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    Home » Recipes » Seafood/Fish

    Old Bay Shrimp - The Easiest Spiced Shrimp Cocktail Recipe!

    First Published: February 7, 2023 . Last Modified: February 7, 2023 lisa31 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    A pan of shrimp with easonings.

    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

    1. Mix beer, Old Bay, butter and parsley in a large sauce pan. Heat on medium high until boiling.
    2. Add shrimp and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir if necessary.
    3. Drain and chill if desired. Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.

    See recipe card below for full ingredient list and instructions.

    Old Bay shrimp in a large pan with seasonings and lemon.

    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:

    1. Three Cheese pepperoni Bread
    2. Prosciutto and Blue Cheese Pear Bites
    3. Mozzarella Portabellas
    4. 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!

    Medium to large raw peeled shrimp are perfect for this recipe.

    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

    How long will my Old Bay shrimp last?

    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.

    How should I reheat my shrimp?

    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.

    How long does shrimp cocktail take to make?

    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

    1. Sweet and Spicy Shrimp
    2. Crispy Panko Fried Shrimp
    3. One Pan Shrimp Linguini with Asparagus
    4. Greek Shrimp Skewers
    5. Asian Cauliflower Rice Shrimp Bowls
    6. Air Fryer BBQ Shrimp
    7. 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

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 8 votes

    Spiced Shrimp Cocktail

    These Old Bay Shrimp are cooked in beer with Old Bay seasoning, butter & dried herbs. This Spiced Shrimp Cocktail is the perfect appetizer!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 139kcal

    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

    Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 201mg | Sodium: 625mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 152IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 2mg

    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.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. HoneyB

      December 29, 2009 at 8:28 am

      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! 😉

      Reply
    2. Mom on the Run

      December 29, 2009 at 9:41 am

      We served shrimp cocktail at Christmas and it was the first thing to go.

      I love the idea of spicing it up.

      Reply
    3. The Japanese Redneck

      December 29, 2009 at 10:10 am

      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.

      Reply
    4. Jhonny walker

      December 29, 2009 at 11:56 am

      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!!

      Reply
    5. That Girl

      December 29, 2009 at 12:01 pm

      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?

      Reply
    6. Patsyk

      December 29, 2009 at 6:12 pm

      I love that you gave the shrimp a beer and you had a cocktail while eating them! Sounds like a perfect interpretation to me!

      Reply
    7. Donna-FFW

      December 29, 2009 at 6:47 pm

      My hubby makes them almost the same way, delicious!!

      Reply
    8. Dawn

      December 29, 2009 at 7:13 pm

      It was served with cocktails I'm sure.
      Happy New Year girl!

      Reply
    9. Lea Ann

      December 29, 2009 at 7:26 pm

      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.

      Reply
    10. Amber

      December 29, 2009 at 11:09 pm

      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.

      Reply
    11. Amber

      December 29, 2009 at 11:12 pm

      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.

      Reply
    12. Adam

      December 30, 2009 at 9:26 am

      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 🙂

      Reply
    13. Allie

      December 31, 2009 at 11:56 am

      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.

      Reply
    14. Mireya

      January 04, 2010 at 5:36 pm

      I will definitely have to try this shrimp - the only kind I've ever had for shrimp cocktail is store bought already cooked kind!

      Reply
    15. Chef Fresco

      January 07, 2010 at 9:49 pm

      We never get holiday shrimp! But I would definitely support the tradition! Looks great.

      Reply
    16. Lana @ Never Enough Thyme

      January 10, 2011 at 2:19 pm

      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!

      Reply
    17. Eric John

      November 26, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      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?

      Reply
      • lisa

        December 06, 2019 at 2:37 pm

        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.

        Reply
    18. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      December 14, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      These shrimp sound incredible! I am certainly giving this a try over Christmas!

      Reply
    19. Jamie

      December 14, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      5 stars
      I love all the spices that are used here! Definitely makes for a flavorful shrimp. Saving this to make later!

      Reply
    20. Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious

      December 14, 2020 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      Running to the store now to get shrimp and make this recipe for dinner this week. Looks super easy and tasty.

      Reply
    21. Priya Lakshminarayan

      December 14, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      A perfect recipe for the holidays! Looks so delicious

      Reply
    22. cyndy

      December 14, 2020 at 7:35 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    23. Shan Bushnell

      January 09, 2023 at 11:34 am

      Dear Girl you Rock!
      This was delicious many thanks

      Reply
      • lisa

        January 09, 2023 at 1:04 pm

        Glad you like it!

        Reply
    24. AJ Jones

      August 13, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds great, I normally eat the uncooked, I’m going to try this next time.

      Reply
    25. Debbie

      December 24, 2023 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      Christmas Eve and I just put this in the fridge to chill…after trying one, of course, Oh. My. Goodness. These are scrumptious!

      Reply
      • lisa

        December 24, 2023 at 4:51 pm

        Glad you enjoyed Debbie! Merry Christmas!
        Lisa

        Reply
    26. Donna

      August 15, 2024 at 3:01 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious !!!!!!!!
      I took these to a gathering & everyone went crazy over them !!!!!

      Reply
    27. Peg Chernow

      September 10, 2024 at 1:53 pm

      I am going to make this this afternoon. I have both regular beer and dark beer. Do you think the dark beer would be too dark to put in?

      Reply
      • lisa

        September 11, 2024 at 10:56 am

        Hi Peg,
        You can use either however dark beer might change the color of the shrimp and give it a heavier beer flavor if this is what you are looking for. You can also subsyitute white wine or broth if you'd like. Happy cooking!
        Lisa

        Reply

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