Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

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Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

Simple, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, these Old Bay Steamed Shrimp are the ultimate summer seafood dish. Lightly steamed with citrus, vinegar, and the iconic Old Bay seasoning, they’re tender, juicy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether served with cocktail sauce or straight from the steamer basket, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any casual get-together or weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, deveined, shells and tails on
  • 8 cups water
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 lemons, halved
  • 3 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cocktail sauce, for serving (optional)
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp:
    Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place them in a large steamer basket and set aside.
  2. Set Up the Steamer:
    In a large stock pot, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, and lemon halves. Ensure the pot is large enough to hold the steamer basket above the water level without the basket touching the liquid.
  3. Bring to a Boil:
    Cover the pot and bring the water mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
  4. Add Shrimp and Season:
    Carefully position the steamer basket over the boiling water. Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning directly over the shrimp and gently toss to coat.
  5. Steam the Shrimp:
    Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and steam for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp.
  6. Check for Doneness:
    Open the lid and use tongs to toss the shrimp once or twice, ensuring even cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking — shrimp that curl into an “O” are overdone.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce, if desired.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • These steamed shrimp can be made up to 3 days in advance.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Enjoy chilled or gently reheated (though reheating may slightly affect texture).

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 142 kcal
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 286 mg
  • Sodium: 908 mg
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Vitamin C: 35 mg
  • Calcium: 225 mg
  • Iron: 4 mg

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

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