Spicy Cajun Boiled Shrimp 🌶️🍤

Boiled Shrimp Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 6 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 21 minutes
🥢 Servings: 4

Description:

Indulge in the simplicity and delightful flavors of boiled shrimp with this quick and easy recipe. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack, these tender shrimp are infused with aromatic spices for a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among seafood lovers.

Ingredients:

3 bay leaves
2 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp dry basil
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, deveined and peeled

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 579.5
Total Fat: 12.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 695.9mg
Sodium: 1401.4mg
Total Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0.7g
Protein: 103.7g

Instructions:

Prepare Seasonings: In a large pot, bring chicken stock (or water) and all the seasonings (bay leaves, white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme, and dry basil) to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the seasoned liquid simmer for about 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a fragrant base for the shrimp.
Add Shrimp: After the simmering time, turn the heat to high and carefully add the medium shrimp to the pot. Make sure they are submerged in the seasoned liquid.
Cook Shrimp: Let the shrimp cook in the boiling liquid for approximately 3 minutes. Be mindful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Drain and Chill: Immediately after cooking, drain the shrimp and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps the shrimp retain their tender texture and prevents them from becoming overcooked.
Refrigerate: Once the shrimp have cooled down, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill completely. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor and texture of the boiled shrimp.
Peel and Enjoy: Once chilled, peel the shrimp and serve them cold as a refreshing appetizer or snack. These flavorful boiled shrimp are delicious on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

For added convenience, you can purchase shrimp that have already been deveined and peeled.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
To enhance the flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the seasoned liquid before adding the shrimp.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the boiled shrimp on a platter with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges for a classic presentation.
Enjoy the shrimp as part of a seafood boil alongside corn on the cob, potatoes, and sausage.
Use the chilled shrimp to make a refreshing shrimp salad or pasta dish.