Yucatan Shrimp Recipe
Steamed Peel-and-Eat Shrimp in a dressing of real butter, mild Colombian chilies, fresh cilantro and key lime juice.
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Ingredients
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Shrimp
Yucatan Dressing
To Finish & Serve
Method
Shrimp
Prepare poaching liquid
In a large saucepan bring 4 cups water to a gentle boil with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 bay leaf and 6 black peppercorns. Reduce heat and maintain at a gentle simmer.
Cook shrimp
Add the shrimp to the simmering liquid in a single layer. Cook until opaque and just firm, about 2–3 minutes depending on size (for large 16/20 shrimp about 2½ minutes). Do not overcook.
Shock shrimp
Immediately remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to an ice bath (bowl of ice water) to stop cooking. Let cool 2–3 minutes, then drain well. Keep shrimp chilled until ready to dress.
Yucatan Dressing
Prepare butter base
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Do not brown; you want melted, warm butter.
Finish dressing
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons fresh key lime juice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro until wilted and evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt or lime if needed. Dressing should be bright, buttery and slightly tangy.
Assemble & Serve
Dress shrimp
Place drained shrimp in a large bowl. Pour the warm (not hot) Yucatan dressing over the shrimp and gently toss to coat, making sure each piece is lightly glazed. The warm butter will carry the flavors into the shrimp; if shrimp are very cold, let them sit 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.
Garnish and serve
Transfer shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with extra cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. Serve immediately as steamed peel-and-eat shrimp with the buttery Yucatan dressing alongside for dipping.
Storage
Leftover dressed shrimp: store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 24 hours; flavors intensify but texture is best eaten same day. Reheat gently if desired (briefly in warm (not boiling) butter) or serve cold.
