Best-Ever Cajun Boiled Shrimp
Recipe: #13978
August 22, 2014
Categories: Shrimp, Appetizers, Cajun, Southern, Southwest, 5-Minute Prep, Brunch, Game/Sports Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Gluten-Free, Heart Healthy, High Protein, Low Calorie, Low Carbohydrate, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, No Eggs, Non-Dairy, Kid's Lunches, Spices, Spicy, more
"This recipe was shared by "cajun chef in Louisiana" so you know they must be good! I have made these shrimp countless times, and they always came out perfectly-seasoned and amazingly easy to peal. Don't let the amount of salt fool you- it's there to help release the shrimp meat from the shell, and they do not come out overly salty."
Original is 4 servings
Ingredients
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (1415.3 g)
- Calories 203.3
- Total Fat - 2.7 g
- Saturated Fat - 0.4 g
- Cholesterol - 285.6 mg
- Sodium - 8794.1 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 12.6 g
- Dietary Fiber - 2.7 g
- Sugars - 3.2 g
- Protein - 32.5 g
- Calcium - 192.8 mg
- Iron - 1.4 mg
- Vitamin C - 37.9 mg
- Thiamin - 0.1 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
To 1 gallon of water add sliced lemon, sliced onion, bay leaves and pepper (NOT THE SALT) and boil for 10 minutes.
Step 2
Add the shrimp and boil 3 minutes.
Step 3
Remove from heat and immediately add 2 cups of ice cubes and salt. Let stand 5 minutes then drain. Enjoy!
Tips
No special items needed.
Editorial Notes
The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.
- When selecting shrimp, look for ones that are firm and have an even color. Avoid shrimp that look slimy or have a strong odor.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon, onion, and bay leaves for the best flavor.
- Substitute 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning for the cayenne pepper. This substitution will provide a milder flavor and reduce the amount of heat in the dish.
- Substitute 1/2 cup of sea salt for the table salt. This substitution will provide a more flavorful and complex taste, as well as a more natural saltiness.
Lemon Pepper Boiled Shrimp Replace the cayenne pepper with 1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper and add the juice of 1 lemon to the boiling water.
Creamy Grits with Cheese: A Delicious Southern Side Dish
RECOMMENDED DISH DESCRIPTION: Creamy grits with cheese make a delicious and classic Southern side dish to pair with the Best-Ever Cajun Boiled Shrimp. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor of the grits balance the spicy, flavorful shrimp. Plus, the grits are a great way to soak up all the delicious juices from the shrimp!
Fried Okra: Fried okra is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with creamy grits and spicy Cajun boiled shrimp. The crunchy texture of the fried okra complements the creamy grits and adds a delicious contrast to the spicy shrimp. Plus, the okra is a great way to add some extra flavor and crunch to the meal!
FAQ
Q: How long do I boil the shrimp for?
A: Boil the shrimp for 3 minutes after adding them to the boiling water.
Q: How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
A: The shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque in color. The flesh should be firm and no longer translucent.
2 Reviews
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Fun facts:
Fun Fact 1: The cayenne pepper used in this recipe is a key ingredient in Cajun cuisine, which was popularized by celebrity chef Paul Prudhomme in the 1980s.
Fun Fact 2: Cajun boiled shrimp is a popular dish in Louisiana, and is believed to have originated from the French settlers who arrived in the area in the 18th century.