How to Cook Raw Shrimp With Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay Seasoning seasons shrimp.

Old Bay Seasoning originated in the Chesapeake Bay area 70 years ago. According to the Old Bay company, 50 million ounces of the seasoning were sold last year. The blend of 12 herbs and spices flavors shrimp in a traditional shrimp boil. Add potatoes, onions, corn and even sausage. You can also steam shrimp or add the seasoning to dips or sprinkle it on vegetables.

Things You'll Need

• 4 lbs. shrimp
• Large pot
• Water
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Paring knife
• Vinegar
• Saucepan

Instructions

Boiled

1. Rinse sand and dirt from the shrimp, but do not peel. You can use any size shrimp, but larger shrimp are easier to handle and peel.

2. Bring a gallon of water to boil in the pot. Stir in 1/2 cup Old Bay Seasoning. Return to a boil.

3. Add the shrimp to the pot all at once. Return to a boil and boil 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are bright pink.

4. Drain the shrimp and serve with cocktail sauce and lots of napkins.

Steamed

1. Wash and peel the shrimp, but leave the tails on. Run the tip of the paring knife up the back of each shrimp to remove the dark vein along the back.

2. Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup vinegar in the saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir in 2 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning and return to a boil.

3. Add one pound of shrimp to the pot. Cover and steam 3 minutes, until shrimp are pink.

4. Drain the shrimp and serve with cocktail sauce.

Tips & Warnings

• Add one can of beer to the water for boiled shrimp if you like, or substitute 1/2 cup beer for the 1/2 cup vinegar in the steamed shrimp recipe.

• For a traditional boiled dinner, boil potatoes, onions, corn on the cob and link smoked sausage in the boiling water and seasoning mixture before you boil the shrimp. Remove and set aside to keep warm while you cook the shrimp.

References

• Old Bay: Old Bay Story
• Old Bay: The Original Old Bay Shrimp Boil Shrimp Fest
• Old Bay: Steamed Shrimp With Cocktail Sauce