🦐 Old Bay Seasoned Steamed Shrimp – A Classic Seafood Delight
If you love seafood that’s bold, briny, and perfectly spiced, Old Bay Seasoned Steamed Shrimp will become your go-to recipe. This classic dish captures the coastal flavor of Maryland-style shrimp — juicy, aromatic, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings, weekend dinners, or party platters, this recipe is both simple to prepare and absolutely irresistible.
When it comes to quick, flavorful seafood, nothing beats Old Bay Seasoned Steamed Shrimp. The mix of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors captures the true taste of the East Coast — a recipe that’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect for gatherings.
This dish brings together tender shrimp, aromatic spices, and steam-cooked perfection. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, these shrimp are guaranteed to impress every seafood lover.
🍋 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of Old Bay seasoning, fresh shrimp, and steam-cooked perfection.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a place on your table:
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🧂 Authentic flavor: The blend of paprika, mustard, celery salt, and spices in Old Bay brings out the best in seafood.
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🦐 Quick to make: Ready in under 20 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
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🍽️ Perfect for gatherings: Serve as an appetizer or main dish with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
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🌊 Healthy cooking method: Steaming keeps shrimp tender, juicy, and lower in fat.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Steamed Shrimp:
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1 kg large raw shrimp (shell-on preferred)
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2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning (plus more for garnish)
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1 cup water
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1 cup apple cider vinegar or beer (optional for extra flavor)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp butter (melted)
For Serving:
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Lemon wedges
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Cocktail sauce or melted butter
🫕 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Steamer
In a large pot, combine water and apple cider vinegar (or beer). Bring the mixture to a simmer. Place a steamer basket above the liquid — making sure the shrimp won’t touch the water.
2️⃣ Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and a few drops of lemon juice. Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated with the spice blend.
3️⃣ Steam the Shrimp
Transfer shrimp to the steamer basket, cover tightly, and steam for 5–6 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.
4️⃣ Toss with Butter & Serve
Once steamed, drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle more Old Bay seasoning for that signature kick. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.
🌶️ Flavor Tips
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Use shell-on shrimp for deeper flavor.
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Add garlic powder or cayenne if you like extra heat.
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For a smoky twist, toss shrimp in paprika before steaming.
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🍽️ Serving Ideas
Old Bay Steamed Shrimp are versatile! Try these delicious serving ideas:
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Serve over a bed of rice or pasta for a full meal.
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Pair with corn on the cob and boiled potatoes for a Maryland crab-boil-style feast.
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Use leftovers in shrimp tacos or seafood salads for a quick lunch.
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Add them to creamy grits for a Southern-style comfort dish.
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🧊 Storage & Reheat Tips
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Refrigerator: Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Freezer: Can be frozen for 1 month (remove shells first).
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Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with butter or re-steam for 2–3 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
💡 Tip: Leftover shrimp taste amazing in tacos, salads, or pasta!
🔗 Internal Links
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Creamy Chicken White Karahi – A Buttery Restaurant-Style Treat
- https://blopost.com/creamy-chicken-white-karahi-recipe/
- https://blopost.com/air-fryer-buttermilk-fried-chicken-a-crispy-and-juicy/
💭 Final Thoughts
Old Bay Seasoned Steamed Shrimp is that classic recipe that never goes out of style. It’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a summer gathering, this dish captures the taste of coastal comfort in every bite. 🌊🦐