Ship Shrimp
Succulent peeled shrimp cooked simply in boiling water with salt, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a straightforward, flavorful dish suitable for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the shrimp by making a lengthwise slit down the back of each to expose and wash out the sand vein.
- Heat 4 cups of water to a boil, then add the peeled shrimp and 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Cover and bring the water back to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to simmer and cook the shrimp for 5 minutes.
- Drain the shrimp and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For easier peeling, consider using shrimp that are already deveined or frozen shrimp, which can be thawed quickly. If fresh shrimp are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen shrimp, ensuring they are fully thawed before cooking. Adjust the salt based on your taste preference; you can also use sea salt for a different flavor profile. Pair with a side of garlic butter for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp warm as an appetizer or toss them into a salad for a light lunch. They pair well with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice and are delicious alongside a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce. For a delightful twist, use the shrimp in a Crawfish Etouffee(A-Z-Fay) or mix them into a Mighty Good Salad for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, briefly steam or sauté the shrimp in a pan over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can lead to rubbery shrimp. Consider adding them to a salad for a fresh meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ship Shrimp contains roughly 121 calories, with 23g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2707mg per serving (118% 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, frozen shrimp can be used as a substitute. Just ensure they are fully thawed before peeling and cooking. This will help maintain the texture and flavor. Follow the same cooking instructions, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if they are still partially frozen.
What is the best way to know when shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn a bright pink color and form a C-shape. Overcooking can make them tough, so it's best to keep an eye on them and remove them from heat as soon as they are opaque. A cooking time of 5 minutes should be perfect for shrimp of this size.
How can I enhance the flavor of the shrimp?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs and spices to the boiling water, such as bay leaves, garlic, or Old Bay seasoning. Additionally, marinating the peeled shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before cooking can introduce a delightful depth of flavor. Try serving with a homemade garlic butter sauce for dipping.
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).