Old Bay Shrimp Sauté Recipe
Introduction
Old Bay Shrimp Sauté is a quick and flavorful dish that highlights tender shrimp seasoned with the iconic Old Bay spice blend. With a zesty lemon and buttery sauce accented by a touch of heat from Tabasco, this recipe is perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 lbs large shrimp (21 to 30 per pound), peeled (tails on) and deveined
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-1/2 lemons)
- 4 dashes Tabasco (or more to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce, then set the mixture aside.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy.
- Step 3: Add the shrimp to the pan, sprinkle them with Old Bay Seasoning, and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 minutes total.
- Step 4: Pour in the lemon juice mixture, add the fresh thyme leaves and the remaining tablespoon of butter, then toss the shrimp until they are well coated.
- Step 5: Season with freshly ground black pepper and remove the pan from the heat.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, spooning the pan juices over the shrimp for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder heat, reduce the amount of Tabasco or substitute with a milder hot sauce.
- Fresh thyme adds brightness, but you can substitute with dried thyme if fresh isn’t available; use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Try adding minced garlic during sautéing for extra depth of flavor.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent overcooking. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be added to salads or pasta after cooling for a cold dish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even sautéing and the best texture.
What if I don’t have Old Bay Seasoning?
You can mix celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of dried thyme as a homemade alternative to replicate the Old Bay flavor.
PrintOld Bay Shrimp Sauté Recipe
This Old Bay Shrimp Sauté is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring large shrimp cooked in a buttery, tangy sauce with lemon juice, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, and fragrant Old Bay seasoning and fresh thyme. Perfect for a speedy weeknight meal or elegant appetizer, it delivers a bright, spicy, and savory taste that pairs well with crusty bread or over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1–1/4 lbs large shrimp (21 to 30 per pound), peeled (tails on) and deveined
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or more to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1–1/2 lemons)
- 4 dashes of Tabasco (or more to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 dashes of Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat the butter: In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the unsalted butter until it begins to foam, indicating it is hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Sprinkle evenly with Old Bay Seasoning. Sauté the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 minutes total. Be careful not to overcook to maintain tenderness.
- Add flavorings: Pour the reserved lemon juice mixture over the shrimp. Add the fresh thyme leaves and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Toss everything together gently to coat the shrimp thoroughly with the flavorful sauce and herbs.
- Season and finish: Season the shrimp with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Serve: Immediately serve the shrimp, spooning any pan juices over the top to enhance the dish’s juiciness and flavor. Ideal with bread, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Use large shrimp (21-30 count per pound) for best texture and presentation.
- Keep the tails on for easier handling and a rustic look, but peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Adjust Tabasco according to your preferred level of heat.
- Fresh thyme imparts a mild herbal note, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch.
- This dish cooks quickly; monitor shrimp closely to avoid rubbery texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their tender best.
Keywords: Old Bay Shrimp, Shrimp sauté, Lemon shrimp, Quick seafood recipe, Spicy shrimp
