Shrimp lovers rejoice! If you are interested in a light but tasty and easy-to-prepare dish – you will love Old Bay Shrimp Skillet Recipe. Filled with succulent shrimp (jhinga fish) and the flavors pioneered by Old Bay seasoning, you can prepare this meal for any ordinary weeknight or anytime you decide to have dinner with friends or family anytime soon.
Whether you are a professional cook or you have never set foot in the kitchen, this one-pot wonder is easier to make and incredibly tasty. Let’s go through all you need to know to make this a favorite in your recipe box.
Why Old Bay?
The old bay seasoning is Maryland’s original blend of spices which everybody loves so much to add to the seafood. Its composition includes paprika, celery salt, mustard, black pepper and we add a tiny pinch of cayenne to the mixture; that’s why Nowadays it is useful for shrimp, crabs, chickens, and even for vegetables to add some spices in a dish.
Delighting the natural flavor of shrimp using Old Bay in a shrimp skillet is not only natural but also brings out a deep and powerful taste that will make you get a second helping.
Old Bay Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Skillet:
- 1 A large shrimp can be purchased and shelled and reduced to the weight of one pound.
- Water or stock 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil OR 2 tablespoons of butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional as I like them spicy)
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes that have been halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup diced onions
Suggested Sides:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Crusty bread
Grilled vegetables
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
The shrimp should be rinsed in cold water and drained, so if paper towels are available, the shrimp should then be pat instead of being thrown around. This step ensures that they brown nicely in the skillet. Mix the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp until they are powdery.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Putting the skillet on the stove, set the stove’s thermostat at medium. If using, put olive oil/butter and let it cook for some time such that it covers the entire base of the pan. This is especially true if you are using additional ingredients such as onions or tomatoes; fry for roughly 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a layer, forming a pool of the sauce on top. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pinkish and no longer clear. Beware not to overcook the shrimp; once it is placed on the heat, it becomes tough very quickly.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Lemon
As soon as the shrimp turn bright pink, adjust the heat slightly downwards and add the garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Sauté for one more minute so all the ingredients can mix and marinate.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the shrimp from the marinade and pat dry with a paper towel and then shower it with the remaining Old Bay seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Flour the shrimp, and throw them around to guarantee the shrimp are well coated with the spices. Sprinkle parsley over the dish for that bit of color and freshness to the eyes.
Tips for Perfect Results
Use these cooking tips for perfect results:
Choose the Right Shrimp: Either fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but the larger the shrimp such as large or jumbo will make the dish tastier. Compared to deveining there is no way to achieve a clean taste.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: This way, the shrimp are cooked in a single layer, will cook evenly, and will have slight browning on the bottom as well. In case you decide to double this recipe, then, by all means, cook in batches.
Adjust the Spice Level: Old Bay is just slightly spicy – include red pepper flakes or cayenne for a hotter experience.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Bay shrimp skillet as you can see is perfect to serve with a lot of different sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
Steamed Rice or Quinoa: The grains clasp to marinate the shrimp and then the juices from the preparation hence making it a fulfilling one.
Zoodles or Pasta: Slice up the shrimp with zucchini or your typical pasta for a tasty and low-carb dish or a gluttonous treat.
Salads: The shrimp should be served over a beautiful garden salad for a nice change of pace.
How to Customize Your Shrimp Skillet
The recipe given below can be easily adapted and changed time and again. Here are some variations to suit your preferences:
Vegetarian-Friendly Additions: To increase the texture and nutritive value of the food, you can fry bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini and include them in the skillet.
Cajun Style: Stir in Old Bay with the Cajun seasoning to turn it a bit spicy or Cajun-Southern style.
Creamy Twist: When the shrimp is done, pour in a dash of white vinegar add cream, and simmer to make the sauce.
Herb-Infused: Try using new paradigms such as basil, thyme, or dill in addition to another cooking crease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It is good to know that as long as you have thawed them properly then you need to dry them up before cooking them.
Old Bay is automatically gluten-free; however, it is advised to read the label to cross-check for cross-contact.
This dish should be eaten right after preparation but the shrimp should be cooked and then reheated gently in a skillet for up to 24 hrs.
The genuine formula involves simply paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne, yet you can make an alternative formula.
Conclusion
This is an excellent recipe that is quick and easy to accomplish making the Old Bay Shrimp Skillet recipe, similar to those restaurant meals at home. A fantastic midweek meal, with its punchy, citrusy flavors and very low faff factor, it’ll become a firm fixture in your roster.
Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet special enough for entertaining, this skillet meal is delicious and adaptable. Do not forget your skillet, add the Old Bay, and enjoy each bite from this yummy shrimp recipe.
