, you’ll want to use medium-large to large shrimp. They will be sold as 35/40 or 31/35 per pound. I like to buy the easy-peel for this recipe because the vein has already been removed for you. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure it is thawed completely.
  • OLD BAY SEASONING: Is a classic seasoning blend to use with seafood. It’s loaded with celery salt, black pepper, red pepper and paprika. 
  • BUTTER
  • GARLIC
  • BEER: I like to use a pale ale or pilsner for this. 
  • CAYENNE PEPPER: Optional but adds a nice little kick. 
  • LEMON WEDGES: To add to the steam broth as well as for squirting on the shrimp after cooking.
  • PARSLEY: For a pop of color. 

Step by Step Recipes and Instructions: 

Old Bay Steamed shrimp is different than a Shrimp Boil because you won’t need a ton of water or a big pot. Instead you can do it all in a skillet with a lid. And it comes together much quicker because you don’t have to wait for the water to boil. 

STEP #1: Sauté garlic in butter just until the garlic is fragrant. About 30 seconds. 

STEP #2: Add in the beer, water, Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne (if using) and lemon wedges. Bring just to a simmer. Then add the shrimp. 

STEP #3: Cover and steam the shrimp. This won’t take long only 3 – 5 minutes. The shrimp will be opaque and firm when cooked. 

STEP #4: Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the broth. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley and serve. 

Serve Old Bay Steamed Shrimp with melted butter or, our favorite, Homemade Cocktail Sauce

Dipping a shrimp in cocktail sauce.

Storage and Leftovers: 

I recommend eating this shrimp the day that it is made and we prefer to eat it hot. You can serve it cold as well. 

Can frozen shrimp be steamed?

It is best to thaw frozen shrimp before steaming them. You don’t want to over cook them.

Why is my steamed shrimp tough?

Chances are it is because it is overcooked. Shrimp do not take long to cook at all usually just 3 – 5 minutes.

How do you know when shrimp is done?

When raw shrimp is translucent and opaque when fully cooked.

Want to make it a meal? Save the broth, use it do dunk some crusty bread in and serve a salad with homemade Caesar dressing on the side. 

And don’t forget the napkins! This one is messy, friends! But the best one’s are right?

Steamed old bay shrimp in skillet.

Note: Originally published in 2010. Updated in 2023 with new photos, a new recipe and step by step instructions.  

Plate of steamed shrimp.

Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

Super flavorful and fun to eat, this Peel and Eat Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is easy to make and is a great main dish or appetizer!
Prep Time 35 mins
Cook Time 3 mins
Total Time 38 mins
Course Easy Appetizer Recipes, Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 107 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp deveined but leave the peel on
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 wedges lemon
  • parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add butter and garlic. Cook just until butter is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add in beer, water, old bay seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using) and lemon. Bring to a simmer. Add in shrimp and cover. Cook just until the shrimp are done 3 - 5 minutes.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the broth. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley and serve with melted butter or cocktail sauce.

Notes

This is best served the day it is made. 
Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 16gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 171mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: appetizer, old bay, seafood, shrimp

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Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Ed Schenk
    February 3, 2010 at 6:58 pm

    I love these but I cheat. I use Old Bay!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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