Perfect Boiled Shrimp
Master the art of preparing *Perfect Boiled Shrimp* with this quick and foolproof recipe that delivers tender, flavorful shrimp every time. Featuring key aromatics like fresh lemon, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and black peppercorns, the shrimp are infused with delicate, savory notes during a short boil in a well-seasoned broth. An icy plunge locks in their succulent texture and ensures they're cooked to perfection—never rubbery. Ready in just 15 minutes, this versatile dish is ideal for serving as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or as the star ingredient in salads, pastas, or seafood platters. Whether you're hosting a summer feast or looking for a simple yet elegant addition to your weeknight menu, this easy boiled shrimp recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Raw shrimp (shell-on, deveined)
- 8 cups Water
- 1 Lemon
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 3 Garlic cloves
- 4 cups Ice cubes
Instructions
Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris. If not already deveined, use a small paring knife to carefully remove the vein along the back of each shrimp.
Fill a large pot with 8 cups of water. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the water, and then add the lemon halves to the pot.
Add the bay leaves, kosher salt, black peppercorns, and peeled garlic cloves to the pot. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and carefully add the shrimp. Stir gently to ensure the shrimp are submerged in the seasoned water.
Cook the shrimp for 2-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp—avoid overcooking as it can make them rubbery.
While the shrimp cook, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with 4 cups of ice cubes and cold water.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked shrimp immediately into the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let the shrimp cool completely in the ice bath, about 5 minutes.
Once cooled, drain the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours until ready to use. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of your dish of choice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
938 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.1 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1715 mg | 572% | |
| Sodium | 4608 mg | 200% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.6 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 219.2 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 798 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 2554 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
