New Orleans Shrimp Spices For Boiling Shrimp

Cook: 11 min Cuisine: American

A spicy, flavorful shrimp boil featuring bold New Orleans seasonings, perfect for casual gatherings or seafood lovers seeking a fiery, savory dish with a hint of citrus.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. crab boil
  • 3 qt. water
  • 3 to 5 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 heaping Tbsp. powdered cayenne pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 pkg. thawed shrimp

Instructions

  1. Add crab boil to water and bring to a boil.
  2. Add lemon, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and cooking oil to the boiling water.
  3. Add thawed shrimp to the boiling water.
  4. Boil shrimp for 1 minute.
  5. Turn off heat and let shrimp stand in water for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove shrimp from water and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves in the boiling water. If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute fresh shrimp with frozen shrimp, just ensure they are fully thawed before boiling. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth, or toss them into a salad for a refreshing meal. They also pair beautifully with sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob. For a heartier dish, consider serving alongside American recipes like Tuna Cheese Bake or a light pasta dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-second intervals until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain tenderness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of New Orleans Shrimp Spices For Boiling Shrimp contains roughly 1916 calories, with 45g protein, 211g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (91% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1916 kcal 96% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 45.5g 91% DV
Total Fat 99g 100% DV
Carbs 211.3g 77% DV
Fiber 12.6g 45% DV
Sugar 18.7g 37% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 576.3mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 31.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 78.5mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 156.2mg 12% DV
Iron 15.7mg 87% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Shellfish

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 other types of seafood?

Yes, this boiling method works well with other seafood such as crab or lobster. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger seafood may require longer boiling to cook thoroughly.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Since they only need about 1 minute of boiling, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

What should I do if I can't find crab boil?

If crab boil is unavailable, you can create your own seasoning blend using a mix of Old Bay seasoning, cayenne pepper, and various spices like paprika and black pepper for a similar flavor profile.

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).

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