Hi everyone, and welcome back to my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing a dish that’s more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition. Boiled shrimp is a family favorite, and it holds a special place in our hearts, especially during the festive season. Living near the sea, seafood has always been a big part of our lives, but around Christmas and New Year, it takes center stage. The kitchen fills with the aroma of shrimp, prawns, and crab, and the warmth of these moments brings our family closer together.
As I prepare this recipe today, using the last of my New Year’s shrimp, I’m reminded of the joy it brings to our table. So let’s dive in and bring some of that festive magic to your home, too. I promise, this dish is simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with your loved ones!
Ingredients
For the Boiled Shrimp:
1kg (2 lbs) shrimp (deveined, with shells on)
2 liters (8 cups) water
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black peppercorns
½ lemon (cut into wedges)
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tsp Dijon mustard
Sriracha sauce (to your taste)
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ lime (juice)
Black pepper (to taste)
Fine salt (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start with defrosted shrimp. If your shrimp were frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. I like to keep the shells on for flavor, but I remove the veins for a cleaner look. Use a toothpick to lift the vein at the second joint and gently pull it out. Trim off the exposed parts to make them look neat and appetizing. After cleaning, rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and set them aside.
Step 2: Boil the Water
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, and lemon wedges. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. This step allows the spices and lemon to infuse the ater with a delicious aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the boiling water and give them a quick stir to distribute the heat evenly. As soon as the water starts boiling again, cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure even cooking. The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook—they should be juicy and tender, not rubbery.
Step 4: Chill the Shrimp
Quickly remove the shrimp from the boiling water and transfer them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process immediately and keeps the shrimp perfectly tender. If you prefer hot shrimp, you can skip this step and serve them right away.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the shrimp are chilling, let’s prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Sriracha sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, black pepper, and salt. Adjust the Sriracha according to your spice preference. Mix everything well and give it a taste—it should be creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. Set it aside.
Step 6: Serve the Shrimp
Drain the shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel if needed. Arrange them beautifully in a serving bowl filled with ice at the bottom to keep them cool and fresh. Place the dipping sauce in the center and garnish with lemon wedges. For a final touch, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on the sauce for a hint of smokiness.
Step 7: Peel and Enjoy
Bring the bowl to the dining table and let the fun begin! Peeling shrimp is part of the experience, and it’s always a fun family moment for us. My husband loves showing off his peeling skills, and I must admit, he’s better at it than I am! Dip a juicy shrimp into the spicy sauce, take a bite, and let the flavors burst in your mouth. It’s pure joy!
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