Peel n’ eat shrimp tossed with Old Bay seasoning is a staple in my home town of Annapolis, Maryland. Be prepared to get messy! These saucy, spicy shrimp should be eaten with your hands!
While I’ve called California my home for over ten years I still have a lot of love for my hometown of Annapolis, MD. In Maryland, I grew up eating oysters on the half shell, blue crabs, and peel n’ eat shrimp. Peel n’ eat shrimp are traditionally steamed, however in this recipe, I throw them on the grill instead which gives them a little bit of char and a slightly smokey flavor. You can make these on a gas, charcoal, or stove-top grill. Serve them with a crusty baguette, cold beer, and plenty of napkins!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Shrimp: Use any size you like. Frozen shrimp work great for this recipe, just defrost them beforehand.
Old Bay: Old Bay is a zesty blend of herbs and spices with paprika, celery seed, mustard, red and black pepper. If you can’t find it locally, you can order it online.
Butter: Peel n’ eat shrimp don’t typically contain butter, but I think it’s a nice touch and balances out the spicy Old Bay.
Lemon: cuts the saltiness of the old bay and adds brightness and acidity.
How to devein shrimp with scissors:
Use kitchen scissors to cut the shell along the back of the shrimp towards the tail, slicing into the flesh at the same time to expose the vein. Lift the vein out and rinse the shrimp under cold water.
Recipe Steps:
Step One: Preheat a grill over medium/high heat. You can use gas, charcoal, or a stove-top grill.
Step Two: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shrimp and oil. Grill the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, and the shells are slightly charred. Remove the shrimp and grill the lemons on the cut side, just until you get some nice grill marks, about 1 minute.
Step Three: Transfer the grilled shrimp to a large bowl and toss with the butter, old bay seasoning, and juice from half a grilled lemon. Toss until the butter is melted and evenly coats the shrimp.
Step Four: Serve warm with additional grilled lemon, and lots of napkins!
Salads and Sides to Pair with Grilled Peel n’ Eat Shrimp
Corn Salad with Arugula and Blue Cheese
Couscous Salad with Feta and Avocado
Green Panzanella with Avocado and Snap Peas
Burrata Salad with Prosciutto and Nectarines
Grilled Corn with Togarashi-Lime Aioli
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Basil-Buttermilk Dressing
Grilled Peel n’ Eat Shrimp with Old Bay and Butter
Ingredients
- 2 lbs large shrimp shells on and split up the back, see note for details
- 2 tbsp neutral oil avocado, canola or grapeseed
- 2 tbsp old bay seasoning
- 4 tbsp butter room temperature
- 1 whole lemon
Instructions
- Preheat a grill over medium/high heat. You can use gas, charcoal, or a stove-top grill pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shrimp and oil. Grill the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink, and the shells are slightly charred. Remove the shrimp and grill the lemons on the cut side, just until you get some nice grill marks, about 1 minute.
- Transfer the grilled shrimp to a large bowl and toss with the butter, old bay seasoning and juice from half a grilled lemon. Toss until the butter is melted and evenly coats the shrimp.
- Serve warm with additional grilled lemon and lots of napkins!
Notes
Use kitchen scissors to cut the shell along the back of the shrimp towards the tail, slicing into the flesh at the same time to expose the vein. Lift the vein out and rinse the shrimp under cold water. Can frozen shrimp be used for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work great. Just make sure to defrost them before grilling. How to tell if shrimp are cooked:
Shrimp cook fast! They only need about 2 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when the shells turn pink and the shrimp’s flesh is slightly opaque. If you’re still unsure just pull one off the grill and give it a taste!
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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Hey! fellow Marylander and steamed shrimp lover here and my family and I love this fresh take on the standard Old Bay recipe. The grill flavor from the shrimp and lemon and the addition of butter paired so well with the spice. Our new standard – thanks!