5 Best Boiled Shrimp Recipes

delicious boiled shrimp recipes

You know what's awesome? Boiled shrimp! It's like a blank canvas just waiting for your favorite flavors. Whether you're craving something spicy, zesty, or even a little sweet, there's a boiled shrimp recipe for you. Imagine the aroma of garlic butter sizzling or the kick of Cajun spices wafting through your kitchen. Ready to impress your friends or family? Let's plunge into the five best boiled shrimp recipes that'll have everyone coming back for seconds!

Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp

Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with succulent shrimp, making it a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

The zesty kick from the lemon juice adds brightness that complements the richness of the butter, while fresh parsley provides a pop of color and flavor. Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is fragrant (about 1 minute).

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to combine. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, make sure that the shrimp are fresh and not frozen, as this will improve the overall taste of the dish.

You can also adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences. If you're looking for a bit more depth, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the garlic, allowing it to reduce slightly before adding the shrimp.

Finally, serve immediately for ideal freshness and flavor.

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Spicy Cajun Boiled Shrimp

cajun style shrimp boiling recipe

Spicy Cajun Boiled Shrimp is a flavorful and zesty dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with a bold blend of spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce and some crusty bread for a delightful meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds large shrimp, deveined and shells on
  • 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, combine water, salt, black peppercorns, bay leaf, onion, garlic, and lemon halves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.

Once boiling, add the Cajun seasoning and stir well to dissolve. Then, carefully add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Drain the shrimp and transfer them to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick and garnish with fresh parsley.

Extra Tips:

To improve the flavor of your Spicy Cajun Boiled Shrimp, let the shrimp soak in the cooking liquid for a few minutes after draining; this will allow them to absorb more of the spices.

Additionally, feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce according to your taste preference.

Pairing the dish with sides like corn on the cob, potatoes, or a fresh garden salad can create a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

Lemon Herb Shrimp

Lemon Herb Shrimp is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that perfectly highlights the natural flavors of shrimp with the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic essence of fresh herbs. This simple yet delicious recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer for entertaining guests.

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy succulent shrimp infused with the delightful flavors of lemon and herbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving
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Cooking Instructions:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, and sprinkle the chopped parsley and basil over the shrimp.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the flavorful sauce. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Extra Tips:

For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.

Be mindful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough; they're done when they turn a vibrant pink color and form a C shape.

You can also experiment by adding red pepper flakes for a bit of spice or serving the dish over a bed of greens for a light salad.

Enjoy your Lemon Herb Shrimp with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices!

Sweet and Tangy Asian Shrimp

savory shrimp with tanginess

Sweet and Tangy Asian Shrimp is a delightful dish that balances the flavors of sweetness and acidity, making it a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe features succulent boiled shrimp coated in a vibrant sauce that combines soy sauce, honey, and a hint of ginger for an irresistible taste.

Whether served as an appetizer or over a bed of rice, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and simplicity.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain the shrimp and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour in the sauce mixture, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the boiled shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

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Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, make sure to marinate the shrimp in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking, if time permits. This allows the shrimp to absorb the sweet and tangy flavors more deeply.

Additionally, feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, during the final cooking stage for added texture and nutrition.

Serve the Sweet and Tangy Asian Shrimp over rice, and don't forget to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation!

Classic Old Bay Shrimp

Classic Old Bay Shrimp is a quintessential dish that captures the essence of coastal cooking. With its bold, zesty flavor profile, this recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a casual weeknight dinner. The shrimp are boiled in a spiced water, infused with the iconic Old Bay seasoning, which not only improves the shrimp's natural sweetness but also adds a delightful kick. Serve the shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for an irresistible appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 quarts water
  • 1/4 cup Old Bay seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

In a large pot, bring the water, Old Bay seasoning, salt, lemon halves, onion, and garlic to a rolling boil.

Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if left in the boiling water too long.

Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the shrimp and serve them chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley.

Extra Tips:

For the best flavor, let the shrimp marinate in the boiling water for a couple of minutes before removing them.

You can also improve the dish by adding other aromatics, such as bay leaves or black peppercorns, to the boiling water.

If you prefer spicier shrimp, consider adding a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the cooking liquid.

Finally, don't forget to save the cooking liquid; it makes for a fantastic seafood broth that can be used in soups or stews!


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