Are you craving a flavorful and easy seafood dinner? Look no further! This Old Bay seasoning shrimp recipe is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend treat. It's incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time, yet delivers a burst of delicious, savory flavor that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and easy recipes, and it's guaranteed to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures even cooking and a nice crispy texture.
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Combine Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning, olive oil, butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating for the shrimp.
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Marinate (Optional): For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in the seasoning mixture for 15-30 minutes. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it's highly recommended for best results.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish, if desired. This delicious dish is perfect on its own or served with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use high-quality Old Bay seasoning: The quality of your seasoning will significantly impact the final flavor of your dish.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning and other spices to your liking.
- Add a touch of heat: For those who like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mixture.
Variations:
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp: Substitute lemon pepper seasoning for the Old Bay seasoning.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Increase the amount of butter and garlic powder for a richer, garlicky flavor.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of white wine and some red pepper flakes to the skillet while cooking the shrimp.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2g
This Old Bay seasoned shrimp recipe is a fantastic example of how delicious and healthy meals can be quick and easy to prepare. It's a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a simple yet impressive dish for any occasion. Enjoy!