This Peel and Eat Shrimp recipe is an easy, make-ahead appetizer, especially when made with fresh Key West Pink Shrimp. Simply boil, chill, and serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
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What Is Peel 'n Eat Shrimp?
A popular happy-hour appetizer in Florida and throughout the United States, peel and eat shrimp are shell-on shrimp typically boiled with beer and Old Bay seasoning, then served hot or chilled with cocktail sauce.
This version is made without beer. Instead, I add a little apple cider vinegar to the cooking water. It brightens the flavor without making the shrimp taste vinegary-I promise!
This is one of my family's favorite warm-weather seafood recipes. Here in the Florida Keys, we're lucky to have fresh Key West Pink Shrimp available locally.
My Special Ingredient
My special ingredient is Southernmost Blend, made in Key West by Tony Lazarus of Key West Spice Company.
Similar to Old Bay, this all-purpose seasoning contains paprika, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Use it generously for a little extra kick.
I use Southernmost Blend to season both fish and shrimp. It's all-natural and gluten-free, with no carbs, fat, or sugar. Best of all, it tastes great!
In Florida, you can find it at Publix, Winn-Dixie, and gift shops throughout the Keys. You can also order it on Amazon.
What You Need
Because the shrimp are cooked and served in their shells, this recipe requires very little prep. Each guest peels their own shrimp at the table. One pound makes three to four appetizer servings.
- 1 pound medium or large shrimp, thawed
- Seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay Seasoning or Key West Spice Company Southernmost Blend
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Fresh lemons
- Cocktail sauce (optional)
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How To Devein Shrimp
The dark line along a shrimp's back is its digestive tract. It is safe to eat but may be more noticeable in larger shrimp, according to the American Shrimp Processors Association.
To remove it, cut along the back of the shell with kitchen shears, make a shallow slit, and lift out the vein with a paring knife. Leave the rest of the shell intact.
How to Cook Peel and Eat Shrimp
- Add 4 cups of water to a large pot. Add the seafood seasoning, apple cider vinegar, smashed garlic, and the juice of one lemon. Add the squeezed lemon halves and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes.
- For chilled shrimp, transfer them to an ice bath with a slotted spoon. Let cool for a few minutes, then drain well. Skip the ice bath if serving them hot.
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl and sprinkle with additional seasoning. Garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
To make them ahead, cover and refrigerate for up to one day.
What Do Key West Shrimp Taste Like?
Key West Pink Shrimp have a firm texture and a sweet, mild flavor.
When shopping, look for wild-caught shrimp harvested from the USA.
Storage
Refrigerate cooked shrimp within two hours of cooking. Store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels and eat within three days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve peel-and-eat shrimp with lemon wedges, homemade cocktail sauce, crusty bread, and melted butter. Pair them with a Caesar salad for a light meal.
For a larger Florida seafood spread, add:
Top Tips:
- Choose high-quality, wild-caught shrimp. Fresh or frozen Key West Pink Shrimp are an excellent option.
- Don't overcook them. Cook just until pink and opaque, usually about two minutes.
- Season the cooking water with Old Bay or Southernmost Blend, then sprinkle a little more over the cooked shrimp before serving.
- Set out plenty of napkins and a bowl for the discarded shells.
FAQ
Remove the shell with your fingers, discard it in a separate bowl, and enjoy the shrimp with lemon and cocktail sauce.
Either! Serve them hot after cooking or chill them for up to 24 hours before serving.
Refrigerate the shrimp within two hours of cooking and eat them within three days.
Yes. "Peel-and-eat" means the shrimp are cooked with their shells on and peeled at the table.
No. This recipe uses apple cider vinegar instead of beer to add flavor to the cooking liquid.
Peel and Eat Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shell-on medium or large shrimp, thawed
- 1 tablespoon Key West Spice Company Southernmost Blend or Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
For Serving
- 1 teaspoon Southernmost Blend or Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Cocktail sauce, optional
Instructions
- Add 4 cups of water to a large pot. Add the seafood seasoning, apple cider vinegar, smashed garlic, and the juice of one lemon. Add the squeezed lemon halves and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2 minutes.
- For chilled shrimp, transfer them to an ice bath with a slotted spoon. Let cool for a few minutes, then drain well. Skip the ice bath if serving them hot.
- Transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl and sprinkle with additional seasoning. Garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce.
Bart says
My wife loves this. Thanks,
Julia Goolia says
Love this recipe!