SHRIMP BOIL

[Luckytrim]

SHRIMP BOIL
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 lemons, sliced
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
Shrimp boil seasoning mix (recipe
below)
3 small red potatoes per person
1 large ear of corn, cut into thirds, per person
1/2 lb. medium shrimp per person
in a 8 quart pot, combine 3-4 quarts water, garlic, lemon, onion and
shrimp boil seasoning mix. Cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat and
simmer 10 minutes.
scrub potatoes .
Bring water back to boil; add potatoes.
boil 10-15 minutes.
Shuck and cut corn.
add corn to potatoes and boil 10-15 minutes.
prepare shrimp.
shrimp should be unpeeled but de-veined, head on or off.
add shrimp.
Cover and take off heat. Let stand until shrimp shells are completely pink
and shrimp are white in center (about 5 minutes for medium size shrimp).
when shrimp are done, drain everything well and transfer to a serving
platter.

SHRIMP BOIL SEASONING MIX:
6 bay leaves
2 tbsp. black peppercorns or coarse
pepper
2 tbsp. salt
3 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. celery seed
2 tsp. whole cloves
2 tsp. mustard seed
2 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
2tsp. dry thyme leaves
Combine all ingredients. One recipe will season 4-6 quarts of water;
enough to cook 3-4 pounds of shrimp.

 

[High Cheese]

Looks great LT!

Do you have a typical crab boil recipe?

 

[Luckytrim]

I use Zatarins crab boil mix, when I can find it,

and if I can't,
1/4 cup pickling spices
1/4 cup sea salt
2 Tablespoons mustard seeds
2 Tablespoons whole black peppercorns
2 Tablespoons hot red pepper flakes
1 Tablespoon celery seeds
1 Tablespoon minced dried chives
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons dried oregano
5 bay leaves

 

[QSis]

A friend of mine just told me that he's done shrimp boils before, and is not happy that the shrimp don't absorb any of the flavor of the boil - that the potatoes and corn have all the flavor.

Any advice?

My friend wants to do another boil this football season.

Lee

 

[Keltin]

A friend of mine just told me that he's done shrimp boils before, and is not happy that the shrimp don't absorb any of the flavor of the boil - that the potatoes and corn have all the flavor.

Any advice?

My friend wants to do another boil this football season.

Lee

Split the shells down the back. Basically devein them, but you don't have to trouble yourself with the vein if you don't want to, just split the shell down the back and leave the shell on. The flesh of the shrimp is dense and doesn’t absorb flavor much, but the split shell will allow the flavored water to get next to the meat which helps. The split back helps (doubles the surface area of the meat exposed to the water), and the shell itself will hold some of that water when you peel and eat thus adding to the flavor.

The shrimp go in last in a shrimp boil as they do not have to cook long at all compared to potatoes, corn, ham, sausage, etc. A trick I like to do is get a second bag of the Zatarain’s Crab Boil (the first bag is for the boil water) and cut the bag open. Add a bit of water to make it “muddy”, then put all the shrimp in that (in a large pot/bowl or bag) and let them marinate for a few hours. Marinating the shrimp this way a few hours before the boil doubles the flavor the shrimp will have after the boil.

 

[CaliforniaCook]

Serve it with cocktail and/or tabasco sauce, melted butter w/ lemon juice. I've heard of adding beer or halved lemons to the boil. It's similar to, or the same as, Frogmore Stew.

 

[QSis]

A trick I like to do is get a second bag of the Zatarain’s Crab Boil (the first bag is for the boil water) and cut the bag open. Add a bit of water to make it “muddy”, then put all the shrimp in that (in a large pot/bowl or bag) and let them marinate for a few hours. Marinating the shrimp this way a few hours before the boil doubles the flavor the shrimp will have after the boil.

Ahhhhh, that is exactly the kind of tip I think he was looking for!

Thanks, K!

Lee

 

[CaliforniaCook]

BTW, your dish looks delish, Lucky. Luv frogmore stew during the summer months too.

Reminded me of a twist on the dish:

Shrimp Boil On A Stick

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/seafood/shrimp-boil-on-a-stick/

 

[Luckytrim]

Serve it with cocktail and/or tabasco sauce, melted butter w/ lemon juice. I've heard of adding beer or halved lemons to the boil. It's similar to, or the same as, Frogmore Stew.

Lemons are important....... but I thick slice them rather than just halving them ; this causes the lemons to break down, skin and all, for more flavor.

Keltin's marinating trick sound worth the extra effort

 

[VeraBlue]

No sausage???

All the boils down here add sausage to the pot!! If you ever need that Zatarain's boil, just ask. You cannot swing a dead cat without hitting a Zatarain's product down here.

Try adding the smoked sausage....it's a whole new flavour!

 

[Phiddlechik]

I like to use hot links, the specialty sausages around her get kinda pricey...

 

[Mr. Green Jeans]

We've used Old Bay about 1/2 cup for every 4 people you feed. Also, 1/2# of snap peas or green beans tossed in about the last 5 minutes of the boil are great.