Delta Shrimp
Delta Shrimp offers a flavorful, mildly spicy seafood dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a seasoned broth, then coated with a zesty oil mixture. Perfect for casual gatherings or seafood lovers, it combines fresh ingredients with bold seasonings for a delicious, refreshing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
- 2 qt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 lemon, sliced ⓘ
- 2 1/2 lb. unpeeled large, fresh shrimp ⓘ
- 1 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. hot sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- leaf lettuce ⓘ
- commercial cocktail sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Clean the shrimp thoroughly.
- Bring water and lemon slices to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until pink and cooked through.
- Drain the shrimp well and rinse with cold water.
- Place the cooked shrimp in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, hot sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, minced parsley, salt, Old Bay seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Stir with a wire whisk until well mixed.
- Pour the seasoned oil mixture over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Drain the coated shrimp and arrange them on a lettuce-lined dish.
- Serve with commercial cocktail sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, choose fresh shrimp and ensure they are cleaned properly before cooking. You can substitute the vegetable oil with avocado oil for a healthier option. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the hot sauce or use a milder variety. To enhance the dish, consider adding a dash of lemon zest to the oil mixture for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Delta Shrimp on a bed of leaf lettuce for a light and elegant presentation. They pair beautifully with a side of summer corn salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with a refreshing Long Island Ice Tea to balance the spiciness of the shrimp. Enjoy as an appetizer or light main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Delta Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, you can serve them cold in salads or as a topping on rice dishes for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delta Shrimp contains roughly 90 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2382mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours or quickly in cold water. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you don't have Old Bay seasoning, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of paprika, celery salt, and black pepper. This blend will add a similar flavor profile to your Delta Shrimp.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat level of your Delta Shrimp, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the oil mixture. You can also use a spicier hot sauce for an extra kick that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).