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A close-up shot of the cooked shrimp resting in a glass bowl of cold water over the white marble cooktop. Ice cubes float around them as they cool down, ready to be served.

Boiled Shrimp Recipe

This easy shrimp boil method ensures juicy, flavorful shrimp every time! Simmered in a fragrant broth, then chilled for perfect texture—great for shrimp cocktails or seafood dishes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 1 lb
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Slotted spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

  • 1.15 lbs raw shrimp shell-on
  • 8 cups filtered water
  • 1 Tbsp garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1-2 bay leaves

Instructions
 

  • Peel and devein shrimp, reserving the shells for boiling.
    A close-up shot of raw shrimp being peeled and deveined on a wooden cutting board over the white marble cooktop. The shells are neatly set aside in a glass bowl, ready for boiling. A small paring knife rests nearby.
  • In a large saucepan, add shrimp shells, garlic salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and water.
    A close-up shot of a large stainless steel saucepan on the white marble cooktop, filled with shrimp shells, garlic salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and filtered water. The ingredients are floating as the water begins to warm.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
    A close-up shot of the stainless steel saucepan on the white marble cooktop as the shrimp shell broth comes to a rolling boil. Steam rises from the pot, and the bay leaves swirl in the bubbling water.
  • Add peeled shrimp to the boiling water and simmer for 2-3 minutes until pink.
  • Drain shrimp and transfer them to a bowl of cold water.
    A close-up shot of a metal strainer draining the cooked shrimp over the stainless steel saucepan on the white marble cooktop. The shrimp are fully pink, and excess steam rises as they are lifted out of the broth.
  • Let shrimp cool, then serve as desired.
    A close-up shot of the cooked shrimp resting in a glass bowl of cold water over the white marble cooktop. Ice cubes float around them as they cool down, ready to be served.