Boiled Shrimp Recipe with Beer and Old Bay

Name: Boiled Shrimp Recipe with Beer and Old Bay
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh large shrimp (21/25 count); 1 large onion (quartered); 3 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup beer (light or medium); 1 cup water; 2 ½ tablespoons Old Bay seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 bay leaves; lemon wedges; ketchup; prepared horseradish

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This Boiled Shrimp Recipe with Beer and Old Bay is a 30-minute meal, peel-and-eat style, perfect for entertaining. This classic seafood recipe combines tender shrimp, Old Bay seasoning, and beer for a simple boil that's quick, flavorful, and easy to serve with cocktail sauce or melted butter.

For more seafood favorites, try our Crawfish Boil or Old Bay Shrimp Salad.

Peel and eat shrimp feature image in platter with cocktail sauce and lemon

Boiled Shrimp Recipe at a Glance 🔎

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱️ Cook Time: 5 minutes
👥 Servings: 4
🔥 Cook Method: Boiled
🍽️ Cuisine: Seafood, Southern
👩‍🍳 Pair With: We love to pair this dish with Instant Pot Baby Red Potatoes and Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob.
⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy

We've boiled these shrimp dozens of times for family gatherings. Served warm with corn on the cob and new potatoes, they never last long on the table. ~Jami

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Boiled Shrimp Recipe at a Glance 🔎
Why We Love This Recipe
Boiled Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How to Make this Boiled Shrimp Recipe
Expert Tips for Success
Storage
Recipe FAQs
More Seafood Recipes You'll Love ♥️
📖 Recipe
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Why We Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor: The combination of beer, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic creates a mouthwatering taste.
Family-Friendly: A fun and interactive meal that kids and adults will love peeling and eating together.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for casual dinners, parties, or as an appetizer to accompany larger meals. Just like this Shrimp Ceviche Recipe!

Boiled Shrimp Recipe Ingredients

A labeled image of everything needed to make this boiled shrimp recipe.

Fresh Large Shrimp: We choose 21/25 count shrimp, which means about 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. This size is easy to peel and still tender.
Onion: Brings a light sweetness that balances the seasoning.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for cooking the garlic.
Garlic: Enhances the flavor of the broth.
Beer: A light or medium-bodied beer works best, adding depth without overpowering the shrimp.
Old Bay Seasoning: The classic seafood blend that makes this dish shine.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a nice red color to the shrimp.
Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal flavor into the boil.
Cocktail Sauce: A simple mix of ketchup and horseradish for that classic taste. We sometimes offer melted garlic butter alongside cocktail sauce so guests can pick their favorite dip.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

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Substitutions & Variations

Beer: Replace with chicken broth or water for a non-alcoholic version.
Old Bay Seasoning: Substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
Spice: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more heat.

How to Make this Boiled Shrimp Recipe

Sauteeing garlic with butter in a dutch oven.

STEP ONE: Sauté the Garlic

In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.

Preparing the peel and eat shrimp broth.

STEP TWO: Prepare the Broth

Add the quartered onion, beer, water, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and bay leaves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 3 minutes.

Boiling the shrimp with remaining ingredients.

STEP THREE: Boil the Shrimp

Reduce the heat to low. Add the fresh shrimp to the pot and cover with a lid.
Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Shrimp in a serving bowl with lemons, corn on the cob, and baby red potatoes.

STEP FOUR: Serve the Shrimp

Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the broth.

Serve immediately with lemon wedges and prepared cocktail sauce.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Cook the shrimp with the shells on. The shells keep them juicy and help hold all that Old Bay flavor.
✔️ DO Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
DO NOT Use a heavy, dark beer.

Storage

Store leftover boiled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If reheating, warm them gently in a skillet with a little butter until just heated through. You can also enjoy them cold with cocktail sauce, but never leave cooked shrimp out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to cook peel and eat shrimp?

Peel and eat shrimp cook very quickly, typically within 3-5 minutes. They are done when they turn pink and are no longer translucent.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What is the best way to peel shrimp?

To peel shrimp, pinch the legs and pull the shell off starting from the head end, then remove the tail if desired. You can also devein the shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the dark vein.

What are Peel and Eat Shrimp?

Peel-and-eat shrimp are shrimp that are cooked with the shell on and served as-is, typically boiled or steamed with seasonings like Old Bay. The shells help lock in flavor and moisture, and diners peel them by hand at the table before eating. They're popular at seafood boils, crab houses, and casual gatherings because they're fun and extra juicy compared to pre-peeled shrimp.