Basic Boiled Shrimp Recipe

Elevate your seafood game with this easy-to-follow recipe for perfectly cooked shrimp, ideal for dipping in your favorite cocktail sauce. Tender, juicy shrimp in just minutes! This basic recipe is a must-have for any seafood lover.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 23 mins
Calories 169.9 kcal
Protein 62g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Basic Boiled Shrimp 160

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basic Boiled Shrimp

  • 1/4 teaspoon bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon salt

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How to Make Basic Boiled Shrimp

  1. In a double or triple thickness of cheesecloth, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon bay leaves. Secure the packet with kitchen twine.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine 4 cups of water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Add the spice bag to the pot.
  4. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  6. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot.
  7. Return the water to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Cooking time depends on the size of your shrimp; larger shrimp will take slightly longer.
  8. Remove the spice bag and immediately remove the shrimp from the pot using a slotted spoon.
  9. Drain the shrimp thoroughly and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
  10. Transfer shrimp to a bowl, cover with ice water, and chill for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps maintain their tenderness.
  11. Serve chilled shrimp with your favorite cocktail sauce.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

2g

Carbs

1g