Old Bay steamed shrimp are SO quick and easy to make. These peel and eat shrimp are a four-ingredient appetizer or light meal perfect for the warm weather. Shrimp are steamed over a beer, vinegar, and Old Bay seasoning boil for a flavorful and healthy summertime dish.

In the complete absence of locally-available blue crabs, my husband and I get our Chesapeake seafood fix with these Old Bay steamed shrimp. We save lining the table with newspaper and breaking out the mallets for proper steamed crabs on visits back home.
This recipe is how my husband prepared order after order of steamed shrimp during his summers working in the kitchen of a local dock bar restaurant. It's not anything fancy, but produces perfectly seasoned, easy peel-and-eat shrimp every time.
Note: The photos in this post were updated in 2023 from its initial publish date in 2015. The recipe is the same! Just more detail was added, step-by-step photos, FAQs, etc. An original photo is included above the recipe card below.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- It's convenient. Having a bag of frozen shrimp around means you can easily have all of these ingredients on hand for when the craving strikes.
- It's quick. Thawed shrimp steam for 4-6 minutes.
- It has great flavor. This recipe leans on Old Bay for flavor with an extra-fragrant steaming liquid.
- It's easy to serve. Steamed shrimp are versatile! Peel and dip in cocktail sauce, melted butter, or vinegar, and serve alongside a hearty side salad for a light meal.
What You'll Need to Make Steamed Shrimp
Equipment
As for tools, you'll need a pot for steaming and a steamer basket. Baskets are often stainless steel and fit inside a pot, with some being collapsible. Some pots will also come with a designated steaming insert. Pictured here is a smaller set-in pot with holes in the bottom that goes over top of another one.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use one pound of shell-on, tail-on raw shrimp. Extra-large or jumbo (anywhere between 21-30 count per pound) or large (31-35) work best. In addition to the attributes above, finding a variety that's deveined is a bonus. (Have smaller shrimp? They're perfect for shrimp corn chowder).
- Beer: Look for a wheat beer, which is often golden, a bit hazy, and features a lower alcohol percentage. They're light and bright and lean a little citrusy in flavor. It might not say it's a wheat beer on the packaging, but some common descriptors used are summer ale, Belgian wheat, wheat ale, etc.
- Old Bay: A classic.
- Vinegar: Plain distilled white vinegar is what I use, but apple cider vinegar is another option.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Thaw shrimp if you need before beginning. It's best to transfer them to the refrigerator overnight, but sealing the shrimp in a zip-top bag and submerging it in a bowl of cool water just prior to cooking is okay, too, per the FDA.
- Mix steaming liquid. Stir together beer, vinegar, and Old Bay in the pot you'll be steaming the shrimp in. Use a large enough pot so that when the basket is inserted, the liquid level won't come up and over into the basket.
- Coat shrimp in Old Bay. Toss them in a large bowl or in the steaming basket to cut down on dishes.
- Steam. Tightly cover the pot and set it on the stove top to boil. Once boiling, add the basket and arrange the shrimp evenly around it. Put the lid back on and steam for 4-6 minutes, or until cooked (notes on this below).
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Read the Packaging Carefully - There are many types of frozen shrimp and the packaging looks very similar. Either white or pink shrimp are fine, deveined or not. You do want to make sure the shrimp you're buying is the following:
- Raw
- Large, extra-large, or jumbo
- Shell-on
- Tail-on
- Thaw Fully - Make sure all of the shrimp are thawed so that they cook evenly. If thawing in the fridge, place the package of shrimp in a bowl just in case it leaks.
- Deveining - If you can find deveined shrimp, great! If not, it's not a deal-breaker. You can remove the vein after cooking if you like, or you can leave it in. It's not harmful as the shrimp are fully-cooked and is just a manner of preference.
- Keep the Lid On - Make sure to keep a snug-fitting lid on the pot to trap in the heat and steamy atmosphere.
- Serving Suggestions - Vinegar, melted butter, and cocktail sauce (homemade is simple if you have ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice). These make a great appetizer, but I usually make them a full dinner with a beefed up side salad and some crusty bread.
Recipe FAQs
Unless you live in a coastal area and have access to truly fresh shrimp, I recommend buying frozen. They're often frozen really quickly once caught for freshness, and are convenient to have on hand. The shrimp you see in the refrigerated seafood department case of the grocery store was in all likelihood frozen as well, but has been allowed to thaw and sit there for purchase.
Shell-on shrimp are fully cooked when they have curled into a nice "C" shape (not a tight "O" as that can mean they're overcooked) and have turned pink and opaque.
I recommend against it as the peel protects them from drying out. You risk the shrimp becoming tougher and rubbery.
While these Old Bay steamed shrimp are best enjoyed right after cooking, any leftover can be refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days, per the USDA.
More Seafood Recipes
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Old Bay Steamed Shrimp
Ingredients
Steamed Shrimp
- 12 ounces wheat beer
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 ½ Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning divided
- 1 pound extra large/large shell-on raw shrimp thawed if frozen
Serving
- Cocktail sauce
- Melted butter
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Add thawed shrimp to a bowl and toss with 1 ½ Tablespoons of the Old Bay so it's evenly distributed. Set aside for now.
- Stir together the beer, vinegar, and the remaining 1 Tablespoon of Old Bay in a medium or large pot (whichever size will fit your steamer basket). Cover the pot, place it on the stovetop, and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. When steam begins to escape the lid, place the steamer basket in the pot. Make sure the liquid does not boil above the bottom of the steamer basket.
- Tightly fit the lid back on the pot and bring back to a boil over high heat. You should begin to see steam escaping again. Reduce the temperature to medium/medium-high and steam for 4-6 minutes. Large shrimp may be on the lower end of the range, with extra-large and jumbo shrimp taking an additional minute or two. Shrimp will be done when the shrimp turns pink, they're no longer translucent, and they're in a curled shape. Do not overcook or they will become tough and difficult to peel.
- Serve immediately with additional Old Bay seasoning, cocktail sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, etc.
Notes
- Beer - Wheat beer is recommended, but another variety that's light in color, flavor, and alcohol percentage can work, too.
- Shrimp - Packaging can look very similar so make sure you're buying shrimp with the following attributes: raw, large/extra-large/jumbo, shell-on, and tail-on. White or pink shrimp and deveined or not are fine.
- Storage - Steamed shrimp are best enjoyed right away, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
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Lija Day says
Great recipe, i substituted a gluten free bear and it still worked perfectly, TY
Alyssa says
Awesome! So glad you liked it. 🙂
cindy says
Can i use peeled frozen shrimp?
Alyssa says
Hi Cindy, I've only ever used shell-on shrimp for steaming, so I couldn't say for sure how using peeled would turn out. The shell protects them a bit from the heat/overcooking, so I'd worry about overcooking them or messing with the texture if using peeled.
Denay DeGuzman says
This delicious shrimp recipe was perfect - just as described! And that Old Bay seasoning adds the perfect touch of flavor to this dish. Yum, yum!
Julie Evink says
My family loves shrimp and we are always looking for new ways to enjoy it. This recipe was awesome and will be going on our regular rotation!
Nellie Tracy says
I thought I would use this all the time as an appetizer, but it is actually my new very favorite lunch item to have on a salad! Such a great recipe to have!
Marie Romano says
I buy Frozen Shrimp by the 2 lb bag at the local Supermarket - usually, 4 lbs total. The day before our event, I steam them, peel and cover with saran wrap and refrigerate overnight. I serve them cold as an appetizer with Kelchner's Cocktail Sauce. Our crowd usually consists of approximately 20+ grown-ups - half of whom do not eat seafood. I never have any shrimp leftover.
Alyssa says
That sounds like a delicious dish for a party, Marie! You know I should give them a shot that way. I'm certain my family and friends would clean the plate!
Marie Romano says
I always used the recipe found on the large sized can of Old Bay to season my Steamed Shrimp. My neighbor gave me a small can of Old Bay and that recipe is not on the can.
I don't think this one is exactly the same - I don't remember it stating the use of Wheat beer - but in a pinch - it sounds close enough.
I need the recipe to cook the shrimp on Friday, 5/12 for consumption on Sat.
Cindy says
Hi headed to lake party and want to make these a head of time will that work?
Alyssa says
Hey Cindy! I've only made and served these shrimp immediately after cooking so I can't say for sure what they'd be like if made ahead of time. I googled a bit and saw that some people do chill them right after they've been steamed, so that could be an option if it wouldn't be too long and you'd be okay with serving them chilled. I wouldn't chill them and then reheat though as they'd probably become rubbery. I hope that helps!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Looks so good! I can eat a ridiculous amount of shrimp. Love them!
Alyssa says
Oh me too Christin! Thanks. 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I've had blue crab a few times and it's delicious but SO much work! I'd much prefer some of these shrimpies! They look delicious!
Alyssa says
I agree Denise! The first time I went down to Maryland to have dinner with Brian and his family we ate blue crabs. I was clueless! They had to teach me how to eat them from the beginning to the end haha. These are definitely easier! 🙂
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
You have my stomach growling! These shrimp look delicious. I just love old bay seasoned seafood. Can't be beat!
Alyssa says
Thanks Nat! Old Bay is our faaavorite. All I need in life is a tin of Old Bay and a (big) bottle of Frank's Red Hot Wings and I'm a happy girl. 🙂
marcie says
I feel fall coming really soon, and I'm getting excited! There's still plenty of summer food I want to eat, and this shrimp would be a perfect summer meal! Your photos are beautiful, and I want to devour these for dinner. 🙂
Alyssa says
Thanks so much Marcie! I can't ever really pick a favorite season, rather I can't wait for whatever one is coming up next. I could do without the crazy heat and humidity of summer though. 😉
Nostramomous says
Love love love this easy recipe! Your pictures are amazing. Great Post!
Alyssa says
Thank you! This one is a favorite easy recipe for sure. The more Old Bay the better!
Cakespy says
Oh mannnnnn this post makes me miss the east coast! These shrimp look PERFECT.
Alyssa says
Thanks so much! I grew up in NJ, so not quite Old Bay central like MD but great seafood certainly wasn't hard to find! 🙂
Cakespy says
me too! Belmar, nj!
Alyssa says
So funny! I'm from a smallish town up in Morris County. Small world!
Julie @ Cooks with Cocktails says
I am a list girl too 😉 I have lists for everything thanks to my Notes app on my iphone! These shrimp look so good and I bet they really are super easy. I especially want to try the vinegar. Never would have thought of that, but I bet its awesome!
Alyssa says
Yessss I have so many notes! Love that app. I'm late to the game when it comes to using vinegar as a condiment but it's quickly becoming a favorite. I love it on these shrimp, and also french fries. Thanks Julie!