These Old Bay Shrimp are cooked in beer with Old Bay seasoning, butter & dried herbs. This Spiced Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect appetizer!
Old Bay Shrimp Recipe
In my opinion, you can't have a holiday without spiced shrimp cocktail. Whether it's a holiday weekend in the summer, Thanksgiving or New Year's Eve, I have to have my seafood. These shrimp are cooked in beer and Old Bay seasoning to spice them up. Because who likes plain boiled shrimp?
This is quick, easy and a great Old Bay shrimp recipe to make ahead of time. Of course, every grocery store has a seafood section where you can get a shrimp cocktail ring already pre-made. But if you want something a little more tasty, try this recipe.
I am wondering if shrimp cocktail gets the name from the sauce it is served with or because you are supposed to drink a cocktail with it? To cover all bases, I added beer to the shrimp and I had a cocktail while eating it. Try an Orange Basil Cocktail to sip on while feasting on these shrimp.
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay Seasoning is made by McCormick & Company. It was originally created in Baltimore, Maryland. This is a herb and spice mix which includes celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika. I love it in a shrimp boil and really all seafood!
Ingredients Needed for Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail
- beer - helps add flavor to the shrimp and ensures they won't dry out.
- Old Bay seasoning - a classic seasoning that gives shrimp and seafood lots of flavor
- dried parsley or basil - gives the shrimp flavor and color. You can also use fresh herbs if desired.
- butter - another classic ingredient for cooking seafood.
- large shrimp - buy them peeled and deveined for added convenience!
- cocktail sauce and lemon wedges - for serving.
How to Make Old Bay Shrimp
- Mix beer, Old Bay, butter and parsley in a large sauce pan. Heat on medium high until boiling.
- Add shrimp and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir if necessary.
- Drain and chill if desired. Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
See recipe card below for full ingredient list and instructions.
Variations:
- Seasoning - Change up the seasoning to chili powder and add some fresh limes. Use a Mexican beer as this would pair well with those seasonings.
- Alcohol free - Omit the beer and use vegetable broth is you want to not cook with alcohol or make sure this is a gluten free appetizer.
- Sauces - Instead of serving with cocktail sauce, serve with Bang Bang Sauce, Tartar Sauce or Tzatziki Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to eat dinner in the summer is to sit on the patio with several small plates like Grilled Veggie Antipasto, some Creamy Feta and Roasted Red Pepper Dip and these mouth watering shrimp.
Make sure to cut up some fresh lemon wedges and get some cocktail sauce to serve these shrimp with. I like spicy homemade cocktail sauce but if I am in a hurry store bought works too.
Here are some other recipes to serve with the shrimp to have yourself a nice appetizer assortment:
- Three Cheese pepperoni Bread
- Prosciutto and Blue Cheese Pear Bites
- Mozzarella Portabellas
- Pizza Sliders via Amanda's Cookin
This is a great appetizer but at times, I could eat a whole bowl as my meal for dinner. It's not many calories and a nice light dinner to pair up with a salad. Once you try this recipe, I'm sure it will be a keeper!
Tips for Buying Shrimp
- Typically, the safest bet for shrimp is to buy them frozen, as this ensures they are fresh. It’s also easy to thaw and cook them right out of the bag!
- If you’re feeling adventurous and would rather try fresh shrimp, make sure the shrimp don’t smell like ammonia or have shells that are slimy. They should be firm with solid tails.
- For a recipe like this spiced shrimp cocktail, aiming for medium- to large-sized shrimp is the best option. This would also work with jumbo shrimp if you prefer your shrimp on the larger side!
More FAQs
In the fridge, your spiced shrimp should last about 2 days if stored in an airtight container. Make sure you allow it to cool first for best results.
If you like, this Old Bay shrimp can actually be served cold with cocktail sauce, so you don't have to reheat them. If you prefer warm shrimp, you could throw them in the microwave for about 45 seconds and then in 15-second intervals until heated through, or quickly saute them in a skillet.
I love this Old Bay shrimp recipe because it can be on your table in 15 minutes. I like to make my shrimp ahead of time and keep them chilled until ready to serve. They are also good warm, and can be served right away if that is your preference.
More Shrimp Recipes
- Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
- Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp
- One Pan Shrimp Linguini with Asparagus
- Greek Shrimp Skewers
- Asian Cauliflower Rice Shrimp Bowls
- Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp
- Shrimp Teriyaki Stir-Fry from Gimme Delicious
If you like serving shrimp as appetizers, try these 26 Shrimp Appetizers for Parties.
If you like this recipe for Old Bay Shrimp Cocktail recipe, please give it 5 stars below.
RECIPE
Spiced Shrimp Cocktail
Ingredients
- 12 ounces beer
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley or basil
- 16 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- cocktail sauce for serving
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan , mix beer, Old Bay, butter and parsley. Heat on medium high until boiling
- Add shrimp and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink. Stir if necessary.
- Drain and chill if desired. Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
Nutrition
Thanks for stopping by! Subscribe to Jersey Girl Cooks if you would like more recipes and cooking tips sent to your email. You can also order my Super Easy Cookbook for Beginners and follow me on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
HoneyB
Looks and sounds good to me! I love shrimp about anyway you can get it! I'm not sure about the cocktail part...but I would like to think your right! 😉
Mom on the Run
We served shrimp cocktail at Christmas and it was the first thing to go.
I love the idea of spicing it up.
The Japanese Redneck
LOL, Lisa. Guess I never thought about it that much. But, now that you ask, I guess it's because they use to always be served hanging on the rim of a cocktail glass with the sauce in the glass.
Yours look great.
Jhonny walker
Hey Lisa,
I guess I agree with Ramona..but like the fact that you opened up so many possibilities...much more exciting than the obvious!!
Love it..always!!
That Girl
I feel like Japanese Redneck might be right on this...either that or it has to do with the "cocktail sauce" it's served with...did that exist first?
Patsyk
I love that you gave the shrimp a beer and you had a cocktail while eating them! Sounds like a perfect interpretation to me!
Donna-FFW
My hubby makes them almost the same way, delicious!!
Dawn
It was served with cocktails I'm sure.
Happy New Year girl!
Lea Ann
I love Shrimp Cocktail. I agree, one should always have a cocktail while eating shrimp cocktail, but I thought it was named that because it's served in a cocktail glass, with the shrimp hanging from the side. Usually a big martini glass.
Amber
I kind of think the tail of the shrimp is the cocktail part. But I like your version of drinking a cocktail while eating them. I have never tried Old Bay seasoning. Now I must.
The children are too cute with their big smiles. You are so blessed.
Happy New Year and welcome 2010.
Amber
Also, 3 of the candy recipes are there. They just came out in black on gray so you can not tell. Highlight, copy and paste if you are interested, they were all good.
Adam
Happy New Year (soon)! I agree with shrimp cocktail, it's just like a fancy, easy way to celebrate. I need to make this... and bloody marys 🙂
And funny story... I had a patient today that I haven't met before (the other doc is on vacation) and she goes...
"So where from NY or NJ are you from?"
And I never ever brought that up before she said it. I guess we do in fact have accents 🙂
Allie
Glad to see we aren't the only ones who add seafood to our Christmas meal! Looks tasty and you're making my mouth water.
Mireya
I will definitely have to try this shrimp - the only kind I've ever had for shrimp cocktail is store bought already cooked kind!
Chef Fresco
We never get holiday shrimp! But I would definitely support the tradition! Looks great.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
I just love a good shrimp cocktail. Especially when the shrimp are cooked just perfectly and the cocktail sauce is good and cold but spicy. Yum!
Eric John
A perfect meal for thanksgiving day. I am definitely going to try it. But I am worried because I am inviting a friend who have HIV and he is very conscious about his diet and follows the provider's instructions. What if I cook shrimps to 145 °F (recommended by the provider). Will it taste the same?
lisa
My cooking time will most likely bring the shrimp temp to 145. If it's a bit more that is ok, they will just be a bit firmer and more well done.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
These shrimp sound incredible! I am certainly giving this a try over Christmas!
Jamie
I love all the spices that are used here! Definitely makes for a flavorful shrimp. Saving this to make later!
Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious
Running to the store now to get shrimp and make this recipe for dinner this week. Looks super easy and tasty.
Priya Lakshminarayan
A perfect recipe for the holidays! Looks so delicious
cyndy
I love your idea of adding beer to the recipe! And I agree with you that Old Bay makes everything better because these are delicious and so simple to make!
Shan Bushnell
Dear Girl you Rock!
This was delicious many thanks
lisa
Glad you like it!
AJ Jones
This sounds great, I normally eat the uncooked, I’m going to try this next time.