Old Bay Steamed Shrimp

Super flavorful and fun to eat, this Peel and Eat Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is easy to make and is a great main dish or appetizer!

Shrimp is one of our favorite things to make here in the Life’s Ambrosia kitchen. I love making Shrimp Tacos, Popcorn Shrimp, Shrimp Linguine and Salt and Pepper Shrimp. There is not a shrimp dish that we won’t eat.

I love it because there are just so many different things that you can do with it. Shrimp, like chicken, is a great blank canvas to work with. Fried, sautéed, grilled and in this case steamed. All of it is good! Old Bay Steamed Shrimp is a personal favorite because not only is it easy to make and delicious but it’s also fun to eat! 

Let’s talk about everything you need to make it: 

Old Bay Steamed Shrimp Ingredients:

• EZ PEEL SHRIMP: Shrimp are sold by how many there are in a pound. For this recipe, you’ll want to use medium-large to large shrimp. They will be sold as 35/40 or 31/35 per pound. I like to buy the easy-peel for this recipe because the vein has already been removed for you. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure it is thawed completely.
• OLD BAY SEASONING: Is a classic seasoning blend to use with seafood. It’s loaded with celery salt, black pepper, red pepper and paprika. 
• BUTTER
• GARLIC
• BEER: I like to use a pale ale or pilsner for this. 
• CAYENNE PEPPER: Optional but adds a nice little kick. 
• LEMON WEDGES: To add to the steam broth as well as for squirting on the shrimp after cooking.
• PARSLEY: For a pop of color. 

Step by Step Recipes and Instructions: 

Old Bay Steamed shrimp is different than a Shrimp Boil because you won’t need a ton of water or a big pot. Instead you can do it all in a skillet with a lid. And it comes together much quicker because you don’t have to wait for the water to boil. 

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STEP #1: Sauté garlic in butter just until the garlic is fragrant. About 30 seconds. 

STEP #2: Add in the beer, water, Old Bay Seasoning, cayenne (if using) and lemon wedges. Bring just to a simmer. Then add the shrimp. 

STEP #3: Cover and steam the shrimp. This won’t take long only 3 – 5 minutes. The shrimp will be opaque and firm when cooked. 

STEP #4: Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the broth. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley and serve. 

Serve Old Bay Steamed Shrimp with melted butter or, our favorite, Homemade Cocktail Sauce. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

I recommend eating this shrimp the day that it is made and we prefer to eat it hot. You can serve it cold as well. 

Want to make it a meal? Save the broth, use it do dunk some crusty bread in and serve a salad with homemade Caesar dressing on the side. 

And don’t forget the napkins! This one is messy, friends! But the best one’s are right?

Note: Originally published in 2010. Updated in 2023 with new photos, a new recipe and step by step instructions.