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    Home » Recipes » Seafood » Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

    By Amy · Published: May 4, 2021 · Updated: May 4, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy 4 Comments

    Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

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    Old Bay Shrimp in a white plate with overlay text at the top of image.

    Shrimp steamed with Old Bay Seasoning has been a long-time favorite seafood of mine – it’s quick, easy and delicious! Serve as an appetizer or as a meal with a salad.

    Old Bay steamed shrimp on a white plate beside cocktail sauce, lemons and butter.

    This Old Bay Steamed Shrimp recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes – even in less time if you prefer not to devein your shrimp! Serve with melted butter and/or cocktail sauce for one of the easiest appetizers or quick meals you’ll ever make.

    Your Simple Ingredients

    Overhead view of ingredients needed to make Old Bay steamed shrimp.
    • Shrimp – You’ll need one pound of large shrimp (shells on).
    • Old Bay Seasoning – Increase or decrease the amount depending upon your personal preference. You can substitute with cajun seasoning, but there’s just something about the flavor of Old Bay that I love!
    • Water – Make sure the water in the pot is not touching the bottom of your steamer basket before boiling.
    • Lemon wedges are totally optional, but I love fresh squeezed lemon over steamed shrimp!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can I use if I don’t have a steamer basket?

    You can make a makeshift steamer basket with a stainless mesh strainer (or colander) placed into a pot.
    A stainless mesh strainer inserted into a pot to make a makeshift steamer basket.

    How long do you steam shrimp in Old Bay?

    It should take four to six minutes – toss the shrimp after a couple of minutes to ensure that every shrimp cooks evenly (the ones on the bottom will cook first). Steam until shrimp have just turned pink and are opaque.

    Overhead view of steamed shrimp with old bay in a steamer basket in a pot.

    Should peel-and-eat shrimp be deveined?

    This is totally your personal preference, but deveining isn’t a requirement. If you prefer yours deveined, it’s very simple to do. Cut the shell along the back of the shrimp using a pair of kitchen scissors. Remove the vein and rinse under cold water.
    A collage of three images showing how to devein a shrimp with the shell on.

    Enjoy!

    Closeup view of a plate of old bay steamed shrimp sprinkled with parsley.

    More Seafood Recipes with Old Bay

    • Salmon Patties
    • Shrimp Salad
    • Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

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    Overhead view of a plate of shrimp steamed with Old Bay Seasoning.

    Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

    Steamed peel-and-eat shrimp with Old Bay Seasoning is a quick, easy and delicious appetizer or main dish ready in under 20 minutes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Seafood
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: old bay steamed shrimp
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Total Time: 16 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Amy

    Ingredients

    • Water
    • 1 pound large shrimp (shell-on) deveined, if desired
    • 2 ½ teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning more or less, to taste
    • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for serving (optional)

    Instructions

    • Pour water in a large pot. Ensure the water will not touch the bottom of the steamer basket, even when boiling, if possible. Bring water to a boil over high heat.
    • While water is coming to a boil, place the shrimp in your steamer basket. Sprinkle with Old Bay Seasoning and toss to coat as evenly as possible.
    • Carefully place the steamer basket in the pot and cover. Reduce heat to medium, or enough to maintain a gentle boil.
    • Steam for 4 to 6 minutes (will depend upon the size of your shrimp). Remove lid after 2 to 3 minutes and toss shrimp (using tongs). Cover with lid and continue to steam until shrimp have just turned pink and are opaque.
    • Sprinkle with parsley when serving, if desired. Serve warm or chilled with lemon wedges, melted butter and/or cocktail sauce, if desired.

    Notes

    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Nutrition facts do not include butter or cocktail sauce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 286mg | Sodium: 882mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 117IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 178mg | Iron: 3mg

    If provided, nutritional info is a courtesy, is not guaranteed and should only be considered as a guideline.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheBlondCook or tag #theblondcook!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah says

      September 23, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    2. George R. Crosby says

      June 08, 2021 at 10:03 pm

      I have a 6qt. Steamer pot that I steam my shrimp in. It will hold 2 2-1/2 lbs. of shrimp. Only difference in my recipe is I use 50-50 mixture of water and apple cider vinegar with about a tablespoon of Old Bay in the liquid. Toss the shrimp in Old Bay too.

      I also use it for steaming veggies too. Plain water with garlic salt on Broccoli and Cauliflower….

      Reply
    3. Arthur in the Garden! says

      May 04, 2021 at 8:38 pm

      Yummy! My favorite way to eat shrimp with shells still on!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 05, 2021 at 9:29 am

        Thank you Arthur, mine too!

        Reply

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    Hey, I'm Amy Brinkley! Welcome to my online kitchen. I love cooking simple, family-friendly recipes with everyday ingredients.

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